The Blue Cow Coffee Shop - at the Barrydale Waterfront 2005
Six generations ago Robert Cooke, a farm worker near Dublin in Ireland fell in love with a landowner’s daughter, Mary-Anne Proudfoot they were forbidden to marry because of the class difference so, undeterred, they jumped aboard a ship to Cape Town and then took an ox-wagon to Swellendam in 1890 the Cooke Family ended up with the farm in Barrydale where they have been farming dairy and fruit ever since.
Boetie and Hannette Cooke continued farming in the family tradition and raised their children Bertus, Anika and Danel on the farm. About eleven years ago Hannette had an idea. She told Boetie what she wanted to do and in true male tradition he told her it was a silly idea and wouldn't work. It took Hannette two years of female guile to convince Boetie that a restaurant in the "calf paddock by the dam" on the farm would be a good idea.
And a great idea it was… The Blue Cow was born!
11 years running, moo!
The Blue Cow Barn – Boutique Farm Accommodation 2014
Bertus came back from Dubai, after working in the hospitality industry, he had the grand idea of starting farm accommodation. Just like Hannette convinced Boetie years ago, Bertus convinced Hannette and the Barn was born... Moo!
The Barn located on the beautiful Altona farm visible from the road as you enter Barrydale from Oudtshoorn on the R62. The Barn offers exclusive boutique farm-style accommodation. Just follow the signs and visit the Blue Cow at the Barrydale Waterfront Coffee Shop, they will direct you.
The second farm cottage has just been completed and open for guests, everything is brand new and always superbly neat and clean. These are self-catering units with an en-suite bathroom, fully equipped and beautifully decorated. This accommodation is situated 1 km from the town center yet on the farm, the perfect blend of tranquility and easy access to the necessities. We offer true peace and quiet with private parking, outside braai, big grass lawns and a stoep with beautiful views. You are also welcome to have a walk on the farm and explore the vegetable gardens or have a swim in the dam, break away from the city life and come breath the fresh air on this well-known, beautifully situated farm.
Come and live on the farm for a day or even a week, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind, in the true farm life way. The Cooke family have owned Altona and Tradouwshoek farm for more than 100 years and the Blue Cow Coffee Shop has been running since 2005. Come to the newly opened Blue Cow Barn and experience something different.