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Our Story

 

Nestled in the heart of the West Coast’s majestic Cederberg Mountains, Doringbos is an extraordinary Karoo homestead set on a private 3,000-hectare farm, just 275km (approximately 3.5 hours) from Cape Town. Remote, expansive and deeply restorative, it is a place where untamed wilderness, understated luxury and authentic farm living exist in perfect balance.

The farm is set along a beautiful river, inviting long, lazy days spent swimming, fishing and kayaking in the pristine surroundings. Back at the homestead, guests can choose between four swimming pools and two hot tubs — perfect for cooling off beneath the Karoo sun or soaking under the vast, star-filled night sky.

In 2020, the owners opened Doringbos for exclusive stays, sharing this extraordinary property and its awe-inspiring natural beauty with guests seeking a truly special escape. Their love of a refined yet deeply rooted farm lifestyle, combined with a profound connection to the Cederberg landscape, has shaped a space that feels both effortlessly luxurious and wonderfully unpretentious.

What began as an ambitious dream — to purchase an untouched stretch of wilderness and create a home within it — now stands as something truly remarkable. Perched dramatically above the Doring River and resting along the cliff’s edge, Doringbos commands breathtaking panoramic views that stretch endlessly across the rugged Cederberg landscape.

The property comprises a central homestead, four accompanying cottages and a permanent tented camp set beside a nearby pan. Together, Doringbos accommodates up to 16 guests, carefully maintaining an intimate feel to preserve both the spirit of the property and the experience itself. The main house offers three en-suite bedrooms, while the surrounding cottages house an additional seven bedrooms — five en-suite and two sharing. Tucked away at the pan, a ten-minute walk from the homestead, is a private family tented suite that offers a unique wilderness experience under vast African skies.

At the heart of Doringbos lies the main house, where the kitchen, dining and living spaces encourage gathering, connection and slow living. The expansive terrace provides the perfect setting for long alfresco lunches and starlit dinners. The surrounding cottages offer their own sense of privacy and retreat, each complete with tea and coffee stations, cosy sitting areas, wood-burning fireplaces and private terraces overlooking the dramatic and craggy mountain landscapes beyond.

There are two swimming pools at the homestead itself, while a short stroll away at the pan guests will discover a rustic boma with dining and bar facilities, a third swimming pool and a wood-fired hot tub — a magical setting for evenings beneath an endless canopy of stars.

Entirely off-grid and powered by solar energy, Doringbos embraces a considered and sustainable way of living, with generators providing backup support when needed. In keeping with this approach, air-conditioning is available in select bedrooms, while all rooms are equipped with ceiling and floor fans to ensure comfort year-round.

The farm itself is alive with wildlife and character. Resident eland, gemsbok, zebra and springbok roam freely across the landscape, while horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, geese, swans, peacocks and peahens add charm to life around the homestead. Many of these beloved animals have been rescued and form an important part of the Doringbos story.

For guests seeking more than simply switching off from the outside world, there is no shortage of adventure. Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing and horse riding are just a few of the experiences on offer, inviting guests to immerse themselves fully in the beauty of the landscape.

Sustainability remains central to life at Doringbos. Alongside being fully solar-powered, water is sourced responsibly from the river and solar-powered boreholes. Ongoing tree and spekboom planting initiatives, together with regenerative practices across the farm, ensure the land is cared for with the same love and attention that shaped it.

With attentive staff and warm, home-style hospitality, Doringbos offers a stay that feels deeply personal and entirely unforgettable.

Available exclusively for private bookings, Doringbos can be enjoyed on a self-catering basis or with the addition of a private chef.

We look forward to welcoming you.

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