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Old Mill Drift Guest Farm near Clarens, Free State, South Africa
Old Mill Drift Guest Farm is a nature-based farm stay just outside Clarens. The property offers a mix of self-catering cottages, group accommodation and camping options set along the Caledon River. Set across expansive mountain landscapes with 7.5 km river frontage, natural, springs and over 50 km hiking of trails, it caters to families, couples, adventurers and group retreats. Guests can enjoy breath taking mountain views, open spaces and a peaceful relaxed farm atmosphere.
This is what our Guests have to say
Our Reviews
A raw, soulful farm escape where every path leads to stillness, adventure or something in between.
Popular Facilities
Free
WiFi
Mountain Trails
4x4
Routes
Pet
Friendly
River Access
Braai Facilities
Family Friendly
Star
Gazing
Nature Setting
Self Catering Cottages
Wild Camping
Groups Welcome
Enduro Biking
Mountain Biking
Horse Stud Farm
Bird Watching
Spring Swim Pool
Venue
Hire
Unit Types
Accommodation Options
Midweek
Weekend
Self Catering Cottages
Rock Cottage
- Sleeps 2 pax
- Super King Bed
- Bath next to Fireplace
- Stone & Thatch Cottage
- Secluded hideaway
- Open-plan cottage
- Kitchenette
- Fireplace
- Pet enclosure
- Braai Stand and Fire Pit
- Most Romantic Cottage
- 20% Discount Applied
Guard House Cottage
- Sleeps 2 pax
- King bed or 2 singles
- Character-filled historic retreat
- Thatch and sandstone cottage
- Private bathroom with shower
- Full kitchen
- Fireplace
- Large fenced garden
- Lapa and Braai area
- 20% Discount Applied
Forest Cottage
- Sleeps 2 pax
- Queen-size bed
- Cosy open plan garden cottage
- Private bathroom with shower
- Kitchenette
- Fireplace
- Spectacular views
- Pet Enclosure
- Braai stand and fire pit in lower garden
- 20% Discount Applied
Lake Cottage
- Sleeps 4 pax
- Bedroom 1 — King Bed or 2 singles
- Bedroom 2 — 2 singles
- Thatch charm with spectacular views
- Private Bathroom with Shower
- Full Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Fenced Garden
- R400 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Rovers Rest
- Sleeps 4 pax
- 1 double bed
- 1 bunk bed in living area
- Open Plan unit
- En-suite with shower
- Full Kitchen
- Outdoor lapa with dining and soft seating
- Adjacent to Hideout
- Large pet enclosure
- R350 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Spring Cottage
- Sleeps 6 pax
- Bedroom 1 — double bed
- Bedroom 2 — 2 single beds
- Tiny room 3 — 1 single bed
- Living area — 1 single bed
- Private bathroom with bath, shower
- Full kitchen
- Large secure pet enclosure
- R500 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Hideout Cottage
- Sleeps 7 pax
- Bedroom 1 — double and single
- Bedroom 2 — 2 singles or king
- Living area — 2 narrow single sleepers
- Private bathroom with shower
- Full kitchen and dining area
- Jetmaster Fireplace
- Fenced garden — medium to large dogs
- Adjacent to Rovers Rest
- Braai Stand and Fire Urn
- R400 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Family and Large Group Options
Water - Lodge
- Sleeps 9 pax
- Relaxed four bedrooms
- Bedroom 1: 2 single beds
- Bedroom 2: 1 single bed and 1 double bed
- Bedroom 3: 2 singles or king-size bed on request
- Bedroom 4: 1 double bed
- Private bathroom with shower, basin and separate toilet
- Fully fitted kitchen
- Indoor fireplace
- Open-plan living and dining area
- Outdoor living and dining area
- Adjacent to Earth Ranch House
- Book Water and Earth = 20 pax
- Braai stand and fire pit
- Covered entertainment patio
- Adjacent to Earth Lodge
- Book Water and Earth = 20 pax
- 20% Discount Applied
Earth - Lodge
- Sleeps 11 pax
- Four Bedrooms
- Bedroom 1: 2 bunk beds
- Bedroom 2: 1 double bed
- Bedroom 3: 3 single beds
- Bedroom 4: 1 king-size bed or 2 singles on request
- Private bathroom with shower, basin and separate toilet
- Full kitchen
- Indoor fireplace
- Open-plan living and dining area
- Covered Entertainment Patio
- Adjacent to Water Farm house
- Book Water and Earth = 20 pax
- Braai stand and fire pit
- Adjacent to Earth Lodge
- Book Water and Earth = 20 pax
- 20% Discount Applied
Stone - Dorm House
- Sleeps 14
- Sandstone dormitory Style House
- Bedroom 1 : 1 bunk bed, 7 single beds or 2 king on request. sleeps 9
- Bedroom 2 : 1 Double, 1 ¾ bed and 1 bunk bed en-suite toilet with basin. Sleeps 5
- 1 private toilet with large basin in the lobby opposite the 9 sleeper bedroom
- In the same building and under the same roof, are 3 showers and an additional 3 toilets
- Large full kitchen
- Large indoor fireplace
- Perfect for groups and gatherings
- Large living and dining space
- Outdoor dining and soft-seating area
- Braai Stand and fire pit
- Perfect for groups and gatherings
- R350 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Camping Options
Rustic Cabins x 2
- Sleeps 2 pax — Duiker
- Sleeps 2 pax — Reedbuck
- Rustic Wooden Cabins
- 1 king or 2 singles on request
- Braai — no kitchen
- Communal Ablution
- Communal Dishwashing area
- Kettle and coffee mugs
- 20% Discount Applied
Mountain Caravan
- Sleeps 6 pax
- All set up and ready
- Kitchenette - gas cooker, small bar fridge, cutlery and crockery
- 1 double bed, 2 singles, 2 camp bunk beds
- Communal Ablutions
- R325 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Campsites
- 5 demarcated sites
- 4 x 4 for caravans
- 2 plug points
- Braai stand and fire pit
- Communal Ablutions
- Hot water double basin wash up area
- Sensational Views
- 20% Discount Applied
Wild Camping
- Unstructured camping in nature
- No fixed sites
- Off Grid
- Guests may camp almost anywhere on the farm
- 4 x 4 required
- 20% Discount Applied
Self Catering Cottages
Rock Cottage
- Sleeps 2 pax
- Super King Bed
- Bath next to Fireplace
- Stone & Thatch Cottage
- Secluded hideaway
- Open-plan cottage
- Kitchenette
- Fireplace
- Pet enclosure
- Braai Stand and Fire Pit
- Most Romantic Cottage
- 20% Discount Applied
Guard House Cottage
- Sleeps 2 pax
- King bed or 2 singles
- Character-filled historic retreat
- Thatch and sandstone cottage
- Private bathroom with shower
- Full kitchen
- Fireplace
- Large fenced garden
- Lapa and Braai area
- 20% Discount Applied
Forest Cottage
- Sleeps 2 pax
- Queen-size bed
- Cosy open plan garden cottage
- Private bathroom with shower
- Kitchenette
- Fireplace
- Spectacular views
- Pet Enclosure
- Braai stand and fire pit in lower garden
- 20% Discount Applied
Lake Cottage
- Sleeps 4 pax
- Bedroom 1 — King Bed or 2 singles
- Bedroom 2 — 2 singles
- Thatch charm with spectacular views
- Private Bathroom with Shower
- Full Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Fenced Garden
- R400 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Rovers Rest
- Sleeps 4 pax
- 1 double bed
- 1 bunk bed in living area
- Open Plan unit
- En-suite with shower
- Full Kitchen
- Outdoor lapa with dining and soft seating
- Adjacent to Hideout
- Large pet enclosure
- R350 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Spring Cottage
- Sleeps 6 pax
- Bedroom 1 — double bed
- Bedroom 2 — 2 single beds
- Tiny room 3 — 1 single bed
- Living area — 1 single bed
- Private bathroom with bath, shower
- Full kitchen
- Large secure pet enclosure
- R500 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Hideout Cottage
- Sleeps 7 pax
- Bedroom 1 — double and single
- Bedroom 2 — 2 singles or king
- Living area — 2 narrow single sleepers
- Private bathroom with shower
- Full kitchen and dining area
- Jetmaster Fireplace
- Fenced garden — medium to large dogs
- Adjacent to Rovers Rest
- Braai Stand and Fire Urn
- R400 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Family and Large Group Options
Water - Lodge
- Sleeps 9 pax
- Relaxed four bedrooms
- Bedroom 1: 2 single beds
- Bedroom 2: 1 single bed and 1 double bed
- Bedroom 3: 2 singles or king-size bed on request
- Bedroom 4: 1 double bed
- Private bathroom with shower, basin and separate toilet
- Fully fitted kitchen
- Indoor fireplace
- Open-plan living and dining area
- Outdoor living and dining area
- Adjacent to Earth Ranch House
- Book Water and Earth = 20 pax
- Braai stand and fire pit
- Covered entertainment patio
- Adjacent to Earth Lodge
- Book Water and Earth = 20 pax
- 20% Discount Applied
Earth - Lodge
- Sleeps 11 pax
- Four Bedrooms
- Bedroom 1: 2 bunk beds
- Bedroom 2: 1 double bed
- Bedroom 3: 3 single beds
- Bedroom 4: 1 king-size bed or 2 singles on request
- Private bathroom with shower, basin and separate toilet
- Full kitchen
- Indoor fireplace
- Open-plan living and dining area
- Covered Entertainment Patio
- Adjacent to Water Farm house
- Book Water and Earth = 20 pax
- Braai stand and fire pit
- Adjacent to Earth Lodge
- Book Water and Earth = 20 pax
- 20% Discount Applied
Stone - Dorm House
- Sleeps 14
- Sandstone dormitory Style House
- Bedroom 1 : 1 bunk bed, 7 single beds or 2 king on request. sleeps 9
- Bedroom 2 : 1 Double, 1 ¾ bed and 1 bunk bed en-suite toilet with basin. Sleeps 5
- 1 private toilet with large basin in the lobby opposite the 9 sleeper bedroom
- In the same building and under the same roof, are 3 showers and an additional 3 toilets
- Large full kitchen
- Large indoor fireplace
- Perfect for groups and gatherings
- Large living and dining space
- Outdoor dining and soft-seating area
- Braai Stand and fire pit
- Perfect for groups and gatherings
- R350 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Camping Options
Rustic Cabins x 2
- Sleeps 2 pax — Duiker
- Sleeps 2 pax — Reedbuck
- Rustic Wooden Cabins
- 1 king or 2 singles on request
- Braai — no kitchen
- Communal Ablution
- Communal Dishwashing area
- Kettle and coffee mugs
- 20% Discount Applied
Mountain Caravan
- Sleeps 6 pax
- All set up and ready
- Kitchenette - gas cooker, small bar fridge, cutlery and crockery
- 1 double bed, 2 singles, 2 camp bunk beds
- Communal Ablutions
- R325 per extra person
- 20% Discount Applied
Campsites
- 5 demarcated sites
- 4 x 4 for caravans
- 2 plug points
- Braai stand and fire pit
- Communal Ablutions
- Hot water double basin wash up area
- Sensational Views
- 20% Discount Applied
Wild Camping
- Unstructured camping in nature
- No fixed sites
- Off Grid
- Guests may camp almost anywhere on the farm
- 4 x 4 required
- 20% Discount Applied
Availability
Book Direct and Save
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Quick Facts
At a Glance
- Location: 27 km from Clarens Free State, South Africa
- Accommodation Type: Guest Farm with cottages, lodges, cabins and camping
- Number of Units: 7 cottages, 3 bunkhouses, 4 camping options
- Style: Rustic farm stay with natural surroundings
- Ideal For: Families, couples, groups, adventurers and outdoor lovers, or those simple seeking peace
- Self Catering: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Distance to Town Centre: 27 km, including 3 km dirt road
- Check-in 14:00 to 22:00, Check-out before 10:00
- Direct Automated Booking Available: Yes
Where Silence Restores You
Wake up to crisp country air, big skies and the quiet rhythm of farm life
About Us
Old Mill Drift Guest Farm
Old Mill Drift is a rugged mountain farm retreat built on land with deep historical roots. Once a trading post and maize mill serving the Lesotho highlands, it has been transformed into a nature-focused escape that prioritises simplicity, space and connection.
Today, the property offers a wide range of accommodation spread across a vast landscape shaped by rivers, springs and mountain terrain. Each unit is uniquely constructed using natural materials, blending into its surroundings while offering comfort and privacy.
The defining feature of Old Mill Drift is its scale and authenticity. This is not a manicured estate but a living, breathing farm where guests are invited to explore freely, disconnect from routine and experience the restorative rhythm of nature.
Old Mill Drift Guest Farm is a feat of mother nature….. a peaceful mountain paradise that has been declared an Energy Portal / Vortex.
VIDEO COMING SOON
Reconnect Beyond The Noise
Why guests keep coming back
Nature Without Distractions
Guests return to Old Mill Drift for something that is increasingly rare: space, silence and a genuine break from modern distractions. The absence of constant connectivity becomes part of the appeal, allowing people to slow down, reconnect with each other and experience nature without interruption.
Many are drawn by the sheer scale of the property. With kilometres of river frontage, open landscapes and extensive trail networks, there is always something to explore. Whether it is hiking, cycling or simply walking along the river, the environment invites movement and stillness in equal measure.
The diversity of accommodation also plays a role. From wild camping to large group houses, guests can return with different groups or for different types of stays, each time experiencing a new side of the farm.
Meet the Team
Meet Yvonne
Old Mill Drift is the vision of Yvonne, who left the corporate world in search of a more meaningful, grounded way of living. She has carefully restored and developed the farm into a space where others can experience the same sense of calm and purpose she found here.
Her approach is hands-on and intentional, ensuring that the property remains authentic, welcoming and deeply connected to its natural surroundings.
- Plot 346 Free State
Things To Do
Explore Clarens & Surrounds
Guests can explore river walks, mountain biking routes and 4×4 trails directly from the property, or venture into Clarens for art galleries, local markets and relaxed dining experiences. The proximity to Lesotho also opens up further exploration for those wanting to experience cross-border mountain landscapes.
The surrounding Clarens area offers a blend of natural beauty and more outdoor adventure. The the region is known for its scenic drives and access to the Maluti mountain range.
The nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park offers dramatic sandstone landscapes, wildlife viewing and some of the most iconic scenery in the Free State.
Need to Know More
FAQ
What time can I check in?
Check in is from 2 pm to 10 pm. Check out is from 8am to 10am. Special arrangments can be made in advance on request. There is always a host to check you in and show you around.
Can we Braai?
What do you supply?
Is the farm wheelchair friendly?
What activities are available on the property?
Is the property suitable for large groups
Yes, multiple units accommodate groups and retreats of varying sizes.
We can accommodate 70 guests in total.
Some units are close to each other, so families can have their own space but still be close to one another.
Hideout and Rovers Rest are next to each other.
Earth and Water are next to each other.
The lodges, Stone, Water and Earth are perfect for large groups.
The serviced camp site offers 5 sites.
Are pets allowed?
How far is Old Mill Drift from Clarens?
Do I need a 4 x 4 vehicle?
Do you have differnt types of accomodation?
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