Our Story

Marcelle, Gareth, Emma, Hannah, and Jessica…

A bumpy ride they say… a road that had many obstacles and challenges. You begin to see your destination in the far distance and just as you can almost touch it, a tyre bursts and you realise the journey isn’t over yet. Now, I am not talking about the Highway West Road, I am talking about this journey that we call life. Looking back of all the obstacles that our family has had to face, I become quite emotional.

From living on a smallholding in Paarl where life was normal and comfortable, our adventure began when we moved to a property in George that included a run-down lodge, 8 Chalets, 7 Wildebeest a Zebra, and a whole new life for us. Isibindi Forest Retreat became our new home and we had a very busy life there, where my parents were either fixing up the place, attending to guests, or working hard at functions - family time was limited and we had little time to spend with one another. That is one of satan’s favourite positions for a family to be in and in the busyness of life and running a lodge we did not realize that it was happening to us. In April 2019 due to circumstances beyond our control, we heard that we had to leave that property by the beginning of 2020. We had no idea where to go, so we decided to trust God and have FAITH and COURAGE. Isibindi means “COURAGE" and we needed that God-given courage like never before…

COURAGE... One small word with a massive meaning. The dictionary says courage means ‘the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery, Strength in the face of pain or grief.’

We started looking and looking and looking, but it was not easy. Try finding a home for 8 people, 3 dogs, 2 pigs, 4 horses, 3 cats, 2 bunnies, and their 5 babies at the time. We also had to find a place where we could run a business and a place that we all loved (we all had different tastes so it’s not very easy). We only found Fernhill Grange Farm when we were on the verge of giving up and it is only through God's Favour that we are here.

When we went to look at the farm, I must say, I have never felt more at home. The atmosphere was warm and cozy and the views just made the place even more perfect. We knew at that very moment that this was the place for us. A beautiful, old English country house with a huge veranda where we spend at least an hour every day, chatting, laughing, and sharing stories. We have fallen in love with this place and it is now our home. Our animals love exploring these 55 hectares of rolling hills and forests and they share this paradise with an abundance of wildlife and birds.

The farm has 4 really cute cottages, which we decided to restore so that we can accommodate guests. They are comfortable and warm, with lovely fireplaces for those cold winter nights and a huge stoep overlooking the farm fields, where you feel totally at peace with the nature around you in the morning you are greeted by the sound of the various farm animals and birds singing in the trees. During the day you might just get a visit from our local gang members, the Vervet Monkeys, who hypnotize you with their cuteness and when you turn your back they steal that avo that you have been waiting to ripen for the past few days. My favourite time of the day is dusk when you have just finished your sundowner while looking at the beautiful orange, pink, and bright purple sky. All the sounds of the farm become still and soon you hear the singing of the Night Jars who love to serenade us with their beautiful songs.

Here at Fernhill Guest Farm, our main focus is for families, couples, and friends to reconnect, just as we have done and to feel a sense of comfort, Peace, and most of all love. Our Wish is that the sounds of nature will encourage you to leave behind the stress of modern lives and that you will discover some good old-fashioned farm fun during your visit.

Lots of love

From the Fernhill Guest Farm Family

(written by Hannah - age 17)

Getting the whole family involved

Renovating our Four Farm Cottages and building the 6 Glamping tents was a full family affair and although it was hard work, we had a lot of fun in the process…

We are privileged to have amazing staff that go the extra mile for us and they also love our animals just as much as we do!

Calling in the big guns to help construct the tents…

We have incredible neighbours and farmers in the area that provided farm implements and machinery at no cost to assist with the construction of the tents during lockdown in 2020. It is amazing how many Blessings we received during what was possibly one of the most difficult periods of our lives. God showed up in so many ways and provided for us Miraculously…

Fernhill is all about family…

Family is at the heart of everything we do. We are a loud, energetic, vibrant family who enjoy life to the fullest and we desire that our farm will be a haven for our guests to reconnect with each other and spend time enjoying the simple pleasures that farm life has to offer. So often, the less we have to distract us, the more quality time we spend together…