Kersefontein Guest Farm Hopefield South Africa
Kersefontein Guest Farm history of west coast south africa farm accommodation cape town western cape bed and breakfast Cape Dutch guest farm Hopefield Velddrif Cape Town
• KERSEFONTEIN GUEST FARM • BETWEEN HOPEFIELD & VELDDRIF • CAPE WEST COAST • SOUTH AFRICA • + 27 (0) 22 7830850
INTRODUCTION
A BIT OF HISTORY
ACCOMMODATION
THE EXPERIENCE
ACCOLADES
FILM LOCATION
FARM HONEY
MAPS TO THE FARM
RATES
CONTACT DETAILS
Click on any of the photographs for an enlarged view.
Attics filled with treasure!
The farm's great old attics contained many period pieces, some of which were restored for the guest suites.


Historical Background

1924

1840
1930
Photograph circa 1924 with Julian's father and grand-parents. Poorteman's sketch circa 1840. Berg River Farm, as it was then known, was already famous for its horse stud. The coach-house in the 1930's with the 7th generation children.

Originally purchased by settler Martin Melck in 1770, the story of Kersefontein is very much the story of the Melck family. Starting with the remarkable success of settler Martin Melck, the history of the family has always been closely interwoven with that of Kersefontein.

The first deed described the farm as a 'zeker Veepost' (certain cattle post) and it was precisely for this that Martin Melck intended to use it. Sheep, cattle, horses and wheat have continued to flourish here over the past two centuries.

The eighth generation owner Julian Melck continues with these traditional farming activities and has contributed the subtle and careful changes to a number of farm buildings, to accommodate visitors.
The great attics of the farm have yielded fine period antiques, which were carefully restored and now grace the luxurious guest suites.

Guests are invited to enjoy Kersefontein's unique and romantic heritage, while host Julian Melck will be your guide, both to the fascinating history of his family, and the prevailing setting for it all, which is Kersefontein.

The imposing farm gates, bearing the legend "Kersefontein 1744"