Rosemary Hill has definitely started to become a favourite staycation in Pretoria. Now is it worth the hype? YES! Yes, it definitely is!
Not only are there multiple activities to keep you busy, but there are also so many accommodation options to choose from.
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The farm
Rosemary Hill is an organic farm that is situated on the eastern outskirts of Pretoria. With only about half an hour’s drive from Pretoria and an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, this is the perfect spot for a staycation.
What is special about this farm, is that the family is involved and they do their best to improve the farm. Now, this is not just a farm, there are various accommodation types, it is a popular wedding venue, and there are also a lot of activities to choose from. But more on this later in the blog post.
The accommodation
When Covid struck back in 2020, Rosemary Hill saw a gap in the market. People were looking for nice places to stay, without leaving the province. And this was when Rosemary Hill started popping up on my radar. They started building these unique cabins, each one different from the previous one. And they are still expanding, as they’ve just released their newest addition – ‘The Cove’.
So no matter what your needs are, Rosemary Hill will have a place for you to stay. Whether you are a couple or a big family looking for a getaway.
Sunset Villa
The name says it all because the sunsets at this villa are insane. Surrounded by trees, this villa screams peace.
What makes this villa special is the woodfire hot tub you can enjoy while watching the sunset behind the trees, the fireplace perfect for those winter stays, and the massive bathtub with a view.
The villa sleeps up to four people. The main bedroom consists of a king-size bed and is located at the bottom with the bathtub tucked away in the corner and an ensuite bathroom. There is also a free-standing fireplace tucked away next to the bath. There are two single beds located up the stairs to the loft.
The area boasts an open plan with a self-catering kitchen with everything needed to stay comfortably. It also has A/C in the living area and also the main bedroom.
Outside you’ll find a daybed and a braai area to enjoy while watching the sunset.
Included in your stay are two bottles of wine (one red and one white).
The villa is perfectly located and is a walking distance to Rosemary Hill restaurant where you can enjoy your complimentary breakfast, and also lunch or dinner if you don’t feel like cooking.
The Big Pod
We stayed at ‘The Big pod’, which forms part of Cabinville.
There is one cabin and four pods at Cabinville, depending on how many people are staying there.
The Big Pod is the biggest cabin of them all and can accommodate up to six people. This is a self-catering accommodation. There is one main bedroom at the bottom that comprises a queen size bed. And there are three beds in the spacious bedroom upstairs. There is a queen size bed and two single beds with the most stunning view of the forestry trees in front of the Cabin.
Downstairs you’ll find a well-appointed kitchen with a nice braai area. In the corner, you’ll also find the perfect nook to curl up and read a book. There is one spacious bathroom located downstairs that is stocked up with all the necessary toiletries.
On the patio you’ll find some relaxing chairs, making you want to stay there forever.
The pod is just 200m from Rosemary Hill’s main venue and coffee shop and is also close to the famous maze. Note that breakfast is included with the stay, so it is an easy walk to the restaurant.
Activities at Rosemary Hill
If you are not staying at Rosemary Hill, there are still many activities you can do during a day trip to the farm.
Hiking
The farm has added some hiking trails to its list of activities and this is quite a popular activity.
There are two trails to choose from, either a 5km or 12km trail. These trails are ideal for people who want to get into hiking or have children or grandparents who want to join.
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Go horse riding
We arranged a horse ride during our stay and to be honest, I was very nervous. This was my first time on a ride, but they made us feel so comfortable.
These gentle giants took us on a 60 min stroll through the fields.
You have two options to choose from:
Standard Ride
- 60-minute ride
- 7 km
- R400pp (2022)
Mini Ride
- 30-minute ride
- 2 km
- R280 pp (2022)
You can email them (stables@rosemaryhill.co.za) if you enquire about more information or to book your ride.
Have a picnic
Order your picnic and take up a spot somewhere on the farm (the maze being a popular spot). You can choose a family picnic or a romantic picnic. They do cater to certain dietary requirements, so make sure to communicate this to them.
Pricing: (2022)
- Single Family Picnic – R295 per box
- Shared Family Picnic (for 2) – R545 per box
- Romantic Picnic (for 2) – R975
Make sure to check out their website for the menu and to make your booking.
Wander through the maze
The maze is located next to the Rosemary Hill coffee shop. Take a walk through this beautiful garden maze and just take in all the views. This is also a fun activity to do with the kids.
Grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee
There are two restaurants on the farm which you can try.
Rosemary Hill Coffee Shop
The Rosemary Hill Coffee shop is located next to the maize and right at the entrance of the farm.
They’ve recently launched their new menu and I can testify that the food was delicious!
This is also where you can buy your tickets for hiking or mountain bike trails.
Green Cafè
The second restaurant is located on the other side of the farm, so as you enter just follow the signs to the Green café restaurant. They have these unique seats outside and are located next to the Acrobranching. So this is perfect for the kids to participate in an activity, while you enjoy a cup of coffee.
Explore the farm on a Segway
What better way to explore the farm than on a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered Segway?
What you need to know: (2022)
- 90-minute tour
- R450 per adult
- R350 ages 12 to 18.
Mountain bike trails
The trails are open from 6 am to 6 pm during summer and autumn and 6 am to 5 pm during winter and spring.
Price:
- R50 per adult
- R30 per pensioner or a child (under 18)
You can also rent bikes from the farm. It is R195 pp and includes a helmet. The bike is then rented for 3 hours. You can email Rosemary Hill (info@rosemaryhill.co.za) to make your booking.
Looks like a gorgeous spot!
It was so nice! Definitely worth a visit 🤗