In 1817 three years before the arrival of the British Settlers, Benjamin Moodie left the Orkney Islands of Scotland and brought along with him 200 young Scottish artisans.  He first bought and settled on the farm Grootvaders Bosch along the Langeberg Mountain Range between Swellendam and Heidelberg.  In 1831 the farm Westfield which included the present holiday resort Witsand at the mouth of the Breede River, was granted to Benjamin Moodie by the Cape authorities.  Westfield’s homestead was built in 1832.  The “Wolfhuis” gables are of the same style as those of the Drostdy at Swellendam.

What’s to offer:

Westfield has three Timber holiday chalets which offers self-catering accommodation to holiday makers and cater mainly for nature lovers who wish to enjoy the peace and quiet of farm life – guests, however, will not be bored as there are plenty of facilities to pass the time with, if not at Westfield itself, then at neighbouring Witsand and Port Beaufort.

The largest concentration of Southern Right Whales on the South African coast is found in this area.  They come to calf here and can be seen throughout the winter months until mid November when they leave again.

Westfield has a Nature Trail which be explored by hikers as well as visitors with 4x4 vehicles and quadbikes.  The trail has breathtaking views of St. Sebastian Bay with its plentiful whales.  Apart from that there is a diversity of indigenous coastal “fynbos” unique to this area, not to mention the variety of Bird species.

The Breede River Estuary which is on our doorsteps is well known as a fishing paradise and prize Cob weighing up to 60kg are often caught in the river, also other species like Grunters & Garrick.  As Westfield also borders the sea coast, rock fishing is an alternative for those without boats.  The long unspoilt beach at Witsand is never overcrowded, not even in the popular December holiday season.  Another popular pastime is walking on the rocks, along the coast east of Witsand examining the different living creatures in the water pools.  Octopus is hooked for bait, Oysters and Allekrik for human consumption.

Westfield has a very mild winter climate with an annual rainfall of less than 400mm which is also spread quite evenly over the whole year.  So your chances of spending a wet holiday here is unlikely.

Phone/Fax Guy or Lorraine Moodie 028–537 1911