Description

Marion and Robert Rubidge welcome you to experience gracious Karoo living on their farm “Wellwood”, a well known fifth generation Merino Stud which epitomises country hospitality.
Guests are accommodated in the private, charming cottage “Trymore” built in the 1950's by Grandfather Sidney Rubidge, a successful sheep farmer and renowned amateur palaeontologist, who's collection of fossils is reputed to be the largest in private hands. This self contained 4 bedroom cottage, with fully equipped kitchen, dining room and comfortable lounge with open fireplace, is well suited for a couple, family or group.

Wellwood has a sense of tranquility, a sense of space as you sit on the stoep looking out across the pastures where sheep graze out towards the mountains restores you after a long journey.

Try Wellwood's wonderful kumquat liqueur

The scent of roses permeates the cottage, freshly cut from the glorious gardens surrounding the main homestead (above) and placed in every room.
A typical Karoo breakfast with fresh farm eggs and oranges (in season from the 150 year old orchards) is served in the dining room. Although Trymore Cottage has an equipped kitchen well suited for the self- caterer, there is nothing better than a traditional farm dinner, consisting of Karoo lamb or venison pie, which will be happily provided by prior arrangement with Marion,  after dinner sample Wellwood's wonderful kumquat liqueur, made according to an old family recipe.

It's location makes it an ideal base from which to explore

Trymore Cottage's location makes an ideal base for travellers who wish to explore. Nieu Bethesda is a mere 20 km away, historical Graaff-Reinet 30 km, and the Mountain Zebra National Park 70 km. For those who prefer not to drive and want to enjoy the wide open spaces of the farm, Marion says just to pick a direction (making sure you have lot's of water) and hike into the hills. Perhaps you will be fortunate to see the many buck species that graze on the 10 000 hectares that is Wellwood.

The fossil collection that was started by Dr. Sydney Rubidge is the pride and joy of Wellwood and is housed in a building on the farm. While the Karoo can boast many attractions, this is one that should not be missed.
Marion invites guest staying on the  farm to see the collection and have tea whenever possible. The collection is a treasure trove of creatures long forgotten 200+ Million years ago. a rich source of information of our prehistoric past that is still used by many universities here and overseas.

 

Directions

Situated 30 km north of Graaff-Reinet just off the N9 or 70 km south of Middelburg.
Watch out for the sign R. RUBIDGE  WELLWOOD.