Fine Dining And Tractor Game Drives On A Free State Farm

Since diversifying into accommodation and fine dining in 1991, Free State Merino farm De Oude Kraal has become a landmark. Brian Berkman recently visited it and soon understood why it has gained its excellent reputation.

- Brian Berkman

De Oude Kraal is a sixth-generation Free State Merino sheep farm, located about 35km from Bloemfontein, owned by Gerhard and Marie Lombard. The farm has 3 000 sheep on as many hectares, but today is far better known for its luxurious country accommodation, spa, conference and wedding facilities, and award-winning dining experience.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Gerhard, who hails from Bedford in the Eastern Cape, sold his game farm there to move with wife Marie to De Oude Kraal and develop the hospitality side of the business. They made this decision after noting the success that businesses in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and areas adjacent to the Kruger National Park had had with farm-based hospitality. Today, the Lombards’ passion for hospitality, and their exacting standards, are everywhere to be seen at De Oude Kraal.

Marie was born on the farm, and her daughter, Marie-Louise Nel, a qualified attorney, joined the business in 2016. MarieLouise learned her culinary skills from an early age by helping her mother cook and has taken the farm’s cuisine from strength to strength. With 15 consecutive fine-dining awards by American Express, De Oude Kraal’s five-course dinners are not only superb, but good value for money.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

The farm’s Garden rooms look out over an area favoured by sable and springbok. When I opened the double French doors of the luxurious Suite 11, some springbok nibbling the grass were so close that they sprang away.