Stop 'n Stay at your midway oasis in the Karoo!

Slow down and experience Off the Grid Living at LSM holiday accommodation in Graaff Reinett, Eastern Cape

Light Shade Mountain guest house offers bed & breakfast units at 8 Rothman Street and a self catering cottage in Cradock street nearby for affordable family and pet friendly accommodation in the small town of Graaff-Reinet, a popular tourist destination and stop off point on the major routes connecting Johannesburg, Cape Town, George and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
 

Owner & manager, Brad Clark is a respected South African architect, his design ethos revolves around authenticity, sustainability, and timeless aesthetics.

Green Living is at the core of Brad’s methodology and his commitment to off-grid solutions and eco-conscious design is evident at 8 Rothman Street in Graaff-Reinet as well as at the recently restored historic 1823 self catering cottage located at Cradock Street in this fascinating town known by many as the Gem of the Karoo.

For bookings or more information, please contact Brad on +27(0)83 231 9935.

Discover LSM’s Premium bed & breakfast and self catering accommodation in the heart of Graaff-Reinet!

At 8 Rothman Street, you’ll discover a new and exciting landmark building that promises an unforgettable stay. Our upmarket Guest House is situated in a quiet suburb close to the centre of town and offers eight spacious rooms boasting contemporary furnishings, comfortable queen-size beds and the addition of Peter Pharoah artworks adds a touch of colour and vibrance.

Every detail has been carefully thought out by Brad Clark, renowned SA architect, owner and manager of this distinctive venue where you'll wake up to breathtaking views of the Camdaboo mountains.

The home offers a unique blend of modern luxury and authentic Karoo living and although it pays homage to an eco-friendly off-grid lifestyle, this does not mean that there is any compromise in comfort and style. At the core of the design principal is Brad's commitment to sustainability and the accommodation is completely off-grid, ensuring uninterrupted comfort while minimising environmental impact.

The space has a touch of modern elegance and grace, rooms are spacious and comfortable and just because it's off grid doesn't mean that you'll be sweltering in the Karoo summer heat as air conditioners and fans have been provided. The floorplan considers privacy for guests and there is a small pool to laze in after a long day's travelling.

Our menu, crafted by a Gordon Ramsay-trained chef, promises culinary delights. And yes, we roast our own coffee and brew small-batch beer!

The Art of Design

Brad's design aesthetic always embraces the incorporation of art and sculpture in the rooms and a carefully curated collection of Peter Pharoah artworks in a kaleidoscope of colours fills the space with warmth and life.

Creative touches, colourful throws and beautiful sculptures bring everything together - the overall sense of harmony, style and comfort accentuated by the interesting elements dotted around the rooms and passageways leading into the garden. Brad's design ethos evokes the spirit of the Karoo, celebrating its rugged beauty and timeless allure in a contemporary space that will surprise and delight guests, the memories of their stay are sure to live on long after they've hit the road again.

Families are welcome, our family rooms comfortably accommodate up to eight people so whether you’re traveling with kids or friends, you’ll find a cosy haven at our oasis in the heart of the Karoo.

Step Back in Time at the 1823 Cottage (our family & pet friendly self catering option) :

Located on historical Cradock Street, our self-catering cottage is a piece of living history. Fully renovated and modernised, it seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern amenities and an added bonus is that the venue is pet friendly so you're welcome to bring your furry friends along.

Big Sky Country

Graaff-Reinet is a magical spot steeped in history, stunning landscapes and guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing.
If you'd like to visit the region and explore then it's a good idea to know what to expect in terms of the weather.

The town is a great winter destination (remember we're in the southern hemisphere so our winter months are from May to August).
December, January and February are typically the hottest time of the year with an average daytime temperature of around 93.5°F (34.2°C).
Evenings are cooler and this time of year is usually dry.

During the winter months, nights can get really cool and our guests can wake up to experience the beauty of snow capped mountains and fields in the surrounding farmlands.

Graaff-Reinet is your perfect midway point!
A destination in itself where you can relax and forget about deadlines and the 'busyness' of life, the small town is also a popular and convenient stopovealong the N1 and the N9 which connects the coast with the inland cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria and further north to Zimbabwe and of course the Kruger Park situated at the north eastern border of the country.

Cape Town: 6 hours (N1)

Johannesburg: 7 hours (N9)

George: 4.5 hours (N9)

Port Elizabeth: 3 hours (N9)

Graaff-Reinet’s Treasures & Attractions

These are a few of the 'must-see' attractions that you shouldn't miss if you are planning to spend a few days in the area.

    Culture and History:
        Explore the town’s rich heritage through its well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture and museums.
        Don’t miss the Reinet House Museum and the Obesa Cacti Nursery.

    Ecology and Scenic Beauty:
        Venture to the Valley of Desolation, where ancient dolerite columns rise dramatically from the earth.
        Birdwatchers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts will find solace in the nearby Camdeboo National Park.

ATTRACTIONS AT A GLANCE:

Valley of Desolation: Marvel at ancient dolerite columns rising dramatically from the earth.
Camdeboo National Park: Explore this natural wonder, perfect for birdwatching and hiking.
Reinet House Museum: Dive into the town’s history and heritage.
Hester Rupert Art Museum: Immerse yourself in local creativity.
 

---

Book your Stay!

Light Shade Mountain offers affordable family and pet friendly accommodation in the small town of Graaff-Reinet, a popular tourist destination and stop off point for travellers along the major routes connecting Johannesburg, Cape Town, George and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

Whether you’re a road tripper or a curious traveler, Graaff-Reinet offers a convenient stopover point, connecting you to the western Cape coast, Port Elizabeth and the quaint towns of the Garden Route from the inland cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng.

As the owner & manager of this unique guesthouse, Brad was determined to ensure that green solutions were at the heart of the design and his commitment to off-grid living and eco-conscious design is celebrated in this exciting landmark building that promises an unforgettable stay. While remaining true to the importance of sustainability, his architectural vision transcends mere functionality, this is a space that tells a story, the design seamlessly blends form and function, creating spaces that are comfortable, spacious and a welcome respite for the weary traveller.

Nestled in the heart of the historical karoo hamlet of Graaff-Reinet lies a new and exciting landmark building. With beautiful views over the Camdaboo mountains in a uniquely owner designed building sits LSM’s premium accommodation offering at 8 Rothman Street. Totally off grid ensuring our guest uninterrupted modern luxury and a unique experience of Karoo living. If a bit of history is what you are after our self catering 1823 cottage in the historical Cradock street is our suggestion. Fully renovated and modernised this pet and human friendly venue is also off grid and blends the buildings old world charm with modern furniture and fittings. We look forward to welcoming you to our little piece of heaven.

For bookings or more information, please contact Brad on +27(0)83 231 9935.