Tradouw Guest House, Barrydale

dating back to the late 1800's

Tradouw Guesthouse one of Barrydale’s oldest historical buildings dating back to the late 1800’s when it served as the local general dealers’ store is a little gem conveniently located in a quiet part of Barrydale. Leon and Denis the owners  since 1997 invite overnight travellers, to share their  interesting home situated away from the roar of the traffic passing through Barrydale on the now famous and well known Route 62

Although this grand old lady is a little rough around the edges, step back in time when you enter their home away from  home  on your journey between Cape Town en route to Oudsthoon, Prince Albert, Knysna and further along the ‘Garden Route’ towards the Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape and into the Great Karoo.  Be amazed at what is behind the guesthouse, delightful small vine-covered courtyard with steps leading up to beautiful large gardens. Their home offers a relaxed, informal, laid back and tranquil atmosphere with awesome views over Barrydale and the Langeberg Mountains. The interior and bedrooms are full of old memorabilia, including various old valve radiograms, radios and a collection of records including 78’s that they have collected together over the past 22 years. The decor is eclectic, colourful and interesting with fine pieces of old Oregon and yellowwood furniture.

There are six standard shower en-suite bedrooms, four bedrooms form part of the main house, a National Heritage Building and were the storerooms for the Trading Store. Two have double beds and two each have two single beds. These rooms open onto a large vine-covered courtyard. The other two private garden rooms have queen beds and each has their own private patio. These open onto a large informal garden, where there is an abundance of birdlife.

The large guest lounge with fireplace has various board games and a collection of books to keep one entertained in the evenings, or you can relax on the front patio and watch Barrydale’s life pass by at a snail’s pace.

We do not have a pool, however, guests can swim in awesome natural rock pools in The Tradouw Pass a short 7km drive from the house. Warmwaterberg resort with both a swimming pool and natural hot spring pools is a short 22km drive. En route guests can visit Ronnies Sex Shop. In town, there is The Dung Beetle Bar where one can enjoy a drink and take a dip in their pool.

After running Tradouw for some 19 years, we have found that some guests do not wish to have breakfast, as such we have decided to quote for bed only and offer an optional breakfast served until 9 am. This gives the guests more flexibility should they wish to sleep in and have a later breakfast at one of the many fine establishments on The Route 62, or leave very early in the morning and of course, this option suits guests travelling on a budget.

“If you have not yet visited Barrydale then you have not yet completed the Route 62 and the Klein Karoo. Which ever way you arrive in Barrydale you have to make a point to drive over the famous Tradouw Pass – one of Thomas Bain’s best road passes. Barrydale itself is a small village and not far from the centre is the charming Tradouw Guest House. Run by Leon and Denis, this B&B is suited perfectly to the small village character, filled with quaint items, paintings and books. The rooms are cozy and the lounge area perfect for a winter evening. Summer days can be spent in the garden and outdoor seating area with plenty of places to find a ray of sunlight or shade. While Leon looks after your needs Denis prepares delicious food making this establishment an ideal getaway.” Roger, The Expedition Project