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Adley House

Oudtshoorn - South Africa

Email Adley House Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com

Built in 1905 by Sidney Herbert Adley, during the “Ostrich feather boom period” (1886 to 1914) this magnificent sandstone Victorian mansion is situated on an acre of land in a quiet up market residential area with in walking distance from the town centre and Oudtshoorn’s famous restaurants. Relax in our manicured English gardens and pools, bird watching and enjoying the “Old’e world charm” Pieter & Hilda Retief manage Adley house personally.

As true South African’s and residents in Oudtshoorn for 41 years, they will not only give you a warm welcome and real South Africa Hospitality but also answer all the questions you may have about Oudtshoorn and the surroundings.

Adley House Accommodation

Fourteen en-suite individually decorated rooms, with modern individual air conditioners, TV’s, tea and coffee making facilities, fully stocked bar fridges, overhead fans, toiletries and also a daily laundry service.

Our visitor’s book says” the best breakfast in SA”. Hilda bakes fresh bread rolls or “vetkoek” every morning, a variety for home cooked SA jams, fresh fruit, cheese board, a variety of cereals and a cooked breakfast of your choice, traditionally South African with yoghurt, fresh fruit juice, tea and coffee.

Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo 55 kilometres from the large coastal town of George.
Enjoy the relaxed, friendly, hospitable atmosphere offered in town or or at the various surrounding farms.

Experience the joy of life in the country!

Things to do and places to see:
The Architecture:
Exceptional stone masonary, lending that special touch. Admire the grandeur of the numerous "ostrich palaces", established in the times of the " feather boom". Conserved to this day as museums, guesthouses and dwellings for the discerning.

The Cango Caves:
One of the worlds great natural wonders, sculptured by nature through the ages. It is situated close to the Klein Karoo Town of Oudtshoorn.
Mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours, a subterranean wonderland. Regular guided tours daily.

The Ostriches:
Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, 3 have distinguished themselves worthy to be named " show farms". Become exposed to this exotic bird species, the largest in the world. Guided tours available.

The Klein Karoo National Arts festival:
An Annual gathering in March/April, of more than 100 000 lovers of the various arts, for a week of dancing, films, cabaret, classical music, comedy, contemporary music, open air concerts, plays, literary art & poetry.
A momentous event, enjoying international sponsorship.

Taste the fine local wines and the excellent cuisine of the Restaurants - meals which could include ostrich - all exquisitely available to satisfy every taste.

Cheetahs:
A highly successful breeding station of this threatened species, one of the only two in the southern hemisphere. One of the foremost examples of Eco-tourism in the world and a superb mixture of conservation and tourism. You can get yourself photographed cuddling a cheetah cub, the fastest animal on land.

Crocodiles:
Gaze with the awe at the slithering reptiles species from all over the world. Imagine ... more than 400 crocodiles and alligators in their prehistoric unattractiveness. They're being bred here and they're awfully nice, as long as you don't get too close!

Rivers & Falls:
Numerous rivers, streams and falls have their origins in the surrounding Swartberg, Outeniqua, Kamanassie mountain ranges. Waterfalls abound, and the visitor is fortunate to safely visit two examples at the Vrede and Meiringspoort falls.

Hiking and Biking:
The eco-tourist, and those thriving on the outdoor life, alike, will be faced with a large selection of challenging opportunities. Hiking and biking trails are in abundance. Make your choice from lush subtropical to semi-arid. You will leave fulfilled!

Sport:
Oudtshoorn is the hub of the region for the sport enthusiast, offering a challenging modern 18 hole golf course with full amenities and squash courts. Also, bowls, athletics, tennis, cricket, rugby, Olympic standard swimming pools, motorsport, miniature aircraft and many more.

Directions to Adley House:
From George
- Turn left at first traffic light
- Pass through next traffic light
- Turn right at following traffic light
- 10th house in the left (no. 209)
From Cape Town & Mossel Bay
- Turn left at first traffic light
- 10th house on the left (no. 209)
From De Rust
- Turn right at 5th traffic light
- 10th house on the left (no. 209)

History:
Sidney Herbert Adley bequeathed “Adley house” to the SA War memorial fund in 1948. It became the home of 16 Polish orphans under supervision of Major McMoran & his good lady. After finishing High school in the early sixties Adley house was sold.
Some of these Polish orphans settled in SA and from time to time visit Adley house, the only home they really knew, and tell us stories form their childhood in Oudtshoorn at Adley house.
We bought Adley house in 1989 & undertook the arduous task of restoration. Hilda started a bed & breakfast with only 2 rooms in 1994 and because of its popularity it has developed into to a 4 star guesthouse with 14 rooms.

Email Adley House Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com