Weddings, Events and Accommodation

ABOUT US

Our Story Begins…

Since its proclamation in the early 1700s as a farm to the Frijburgers (“free citizens”) who were employees of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) at the Cape of Good Hope, Schaftplaas has been a haven for many a tired travelling worker.  The historic farm was developed around the water well from where local farmers as well as farmers from further inland, travelled one day shifts to the port of Saldanha to trade their fresh produce to the sailors and officers on the ships in exchange for coffee and spices. These farmers used Schaftplaas as a resting location to eat, replenish water supplies, feed their oxen or horses and to overnight.  It is interesting to note that the word “schaft” originates from the Frisian language that implies “resting to eat.”  In 1832, Hendrik Albertyn built the manor house on the farm and to this day, the sturdy old building that has hardly been altered is the center of activity on the farmyard.

The Kruger family has owned Schaftplaas since 1993.  Through their love of the region and horses in particular, the current owners began hosting like minded friends and family on an annual horse excursion during the spectacular flower season that starts in August.  With more and more people taking an interest in the annual event additional needs for sufficient accommodation, ablution facilities, catering and entertainment arose. Today Schaftplaas Venue offers complete function and event facilities that can cater for up to 200 guests!  In addition and true to its origins as a resting place and refueling stop, the farm now also boasts five luxurious self-catering cottages that offer overnight accommodation to 16 guests in total.

A lot of effort went into the planning and execution of the refurbishment of existing structures to ensure that the farm’s rustic charm would stay in tact.  The carefully curated function venue and cottages ideally captures the spirit of a bygone era and creates the distinctive character of this typical West Coast farm.  Visitors to Schaftplaas will be delighted to discover the most beautiful antique furniture and artifacts placed in the different venues each with an interesting piece of history attached!