De Meule Farm
Prince Albert
About us
De Meule is a 17ha lifestyle farm at the foothills of the Swartberg pass, in the quaint village of Prince Albert. The property is home to Alberts Mill, built in 1850. De Meule Farm is available as self-catering accommodation and as a wedding venue.
Previously an ostrich farm, we are in the process of regenerating the veld, to restore the natural fauna and flora. The property borders a nature reserve and we often see tortoises, klipspringers and dassies. A dry riverbed winds its way through the farm, flanked by acacia trees. The dam is a lovely spot for quiet reflection or for a quick dip to cool off in the Karoo heat. Stocked with tilapia for anyone keen on fishing.
The property is a unique farm stay, giving you the best of both worlds, access to the expansive Karoo landscape and just 3min from all that the charming village of Prince Albert has to offer.
History
The property is home to Alberts Mill, built in 1850. The mill was powered by furrows from the mountain springs, an engineering feat in its time. In 1865, the mill was sold to A. Alberts whose descendants worked the mill until 1972, when it ceased operation. The mill was declared a National Monument in 1965. It fell into disrepair and has been lovingly restored by the Senekal family and funds raised by the then 'Friends of the Mill'.
Self-Catering Accommodation
The main house consists of five large bedrooms and five bathrooms. The spacious living areas include an upstairs snug with smart tv, bar, lounge with fireplace and dining room. The kitchen and scullery area are well-equipped and there is a separate laundry room. The outdoor areas are the most popular, with a patio dining area and large built-in braai, overlooking the solar-heated pool. The large lawned garden has views over the veld, and an orchard and vegetable garden are available to guests.
Whatsapp us with your preferred dates on 073 826 0433 or click the link below to our booking partner sites.
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De Meule Farm is the perfect setting for an intimate wedding to host your closest family and friends. A garden setting, with spectacular views of the Karoo landscape.
We have partnered with a local wedding planner who can carefully curate every detail and help make your vision a reality.
Our venue package includes accommodation, with a minimum 2 night stay.
Summer venue rates for 2023:
Weekend (R16 500) and Mid Week (R13 500)
Weddings
Prince Albert
Prince Albert is located on the southern edge of the Great Karoo, at the foot of the Swartberg mountains. In recent years the moniker the "Franschhoek of the Karoo" has been used to describe the town's appeal.
It is home to artists and crafters, purveyors of fresh produce and good food, as well as the friendliest people in the Karoo. (Prince Albert Tourism site.)
Things to do
Where to eat:
For Foodies:
The Slaghuis has Karoo lamb and you cant miss it, the pink building - 71 Church street. The Gay's Geurnsey Dairy, enjoy fabulous hand made dairy products and get a real taste of farm life. All the products are made using full-cream, raw Guernsey milk from the Van Hasselt's own herd of cows. Fred Badenhorst and his son Hein run Prince Albert Olives and they have a some delicious products in their farm shop. Weltevrede farm is 25km outside of town and has an array of preserves and other products.
Most of the products mentioned are also found in the local deli, the Lazy Lizard, here you can also stock up on delightful baked goods.
On Saturday's there is a farmers’ market from 8:00 until 12:00, opposite the gallery on Church street.
Best coffee
The Lazy Lizard started life as a bus terminal, then it became a curio shop, then a coffee shop. Today it serves great food, and its a place to get information about what's good to see in the region. 9 Church Street- +27 (0)23 5411 379.
Antique shop
Karoo Poetry -A quaint little shop full of antiques, vintage persian rugs, collectables and timeless gifts - 13 Church Street.
Local Artisan
Local artisan Frances van Hasselt has a deep affinity to mohair, having grown up on a family farm in the Karoo that owns one of the oldest mohair studs in the world.
Birding
Half- or full day traversing the Karoo plains and Swartberg mountains for a unique birding experience in and around Prince Albert. Japie: +27 (0)83 724 7916
Best Bar
The Green Prince Bar at the Swartberg Hotel is stocked with a selection of the finest local gins. +27 (0) 23 541 332 or reservations@swartberghotel.co.za
Gallery
The Prince Albert Gallery exhibits the works of a wide variety of South African artists specialising in painting, etching and ceramic art. 55 Church Street.
Cooking Class
African Relish is a recreational cooking school. Select a themed half or full day cooking class.
Nature Walks
Renu Karoo -Enjoy the spectacular scenery near the village and learn about the geology, botany and natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Guest Reviews
A mansion in Prince Albert!
This is a beautiful big house with 5 bedrooms (with aircon) and 5 bathrooms, just on the outskirts of Prince Albert town. There is a giant garden and a lovely pool, not to mention the outside sitting area where our family all congregated. There is also a dam that you can swim in! Our host was also super helpful and accommodating! We had such a lovely stay! - Simone
Beautiful scenery, very relaxing. Loved the dam and going for walks.
I stayed on the farm for a few days. It was wonderful. The accommodation is so spacious and comfortable. Such great value for money!!! What was also great is it’s so convenient, very close to town for shopping and restaurants. Johan was the perfect host. Can’t fault it would highly highly recommend. - Camilla
Had an amazing stay at a beautiful location and it was the perfect getaway, we would definitely return for another stay.
The cleanliness and tranquility were some of the key highlights for us, along with a host that is extremely friendly, accommodating and attentive to our needs. The location is a convenient distance from the town while being far enough to enjoy the quiet outdoor space with a pool to cool down as well as a dam on the property. We enjoyed a walk around the large property and up the dry river bed as well. - Ashley