About Robertson Backpackers
Nestled between the Langeberg Mountains and the Breede River, the town and surrounds are well known for olive farms and superb wine estates which can all be visited. There is plenty to do in the valley and this is a fantastic place to base yourself while you explore the area.
Only a two hour drive away from Cape Town and with lots to do in the area you will want to stay longer.
The Robertson Backpackers is an old Victorian farm house, dating back to the 1880's, and is comfortable and spacious a lot of care has been taken to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. The rooms are big and airy with high ceilings and all the beds have comfortable duvets and pillows. There are plenty of communal areas, so it never feels crowded.
The lush garden is a tranquil spot to enjoy a braai at the sociable firepit. A sparkling blue pool is the spot to cool off in after a day exploring the valley.
Guests are welcome to use the well equipped kitchen for self-catering or enjoy the many wonderful restaurants and coffee shops in the area.
So, if you want to get away from the rat-race or indulge in some country activities, then this is the place to be.
History
The original home that is now the Backpackers was built in the 1880's, about 30 years after the town of Robertson was first established & about 15 years before the start of the Anglo Boer war. The home was built during the time when the town was considered extremely prosperous.
It is one of the original farm houses in the area. It is built in a Victorian Style and was typical of the type of modest farmsteads in the area consisting of 4 rooms. The toilets would have been outside & the bathing would have been done in the kitchen around the fire, which is now the TV room.
The front of the house would have extended to Paul Kruger Street, which is now the back yard of the Backpackers & the front yard of the backpackers & beyond, would have been the remainder of the farm.
As the family grew & prospered, a larger & fancier house was built next door & the family moved in. The original house was then occupied by the farmers eldest son & family, who built on a kitchen & indoor bathroom/ toilet to the main house. This can clearly be seen by the change in architecture style, from Victorian to Georgian. At some stage in its history, the house was then occupied by the Farm Manager.
In the 60's/70's the farm was sold & divided into plots. The lay-out is very much as it is today.
On Oct 2002, Kevin Gillot & Lynda Besaans bought the house & turned it into a Backpackers accommodation.
