The School Farmstay
Overview
Discover a truly unique stay at The School Farmstay, a beautifully restored historic property nestled in the peaceful forested area of Rheenendal near Knysna on the Garden Route. Once a working school, this charming venue has been thoughtfully transformed into stylish accommodation and a creative retreat space, offering guests a blend of heritage, nature, and modern comfort.
Surrounded by indigenous forest and tranquil countryside, The School is perfect for couples, families, groups, and retreat seekers looking for a memorable escape close to nature.
The School offers a selection of individually styled rooms and self-catering units, each designed to reflect the building’s original character while providing modern amenities.
Guests can enjoy comfortable interiors, quality furnishings, and unique design elements that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The accommodation is ideal for both short stays and extended visits, catering to holidaymakers, digital nomads, and group bookings seeking a peaceful forest setting.
Stylish Guest Rooms - Comfortable accommodation with unique character and charm.
Self-Catering Options - Flexible stays with kitchen facilities for added convenience.
Historic Setting - Restored school building with original architectural features.
Outdoor Spaces - Tranquil gardens surrounded by indigenous forest.
Retreat-Friendly Environment - Ideal for workshops, creative stays, and group gatherings.
Workshops & Creative Retreats - Inspiring setting for artistic and creative experiences.
Wellness & Yoga Retreats - Peaceful environment for relaxation and mindfulness.
Private Functions - Suitable for intimate celebrations and gatherings.
Team-Building & Group Stays - Ideal for corporate retreats and group bookings.
Forest Walks & Hiking - Explore indigenous forest trails and hidden streams.
Mountain Biking - Ride scenic countryside and forest routes.
Birdwatching - Spot a variety of forest bird species.
Knysna Lagoon - Visit nearby Knysna for waterfront dining and activities.
Beaches & Nature Reserves - Discover the wider Garden Route coastline.
The School Farmstay offers a unique combination of historic charm, forest tranquillity, and creative energy in the heart of the Garden Route. Whether you’re planning a peaceful getaway, group retreat, or creative escape, this distinctive venue provides an unforgettable stay where nature, history, and comfort come together.
Guest Reviews on Google
The 3 weeks I spent at The School was just incredible. Janet is a lovely woman with great hospitality - she didn't just treat me as a guest but as like one of her daughters. We spent lots of time together, going for nature walks, swim in the river, day trips to the coast, etc. At the same time, she was very respectful of my space as I wanted to follow a strict studying schedule. I felt at home here, especially with Blue and Bernie (Janet's companions) always around ☺︎ I felt free to work on whatever projects I wanted. There are biweekly life drawing classes, opportunities to join workshops hosted by members of the local community, and many more options of things to do nearby (ceramics, yoga, alpacas 😆). If you're looking for a nature immersive getaway, I hoghly recommend The School. Janet is very easy to communicate with and is flexible to adjust to your expectations. I'm already considering coming back for a longer stay.
If you want to recharge at a place that is so quiet you can hear a pin drop miles away. This is the place. Close enough to shops but far enough to let go and enjoy nature. Host, Janet goes out of her way to please, coffee is to die for. I will definitely recommend staying here. Speak to Janet who can advise on local to do things. My rooms best feature was the "lack" of a TV .. WiFi is available for your internet needs.
What a cool, charming, interesting and relaxing find. This renovated old school house and chapel has been brought back to life with tons of love and style by the owner Janet and you could spend ages enjoying the green views, browsing the huge selection of books, or working your way through the delicious home made menu ( the pear tart was a favorite) A place to retreat to channel creativity, good coffee, quite relfection or happy socialising. Will be back again and again.
We had a magical few days at this wonderful bnb! Thank you so much Janet for your incredible hospitality, cozy beautiful rooms, and such scrumptious meals with great morning coffee. We loved the easy access down to knysna via the lagoon, and had one of the best swims ever at the beach at Benton, an easy drive from The School. Hope to be back
Located outside of Knysna in an old school building is this interesting b&b run by Janet, a well known artist in the area. The rooms are large, a bit noisy with the wooden floor boards, but beautifully decorated with a lot of repurposed items. The shower is definitely impressive with its old copper taps. Make sure you understand a gas geyser before you get in, otherwise you might have a chilling experience. The garden is wild and lovely - you will also find a very friendly rescue dog and a temperamental cat named Blue. One should stay more than one night to explore the area surrounding Knysna.
Reviews via Google