De Oude Pastorie

De Oude Pastorie is a historic guesthouse situated on South Africa's Garden Route in Swellendam. The Victorian-style parsonage, built in 1904, is a National monument that served as a residence for ministers of the adjacent Mission church until 1972.

The establishment offers luxurious accommodation comprising four Victorian-style rooms in the main manor house and a Garden Cottage with three en-suite rooms. Each room features modern amenities including air-conditioning, DStv, Wi-Fi, electric blankets, wall safes, natural Rain bathroom products, beverage facilities, and a fridge with complimentary drinks.

The property boasts extensive gardens where guests can observe local wildlife, including the Cape dwarf chameleon, Hoopoe, and various bird species. Additional amenities include a Koi pond, swimming pool, and library. The guesthouse is known for its excellent breakfast service and welcoming atmosphere.

Swellendam, as the last Dutch civilization outpost on the eastern frontier, holds historical significance. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate and features rich botanical diversity, including wildflowers and fynbos. The region is home to various wildlife species such as the bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, bushbuck, klipspringer, grey rhebuck, Cape grysbok, baboon, mongoose, genet, and occasional leopard. The local fauna also includes a unique ghost frog species, forest emperor butterfly, and over 200 bird species, including waterfowl, crowned eagle, black eagle, Narina trogon, paradise flycatcher, and Knysna woodpecker.