22 Degrees East: A Restored Karoo Farm Stay Blending Heritage and Contemporary Design

Set against the vast, elemental beauty of the Karoo, 22 Degrees East offers a considered take on the traditional farm stay, where heritage architecture and contemporary design are brought into quiet alignment. Available through Perfect Hideaways, this four-bedroom retreat accommodates up to nine guests, creating a setting that feels both expansive and deeply personal.

Bordering the 121,000-hectare Swartberg Nature Reserve near Prince Albert, the property is defined by its sense of place. Originally built in 1825, the farmhouse has been carefully reimagined by its architect-owner, Marielise van der Merwe, who approached the restoration with a clear intention: to preserve its soul while introducing a more contemporary way of living.

The result is a thoughtful balance of old and new. Original yellowwood floors and ceilings remain, alongside an Aga stove that continues to anchor the home, while a modern glass-and-aluminium wing opens the space to light and landscape. A generous, open-plan kitchen and living area connect seamlessly to the outdoors, while double-glazed windows ensure comfort across seasons, shielding interiors from both the Karoo’s summer heat and winter chill.

Life here unfolds at a slower pace. Days are spent between the shaded verandah, a simple lap pool, and long, unhurried meals prepared over a built-in braai or in the well-equipped kitchen. Beyond the homestead, the landscape invites exploration. With on-site guides accredited by the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa, guests can experience the region’s unique flora and fauna through guided walks or drives, adding depth to the stay.

It is this combination of authenticity, comfort, and connection to nature that defines 22 Degrees East. A place not only to stay, but to pause – where architecture, landscape, and experience come together with quiet intention.

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