Based on our dealings with this establishment, we CANNOT recommend it. Maybe they just treat suppliers badly and guests fare better. If you want to take a chance, it's up to you.

Stanford is the delightful epitome of a small South African village. Stanford's setting on the Klein River is beautiful, the bird life extensive. The village hasn't been spoilt by crass architecture like so many of the towns along our coasts, but retains the influence of the Cape and Victorian eras. The restaurants, such as Mariana's (voted Best Country restaurant) and Havershams are top-class. Wondering around the antique and craft shops or going to the Saturday morning local produce market brings you into contact with the friendly, very sociable locals. One of the few places where I saw kids freely riding their bikes and playing outside.

Montagu (and Keisie Cottages) to me are synonymous with feelings of deep peace and relaxation! After bustling city life and the demands of everyday suburban 'bliss', a weekend away at Keisie Cottages in Montagu is perfect for recharging the batteries ... the only problem is that it's REALLY difficult to leave. It's got something for everyone, of all ages ... from kloofing, mountain biking and hiking for the energetic, to long, lazy days at the Keisie Cottage 'pool', exploring the Montagu shops and Saturday craft market (where they make the best most heart-stopping egg and bacon rolls), and nights under the stars with friends enjoying a braai. And there's so much to explore ... .

I have visited Montagu and what a pleasure to visit this beautiful place. Will definitely come again.

Stanford has been through a tough time in the last couple of weeks, with fires raging on the surrounding mountains, threatening many of the local farmer’s crops. But, not for the first time, I was reminded of what makes this place so special. Besides the obvious beauty of the surroundings, Stanford has a very special soul. The community stands together in times of trouble. Our own farm was under threat during this time, and the whole village and surrounds jumped in without hesitation to help where they could. There were amateur but dedicated firefighters, sandwich makers, people up and down delivering sustenance to those fighting the blaze. The professional firemen commented that they had never been so well looked after. That’s Stanford for you. Aside from all there is to see and do, visiting will show you what real community spirit looks like.

My husband and I are regular visitors to the area. We LOVE travelling into the mountains and through that hole in the wall into Kogmanskloof and the beauty of Montagu and surrounding areas. The quaint little village keeps drawing us back and we often find ourselves poring over property for sale and then heading to the Leidam with something delicious bought at the farmers market and sitting watching the rich bird life right there in the middle of town, dreaming of owning our own little piece of heaven in the rarified air and beauty of Montagu where the stars seem to reach out and almost touch you at night. It has everything....hot springs, fabulous vineyards, fruit trees, historical and cultural richness, great restaurants and coffee shops,farm stalls, safety and wonderfully warm, friendly, hospitable locals. Did I mention that we love Montagu? Oh yes...I certainly did!

When my wife first told me that she has booked 10 days in Montagu over Christmas I thought she was mad. What were we going toi do while we are there? Well, by the time our 10 days were up I didn't want to leave. I actually so enjoyed my time in Montagu that I said I would go and live there any time. The area has a great veriety of attractions both natural as well as historical. The scenery is marvelous and the town's friendliness and hospitality just kept on surprising me. I also felt very safe in the town the whole time we were there. I will be returning to Montagu very very soon.

We stopped over in Stanford on our way up the Garden Route and it was so quaint and friendly that we now make it a regular weekend getaway. Far from the madding crowd of Hermanus and so beautiful with a wonderful river to canoe on and great country gravel roads for mountaining biking. If you come on the last Friday of the month there is an evening market which is great fun with good food and you can taste and buy the wines of the Stanford area. Brunia was my personal favourite and Stanford River Lodge is definitely the place to stay - reasonable rates and right on the river! Stanford is a must ... I want to tell everyone ... but I dont want it to change!!!!

A quaint and friendly village where children still ride their bicycles in the street and walk to the shops; where everyone knows the name of your dog; and where dreams really do come true!

My family and i frequently visit Stanford, each time its harder and harder to come back home. What else could you ask for in a place! Stanford gets my vote all the way.

Kai Richards