Having grown up in Montagu, I was excited to show off this charming small town to my own little family and to take us on our first big Route 62 road trip. We were headed to one of the town’s most highly rated accommodation stays, The Barn on 62.
This elegant, cosy accommodation stay offers several cottages and a delightful on-site café and restaurant and is perfectly situated along Montagu’s historic main street, Long Street. This meant we had the ideal base from which to explore town, especially with our baby in tow.
We were originally going to also travel with our granny cat, Lucy – but decided to leave her at home this time.
Although our accommodation was wonderfully pet-friendly, so I am reviewing it from a purely family-friendly, pet-friendly lens as both our cat and baby were warmly welcomed by The Barn on 62. (You can read more about this here.)
Where We Stayed: Karoo Prinia, The Barn on 62
We were fortunate to spend two wonderful nights at The Barn on 62. One of the things that we first noticed upon arrival was the sense of calm we felt.
Not only is the air stiller and fresher in true small town style but the birdsong and rumble of the nearby traffic somehow seem to co-exist in peaceful harmony.
Beyond that, the views from our cottage, which offers an upstairs and downstairs level, are spectacular, overlooking the majestic Langeberg mountains that encircle Montagu, while also offering a tranquil vista of the farm and surrounding orchards.
Our Lovely Stay at the Karoo Prinia
Karoo Prinia, named after an adorable local fynbos bird, is one of the more stylish self-catering cottages I’ve stayed in.
This double-storey unit is the ideal stay for all seasons, thanks to the private plunge pool, lovely patio (which overlooks the private, fenced-in garden) and of course, the air con that has both a cool and warm air setting.
Something else we really loved about our suite was the roof windows. These offer the perfect views of the Big Sky Country and the many stars that adorn the Klein Karoo skies, unhindered by normal, murky city air pollution or the orange sea of city lights.
In-room Amenities:
Some highlights included:
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- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Indoor fireplace
- Electric blanket
- Well-equipped kitchen (which offers a host of cutlery, glassware and crockery beyond your normal self-catering tea- and coffee-facilities)
- Spacious shower (which offers stunning window views of the town and organic garden below)
- Patio and terrace
- Well-stocked bookshelf
- Optional braai (available on request)
- and of course, the tempting plunge pool and outdoor garden furniture.
Country Charms at The Barn on 62
We loved everything about our private suite. It’s an added bonus to learn that our accommodation even has the option of being extended to the adjoining cottage, Red Bishop.
Other thoughtful touches were that our room included a vase of fresh wild flowers from the garden and some complimentary Montagu Snacks dried fruit and Montagu Wines Muscadel, two of the town’s famous specialities and personal favourites of mine.
Restaurant, Bar or Pub On-site?
Yes, The Barn on 62 has an excellent restaurant and café on-site.
The small, yet varied menu is revised often, as they pride themselves on offering good, fresh food made using the best ingredients.
Here, you’ll find everything from quality Terbodore coffee to baked croissants, toasted sandwiches, burgers (complete with homemade patties), divine local cakes and treats and some truly sublime breakfast and lunch options.
Like the tomato shakshuka (which I absolutely loved), roasted vegetable curry or slow roasted oxtail, for example.
The food and service here is really of the highest standard; we were thoroughly impressed by it.
And we loved our breakfast and takeaway cake and coffee. (Note: Breakfast is not included in your stay.)
When dining, you have a choice to sit either indoors or outside in the lovely garden courtyard.
On-site Spa?
No, there is no on-site spa.
However, Montagu is famous for its natural hot mineral springs.
Family-friendly?
They are family-friendly, however, please note the following:
The Barn on 62 cottages don’t include additional beds or sleeper couches for kids.
However, babies up to the age of 18 months are most welcome as they have a camping cot on-site. (Our baby loved the cot and especially enjoyed the country views available from its scenic bedroom location.)
For older kids, parents can either let them sleep with in the bed or bring their own stretchers with.
Pet-friendly?
Yes, The Barn on 62 is pet-friendly to dogs (mainly) and cats. Although some pet rules and a pet fee may apply. Also, pets are only allowed by prior arrangement.
Beyond this, guests must keep their well-socialised pets leashed at all times in the restaurant and should also pick up after them outside. Please also ensure you keep your pets off the furniture, especially the bedding.
Upon arrival, pet treats are supplied as a welcoming treat and pet food and water bowls are provided during your stay.
Otherwise, you need to bring your own pet supplies, including your pet’s bed, cat scratchers and litter box.
A bonus about the Karoo Prinia is that it offers a wonderful, enclosed garden with a lawn area for pets to enjoy.
Budget-friendly?
I would say so. They also run some nice accommodation specials at certain times of the year.
As for the restaurant, food and drinks are affordably priced but, like the accommodation, of a great, high standard.
Outdoor Facilities:
Beyond the accommodation itself, The Barn on 62 also offers a beautiful courtyard, a lovely organic garden, a good children’s play area and the aforementioned delightful restaurant and café.
As listed, the restaurant offers a wonderful selection of beverages, breakfasts and lunches.
Event, Wedding or Conference Facilities:
The Barn on 62 can host and cater to intimate events.
It is also my understanding that they are busy renovating a lovely, separate new events space, which will be located near to the restaurant and courtyard.
Location, Location:
The Barn on 62 is centrally located on the famous Long Street. It is within easy walking distance to the town’s shops, like Montagu SPAR, and other local attractions.
Local Montagu experiences and/or activities I can recommend include the Montagu Nature Garden, Saturday Park Mark, Montagu Avalon Springs, a selection of local farm stalls, tractor trips in the mountains, M-CET Gallery, local museums, as well as various hiking- and biking-trails.
Website for More Information:
The Barn on 62 is also available on Instagram and Facebook; be sure to connect with and follow them there!
Booking Link:
To book a stay, see here.
Alternatively, contact The Barn on 62 team directly.
Contact Details:
– Restaurant: +27 (067) 454 1371, thebarnon62@gmail.com
– Accommodation: +27 (073) 893 2767, thebarnon62@gmail.com
Hosted or Fully Paying:
We were kindly hosted for a two-night stay at The Barn on 62. However, as always, all views and opinions remain entirely my own.
All additional on-site food and drinks and self-catering meals were paid for and purchased separately by us during our stay.
How It Rated:
Overall, our stay at The Barn on 62’s Karoo Prinia was a solid 10/10. I honestly can’t fault anything about it.
Martell and her friendly, capable team run an exceptionally tight ship.
We have already agreed to book more family holidays at The Barn on 62 in future.
In Closing
Thank you so much to Martell and the whole Barn on 62 team for your warm hospitality and for making our Route 62 stay feel like a true home away from home. 🙂
We left feeling well-rested and thoroughly rejuvenated by the simple, quaintly romantic joys of Klein Karoo life.
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