About | The Repose

The Property

HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY
DATES
Built in the late 1800's, The Repose is very much part of the original fabric of the community.

Over the years, it has served as a private residence and a guest house. Thoughtfully restored and extended over time, the house has retained the feeling of a much-loved country home.

It is a place for slow mornings in the garden, long meals around the table, afternoons exploring the village and winter evenings gathered around the fire - simple pleasures, enjoyed at an unhurried pace.

Set in the heart of historic McGregor, The Repose is a character-filled country home that brings together the charm of an historic cottage with the ease and comfort of contemporary country living.

The Property

Set in the heart of historic McGregor, The Repose is a character-filled country home that brings together the charm of an historic cottage with the ease and comfort of contemporary country living.

HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY
DATES
Built in the late 1800's, The Repose is very much part of the original fabric of the community.

Over the years, it has served as a private residence and a guest house. Thoughtfully restored and extended over time, the house has retained the feeling of a much-loved country home.

It is a place for mornings exploring the village, long meals around the table, slow afternoons in the garden, and winter evenings gathered around the fire -
simple pleasures, enjoyed at an unhurried pace.

McGregor

McGregor is one of the best preserved and most complete examples of mid-nineteenth century towns in the Cape Province. With its traditional, whitewashed, thatched Cottages set in quiet streets, surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and wine estates.

Its charm is captured in its country lanes of white-washed farm cottages tucked down the dirt tracks. Its community of charismatic residents. Its spectacular landscapes that unravel before you, marked by mountains and rivers, olive groves and citrus orchards. From luxury homesteads to rustic country cottages, The Repose promises a rejuvenating country escape.

The village is also considered a sacred site as it is one of only a few global sites located directly on ley energy lines. This makes McGregor an ideal wellness and therapeutic destination – a place to heal, restore and reenergise.

With its variety of restaurants, coffee spots, wineries, galleries, and stores to choose from, you have the luxury to explore, taste, sip, gaze, feel and indulge in the magic of McGregor.

Explore McGregor

Step beyond the gate and discover some of the local McGregor spots we love…many of them within walking distance from The Repose.

Cafe 51

One of our favourite places to start the day in McGregor. 51 is a small, stylish coffee shop and deli on Voortrekker Street, known for great coffee, freshly baked breads and a breakfast menu that changes every week, drawing inspiration from flavours around the world. Grab a table inside or settle onto the stoep and watch village life go by. It’s always full of warmth and local character, and owners Philip and Gerald make it somewhere you'll want to return to.

Bemind Wines

A little gem in the heart of McGregor, Bemind is a true garagiste winery where owner and winemaker, Ilse Schutte, produces small quantities of handcrafted wine using grapes from the surrounding area. Pop into the intimate tasting room on Voortrekker Street to meet Ilse and taste her wines where they're made. Even better for guests of The Repose, Bemind is right next door - its tasting room looks out towards our garden, making it quite literally our local winery.

McGregor Village Market

A little slice of village life, the McGregor Village Market brings locals and visitors together every Saturday morning at the church grounds. Browse stalls laden with fresh local produce, homemade fare, baked treats, preserves, pottery and other locally made finds, while catching up with the people who call McGregor home. It’s small, informal and wonderfully local. Arrive early, as some of the favourites have a habit of disappearing quickly.

Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

Just outside McGregor, Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve is one of our favourite places to escape into nature. Its rugged, semi-arid landscape of rocky hills and succulent Karoo vegetation feels wonderfully remote, with walking and hiking trails ranging from an easy stroll to a full day in the mountains. Follow the Heron Trail to the dams and bird hides, pack a picnic, or simply enjoy the stillness and wide-open landscape. In spring, look out for the bright orange botterblom daisies that bring the reserve to life.

M&M (Made in McGregor)

Our favourite place to stock up while staying in McGregor. M&M (Made in McGregor) is a small community grocery and deli with a wonderful selection of fresh produce, free-range meats, baked goods, deli treats and locally made products. It’s the kind of shop where you pop in for a few essentials and invariably leave with something delicious you hadn’t planned on buying - perfect for good meat, veggies, free-range eggs, humus, etc. Ideal for putting together an easy lunch, a braai or a relaxed supper back at The Repose.

Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary

Just outside McGregor, Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary offers a safe and peaceful home to rescued, neglected and elderly donkeys. Spend some time meeting these gentle characters and learning about the wonderful work being done to protect and care for them, then linger over coffee or a light bite overlooking the dam and paddocks. Warm, unhurried and full of heart, it’s a particularly lovely outing for families - although you certainly don’t need children in tow to fall a little bit in love with the donkeys.

Jimmy's Pub

Just a few steps from The Repose, Jimmy’s is our favourite local watering hole and a great place to experience the wonderfully laid-back spirit of McGregor. Settle in for a drink, share some tapas or pub fare, catch the game and strike up a conversation with the locals. Don’t be surprised if a few four-legged regulars join you along the way. Friendly, unpretentious and full of character, Jimmy’s is the kind of place where it doesn’t take long to feel like a local yourself.

Tebaldi's Restaurant

Tucked away in the beautiful gardens of Temenos Retreat, Tebaldi’s is a country restaurant where good food and a peaceful setting come together. Whether dining in the character-filled old building or on the terrace overlooking the gardens, it’s a lovely spot to slow down, share a bottle of wine and enjoy a memorable evening in McGregor. They also offer pizza takeaways over weekends - perfect for an easy evening back at The Repose.

At The Courtyard

Good food and live entertainment come together at At The Courtyard, a relaxed country-style bistro and intimate performance venue in the heart of McGregor. Settle in for a leisurely dinner of contemporary Mediterranean-inspired food and local wine, or time your visit to catch one of their theatre evenings or live music performances. Warm, welcoming and full of character, it’s one of those places that captures McGregor’s wonderful mix of good food, creativity and community.