Jan Harmsgat Country House
Jan Harmsgat Guest Farm has seen a renaissance that captures its rich past, in a way that fits in with the discerning traveler's needs: Space, charm and an unsurpassed opportunity to indulge in an authentic country ambience and history.
Guests are treated to understated elegance and comfort, combining the power of its original meter thick walls, yellowwood details, and authentic "Overberg" style while every modern convenience available.
The indulgence does not stop with the accommodation but is carried throughout your experience, with the Jan Harmsgat chefs creating 4-course dinner menus, superb lunch and breakfasts, every guest is sure to be filled with delight.
Granted as a "freehold farm" in 1723, the historically significant Jan Harmans' schat ("Jan Harmans Treasure") featured in the writings of Lady Anne Barnard.
Accommodation can be found in three separate buildings; The Original Wine Cellar (main house) The Slave Quarters and Van Eeden House. Each with its distinctive style and history, Jan Harmsgat tells its story.
How to find us:
Cape Town on N2 to JHG
1. Driving up the Garden Route from Cape Town, continue for approximately 180 kilometres, past CALEDON and through the town of Riviersonderend.
2. After Riviersonderend, continue for about 20 kilometres on the N2 until the town of STORMSVLEI. Turn LEFT onto the R317 (sign posted Stormsvlei / Bonnievale).
3. Set the trip counter to zero at this point and at 16 kilometers turn RIGHT (sign posted Gelukshoop Pad / Drew).
4. At 30 kilometers, turn LEFT (sign posted Drew / Swellendam) and cross the low level bridge over the Breede River.
5. Continue straight until you reach a T-junction (36.5 kilometers, sign posted R60 Ashton / Swellendam).
6. Turn LEFT onto the R60 to ASHTON.
7. At 3.8 kilometers turn RIGHT into our farm gate - sign posted Jan Harmsgat Country House.
From Port Elizabeth on N2 to JHG
1. On your way from Port Elizabeth, Plettenberg, Knysna, or George take the N2 towards Cape Town.
2. Take the turn off for Swellendam East (first entrance), you drive through the long main road until you get to a four way stop.
3. Turn right onto the R60 in the direction of Robertson and Ashton.
4. After 26 kms, you will be at the entrance to our farm on the right where you see the big white clock tower (no bell in it) saying Jan Harmsgat 1723.
5. You will notice the two Cape Dutch houses with thatched roofs, surrounded by a lot of trees as you come down the hill.
Cape Town on N1 to JHG
1. Take the N-1 Motorway from Cape Town in the direction of Paarl and continue as far as Worcester. (100 kilometers).
2. Turn right off the N-1 at the second Worcester signboard, you will have passed a large shopping mall on your right and follow the signs for Robertson R-60.
3. Follow the R-60 through the towns of Robertson and Ashton. On leaving Ashton turn right at sign post to Swellendam, the R-60. After approximately 20 kilometers the Cape Dutch Farmstead will be visible on your left, surrounded by an orchard of fruit and nut trees.