The Stables

In years gone by, after days of trekking and with Table Mountain no longer visible once crossing the Roodezand ridge, Tulbagh's Oude Kerk (old church) would have been a welcome sight to weary travellers from the Cape.Humbly guarding the southern entrance to the town's now historic Church Street since 1743, this museum lies a short walk ? and a million stories ? from The Stables, a coach house turned short stay accommodation. The Stables is a 19th century thatched outbuilding, that served as coach house and stable to no 20 Church Street, which according to townsfolk was once ?the finest house in Tulbagh'.When the house was demolished in the sixties, the stable remained. But it gradually turned into a storeroom, and then public restroom, before being bought and converted to one of the most unique overnight hideaways in town.Amidst the stately gables and showpiece facades of Church Street, the understated street view of The Stables remains true to its original purpose.The private, walled corner garden is often what grabs passersby, that entices them to linger, look up and notice the stylish residential interior behind the impressive wooden barn doors.This garden has played host to a series of memorials, marking some significant moments in the town's history. Here, where horses once drank under the towering oak ? still standing ? a former prime minister unveiled the Church Street restoration project in 1974. The project followed the most devastating earthquake experienced by South Africans, in September 1969. Meticulous restoration resulted in the magnificent collection of 32 listed national monuments, in close proximity in and around Church Street that today enchants visitors from around the world.The Stables offers guests a private, self catering cottage in the heart of historical Tulbagh. Perfectly suited to a traveling couple, the cottage sleeps 2 in a cosy double room. If need be, a sleeper couch in the lounge offers more sleeping space. A private courtyard with a braai area and a fully kitted kitchen make catering a breeze however The Stables are in walking distance of a few, rather lovely restaurants. The cottage also offers a quaint bathroom with shower and all amenities. A beautiful open plan lounge with double doors leads to a garden with perfect picnic grass.