Click on the room pictures to view each room or scroll down for more information about our Guesthouse.
The Shoe Guesthouse & Eco-Retreat
Welcome to a truly unique South African destination in the historic Ohrigstad Valley. Founded by visionary artist Dr. Ron van Zyl, our property combines comfortable self-catering accommodation with rich cultural history and sustainable living.
🏡 Accommodation & Pricing
We offer 10 unique, fully serviced self-catering units tailored for singles, couples, and families.
Unique Lodging Options
- Stone Cottages: 5 units built from local, hand-quarried dolomite mountain stone.
- Farmhouse Suites: 5 units created from a beautifully renovated, spacious country homestead.
- The Exclusive Shoe House: Our premium, newly built unit featuring a private outdoor hot tub (priced per unit).
2026 Rates (Per Night)
- Sharing Rate: R450 per person (minimum 2 guests).
- Single Rate: R700 per night.
- Children (Ages 2–12): R300 per night (sharing with an adult).
- Infants (Under 2): Free (1 per group).
- Long Stays: Contact us directly for custom discounts.
- The Shoe house: Starts from R1000 per night
☀️ Load Shedding Peace of Mind
Relax completely without worrying about power cuts. We are an eco-friendly property moving toward full self-sustainability:
- Daytime Power: 80% solar-powered.
- Nighttime Power: 30% solar-powered with dedicated solar water heaters.
- Uninterrupted Amenities: Every unit has a solar-powered plug and light. Your TV, Wi-Fi, fans, and phone chargers will continue to function during load shedding.
- Gas Cooking: All units feature gas stoves for uninterrupted meal prep.
🎯 Activities & Amenities
On-Site Entertainment
- Swimming & Braai: Large outdoor cold-water pool (kept sparkling from September to April) and a communal braai area.
- Games & Kids: Pool table, darts, table tennis, and a dedicated kids’ play park.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi accessible from all outside verandas. (Note: Thick stone walls block indoor signals, and cell coverage is limited to the parking area).
- In-Room TV: Flat-screen TVs with OpenView (OVHD) decoders. HDMI and USB ports are available for personal media.
Culture & Shopping
- The Shoe Museum & Gallery: Explore the history of the “Old Lady of the Shoe” and admire Ron van Zyl’s intricate wood carvings.
- Alpha Omega Cave: Embark on a fascinating 90-minute guided spiritual tour of the underground cave system.
- Gift Shop & Tuck Shop: Browse unique handmade crafts, or stock up on daily essentials like wood, ice, milk, and snacks.
Dining
- Family Day Restaurant: Fully licensed on-site venue serving breakfast and lunch.
- Dinner & Room Service: Dinner can be pre-ordered, and after-hours room service is available on request.
📋 Guest Information & House Rules
Check-In & Reception
- Reception Hours: Weekdays (08:30 – 17:30) | Weekends & Holidays (09:00 – 16:00).
- Check-In Window: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Late arrivals can self-check in with prior arrangement.
- Check-Out: By 10:00 AM.
- Gate Access: Guests receive personal gate codes for 24/7 access after check-in.
Comfort & Health
- Daily Servicing: Rooms are cleaned daily at no extra charge (optional).
- Linens: All bedding and one bath towel per person are provided. Please bring your own swimming towels.
- Malaria & Safety: We are outside the official malaria zone. Units are regularly treated for mosquitoes, but personal repellent is recommended. No prophylactic medication is necessary.
General Policies
- Peace & Quiet: No loud parties or car radios are allowed. Noise must be kept to a minimum after 22:00 PM out of respect for fellow guests.
- Secure Parking: Open parking is located directly outside your unit inside our secure, electric-fenced property.
- Pets: We maintain a strict No Pets policy.
The following video is a walk-through of the Property at The Shoe Guest House. This will give you an idea of the layout of the property and the outside spaces.
DarmiMaddie says
Well! Obviously the advantages here outweighs the disadvantages attached to this shoe guest house here. I honestly this k this is really worthy to see here and thank you so much for sharing with us all. In all honesty, this is great and I value all of these here. This shoe guest house is definitely worthy and the fact that you are green makes it even better. Thanks
admin says
Thank you for your comment. Yes Green has its advantages in deed! We all need to do our part for the environment and also find alternatives to the ever increasing Electricity bills!
Jbryce says
It’s a really nice idea to read through this article about The shoe guest house, I’ve enjoyed reading through this and I like the guest house, really aesthetic sand it is very beautiful too picture,, I like the activities that are available there and I’m very sure it’s gonna be a very great idea to visit sometime. Thanks for sharing
admin says
Thank you for your comment. We hope that you will share this with your friends!
Adyns68 says
The shoe guest house looks funny and pretty!
I really thought all the guesthouses were in a shoe form. I have to say because of the name we all expect to spend the night in a shoe. But I still like the place, it looks calm and beautiful, perfect for a weekend gateway.
And a picture of me sitting on the actual shoes will be a must before leaving the place.
Thanks
admin says
Yes we get that allot. But the good news is we are currently building a Shoe for people to stay in. By middle next year you should be able to come and spend the night in a Shoe!
The Original Shoe as on the pictures is actually a Museum and the Art Gallery of owner and Artist Ron van Zyl. You can visit the Shoe and see what is inside. We are open 7 days a week.
Nhlonipho raseomane says
The shoe is beautiful out side and inside it have everything
We need. I hope people can come and see what I saw but
Me I thought people don’t sleep in the shoe . But I can see
That we can sleep in the shoe
Michell Botha says
Hi Nhlonipho
Yes, the original Shoe was built in 1990, it is the one you see from the road when you drive by. This original Shoe is the Museum and the art gallery. We have now built a second Smaller Shoe for the sole purpose of renting it out as accommodation.
We are glad to hear that you like the new Shoe building. I hope you will come and stay in it. Have a great day.
Collins says
Wow, this guest house is really top notch, it has amazing features, i will definitely like to visit here soon. Unlike other guest houses I have visited the features are really unique and more to it, you use solar power, it’s amazing that you use natures power to light up the guest house, it is really a place to visit. Thanks
admin says
Thank you Collins. We would love to have you! Hope to see you sometime soon!
Michell