The Old Jail in the peaceful Karoo farming town of Willowmore, Eastern Cape offers a unique accommodation experience for tourists, business travelers and sports enthusiasts alike.
Flanked by the spectacular Baviaanskloof and Swartberg mountain ranges, this striking 1880s building is on the edge of the town and is one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the area.Now lovingly restored and renovated, the building is surrounded by attractive landscaped gardens. Although oozing character and retaining many original features, it has now been given a new – and less intimidating – lease of life as a welcoming B&B with self-catering accommodation and an art gallery.
The facilities at our Historical Old Jail include our Art Gallery which contains a private collection of classical sculptures and paintings from mostly South African artists, as well as contemporary Art and selected Antiques.
Most of the art works are for sale to our guests. Whilst enjoying our delicious breakfast in our Gallery you can admire the magnificent collection.
NEW..! From October 2016 our 12 meter salt water swimming pool in the Hard Labour Court Yard will be available to our house guests.Please ask at reception when checking in for your personal pool towel.
Bird watching: Due to intensive bird feeding in our harsh winter months our bird population has increased significantly. Sit in our park like gardens and watch them coming in to feed, bathe and drink. Various bird baths or the main Koi dam and fountain have been set up and created for the birds and the bees. In our lower gardens we have not ” scoffeled” — Afrikaans word for weeding — for the past 5 years. Magically the flowers in all their different colours and forms erupt in spring time. Bees and butterflies have joined our growing bird population. Here too you will find our succulents and fygies. Many other indigenous plants are taking root and multiplying.
40 Fruit trees, plums, apples, pears. cherries, mulberries, raspberries and grape vines behind the buildings have been planted. A proud rooster and his 7 hens make sure that a free range egg lands on your breakfast plate lovingly prepared into a delicious cheese omelette. Fresh seasonal fruit is harvested from our orchards in summer for the your breakfast fruit salad.
Now lovingly restored and renovated, the building is surrounded by attractive landscaped gardens. Although oozing character and retaining many original features, it has now been given a new – and less intimidating – lease of life as a welcoming B&B and art gallery.
The cells and exercise areas have been cleverly converted into three elegant, air conditioned rooms with modern amenities, high quality period finishes and private courtyards.
We can serve dinner by prior arrangement and are fully licensed so wine and beer can also be purchased from our wine cellar.
Whether you’re looking for an overnight stay along the N9 highway or a few days’ hiking, cycling, golfing, small game hunting or relaxing in peaceful, unspoiled surroundings, The Old Jail is a place you won’t want to escape from in a hurry.
The town’s name derives from William Moore, a settler from England who arrived in the Cape of Good Hope in 1819. ‘The Willows’ trading centre and farm was set up in 1864 and was re-named Willow-More. The town grew to become a magistracy in 1884 and a municipality a decade later.
The Baviaans Municipality now covers an area of 7 ,727 square kilometers with Willowmore as its administrative hub. Agriculture (notably mohair and wool production), tourism and service industries form the basis of the area’s economy.
Being on the edge of the famous Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, Willowmore offers a number of unique experiences including hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails. Small game hunting (principally wild pig, kudo, springbok and other antelope) is also popular in the area as is birdwatching.
Pierre Ferreira Hiking Trail
The trail leads through beautiful virgin Karoo veld and past two old Boer War forts. It offers panoramic views over the charming village of Willowmore – particualrly striking in the early morning or evening sun.
Willowmore Golf Course
The club is one of few Karoo golf courses that boasts 9 grass greens, plus a practice range. Visitors are welcome every day to enjoy a unique – and inexpensive – round in an unspoiled setting.
Bakers Dam
Great for bird watching and only a few km out of Willowmore. The Bakers Dam was built for the steam engines for the railway in the days gone by, to fill up the locomotives with water. This dam is now a sanctuary and breeding spot for many bird species. Please ask the hosts to organise the keys for you.
Old Boer Graveyard & Gunpowder Chamber
A must-see sight in town is the old Boer graveyard with interesting headstones dating back to the Anglo Boer War. From here it’s just a short walk to the small chamber used during battle to store gunpowder and ammunition.
Aasvoëlberg
One of the few places in the Karoo where coastal fynbos grows, Aasvoëlberg (or Vulture Mountain) overlooks the town and offers panoramic views of the area. A number of trails provide hikers and mountain bikers with the opportunity to explore the fauna and flora of the mountain.
Old Power Station
Supplying the town with electricity until 1984, the power station is now a visitor attraction. It contains six Lister Blackstone diesel generators, one of which is the largest still in working order, using five litres of diesel every 15 minutes.
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