Squeezed between drop-dead-gorgeous mountain scenery and the N2, Swellendam is a historic town of oak-lined side streets, whitewashed homesteads, gables, gateways and other bits and pieces from the past.

The town has a less eventful present than it does an eventful past ? for a brief period, a mere three months, it was an independent rebel republic with its own president after the locals became gatvol with the way things were being run. Then, in 1865, at the peak of Swellendam?s golden years as a frontier of civilisation, the town was practically razed by an accidental fire that broke out in a bakery.

Lismore Farm
Snapshot: Historic farm near Suurbraak village, with two rustic cottages
Where: 25km from Swellendam
Sleeps: 8,6
Equipped: yes
Linen: optional extra
Towels: optional extra
Fireplace: yes
Braai: yes
Meals available: no
Pet-friendly: by request
Activities: birdwatching, farm animals, hiking, small game-viewing, stargazing, swimming, walking, fishing, mountain biking, horse riding
Rate guide: R100pp - R125pp

Barring the odd bark or human voice floating on the breeze from the tiny mission village of Suurbraak, Lismore is cut off from civilisation as we usually know it, and the setting is as natural as they come. The farm has been in the famous Barry family since 1844, starting out as a horse-breeding enterprise for the Dutch East India Company and later evolving into a dairy.

Sadly, Lismore's rough-and-ready Mountain Cottage was recently destroyed in a mudslide. However, to compensate for the loss, the Barry family has erected a new cottage, called Meadow Cottage. Lying fairly close to the quiet passing road from Suurbraak, it overlooks a pretty green field and meadow filled with natural shrub vegetation and aged oak trees. This casual cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms. There is one bathroom and an open-plan equipped kitchen and living area with a stone-clad fireplace. Outside, a shaded stoep with braai sets the scene for long chilled afternoons.

Further along the way and our personal favourite, the River Cottage has an awesome location. It lies up against the mountain and faces the river and a small forest that?s home to many bird species. Keeping to the rustic Lismore theme, the interior is simply furnished in an easygoing mix and match style. Features here include a stone fireplace, cane and traditional farm furniture, wonky walls and rietdak ceilings.

Lismore Farm and Mother Nature are bosom buddies ? buck visiting on early misty mornings, a cacophony of birdsong, a resident mongoose on the take for braai leftovers, and the occasional sighting of the very scarce and very shy bushpig. Further reasons why you should book a weekend here include friendly hosts, swimming and fishing in the river, a mix of long and short trails in the Kleinberg, horse-riding and mountain biking.

Frog Mountain Getaway
Snapshot: Popular family farm escape in the Langeberg mountains, with four thatch rondawels
Where: 18km from Swellendam
Sleeps: all 5 (preferably 2 adults + 3 kids)
Equipped: yes
Linen: yes
Towels: yes
Fireplace: yes
Braai: yes
Meals available: no
Pet-friendly: no
Activities: canoeing, birdwatching, farm animals, fishing, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, stargazing, swimming, walking, wine routes
Rate guide: R680 per rondawel

Frog Mountain is a popular family getaway, which we first came across in the form of a glowing review in The Big Issue. The farm is ideally appointed in a rural cul-de-sac; this means even the most hyperactive child is able to roam safe and secure. In fact, the only vehicle you're likely to come across is the farm's tractor as it grinds through its daily chores.

This is an 80ha breeding farm, so you'll also hear the odd moo from host Peter's indigenous herd of Nguni cattle ? in our view the most beautiful of all bovines. Adding to the weekend appeal is the stretch of Buffeljags river cutting through the farm, and offering bass fishing, canoeing, swimming ? there's even a kid-friendly foefie slide on the cards for the near future. Further up the way, about a 20-minute walk through indigenous forest, you'll discover an amazing perennial waterfall; extending your walk to a 1.5hr hike leads through mountain fynbos and spectacular views across the Overberg.

Back at basecamp reward yourself with a late afternoon dip in Frog Mountain's swimming pool, then head to the TV lounge to see what's happening in the real world. Other activities you and your family may or may not get round to doing include an 8km mountain bike trail, horse-riding and a sunset cruise on the Buffeljags Dam.

Turning to your lodgings, these come in the form of four comfortable thatched cottages that are spaced adequately apart. All can sleep a max of five guests, preferably in the form of two parents and their three kids as access to the bathroom is through the main bedroom. All the rondawels come fully equipped with linen and towels, not to mention complimentary tea, coffee, rusks, sugar and milk ? plus special little extras like fresh farm roses, fresh farm eggs and free firewood. Drinking water comes courtesy of the local spring ? so no need to bring the Perrier. As a getaway tailored specifically to frazzled parents and their offspring, you're unlikely to go wrong with Frog Mountain.

Riverplaas cottages
Snapshot: Fruit farm on the Breede River with a timber cabin and a stone cottage
Where: 16km from Swellendam
Sleeps: 4,6
Equipped: yes
Linen: no
Towels: no
Fireplace: yes
Braai: yes
Meals available: no
Pet-friendly: no
Activities: stargazing, swimming, walking, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching
Rate guide: River House R110pp, Stone Cottage R120pp (children under 12 half-price)

River House and Stone Cottage are secluded cottages appointed on a fruit farm along the banks of the Breede River. Both have a relaxed rustic personality suited to Budget weekenders with Huckleberry Finn leanings. River House is the more basic of the two ? a timber cabin tucked under a rush of milkwood trees. The cottage has electricity (a recent addition), but we reckon leave it in the 'off' position as the cosy away-from-it-all ambience created by candles, paraffin lamps and gas is what you are here for.

While still appealingly raw around the edges River House is comfortable, thanks to a Jetmaster, colourful crockery, pretty curtains, bamboo towel rails and other fresh touches. The cottage is equipped; all you need bring is a thick duvet (winters can be chilly as there is little insulation), towels, food and a fishing rod.

Outside, a lazy timber deck, a braai area enclosed by a rickety bamboo fence and thick creeper, picnic spots along the riverbank, and a moored rowing boat or two, set the scene for many a happy weekend memory.

Moving a little downstream, we arrived at Rivierplaas?s all-new double-decker Stone Cottage ? built, as the name implies, from local stone. Like River House, Stone Cottage is buried under milkwood trees, with a view of the water peeping through the foliage. The enticing features in this cosy hideaway include gas and candlelight (as well as electricity), a fireplace, rietdak ceilings, wide windows, an airy open-plan living and kitchen area, a spacious loft fitted with two bedrooms, and a nice braai area at the front door. Stone Cottage is an understated Budget gem in the making.