The Olive House

The Olive House stands as a quintessential Karoo retreat in Prince Albert, Western Cape, South Africa. As the second oldest building in the area, this thoughtfully restored property offers an unparalleled escape with spectacular views of the Swartberg mountains and the vast Karoo landscape.

Located just a five-minute walk from town, the property is surrounded by textured farmland and features a green werf encompassing a lei-water-fed dam and swimming pool. Beyond the werf wall, indigenous Karoo-veld shrubs and grasses create a natural wild garden setting, within which three en-suite cottages are seamlessly integrated.

The main house and original Olive House bedrooms benefit from a central evaporative-cooling system, complemented by wood-burning stoves for winter comfort. All cottages feature modern air-conditioning and heating systems. The property offers five en-suite rooms in total, with two in the original house and three in the Karoo cottages, all furnished with fine percale cotton bedding.

The fully equipped galley kitchen provides ample space for meal preparation, complete with modern amenities including a large oven, gas hob, and comprehensive appliances. Multiple relaxation areas include two long stoeps with comfortable seating, two lounges, an entrance hall, and a pool bench that captures the essence of dawn and dusk birdsong.

The Olive House has been thoughtfully designed as an occasion country-house, capable of hosting celebrations and gatherings. In conjunction with the neighboring Dennehof property, it can accommodate larger groups across 13 suites. The venue can facilitate seated lunches and dinners, making it an ideal location for special events while maintaining its character as a serene Karoo retreat.