~ Ladismith ~ Western Cape ~ South Africa ~

Ladismith Country House is situated 7km outside the town of Ladismith in the Klein Karoo and nestles on the slopes of the Klein Swartberg Mountains. The majestic Towerkop, with its split peak, looms above the town.  Local legend has it that an angry witch, flying overhead, struck the peak with her wand because it obstructed her passage over the mountain, causing it to split into two!  Another explanation says the constantly changing appearance of Towerkop as you travel in the district has a magic of its own.

Situated between Oudtshoorn and Barrydale, Ladismith is dominated by mountains.  No fewer than five of the eight highest peaks in the Western Cape lie within 15 kilometers of it.  Of these it is the dramatic Towerkop in the Klein Swartberg range that continually catches your eyes, being startlingly cleft in two, the gap visible from far away.

The Dutch Reformed congregation was founded in 1851 and the town was established in 1852 on a section of the farm Elandsvlei, donated by Bathazar Klopper.  Named after Lady Juana Smith, the wife of the Governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Harry Smith, the original Ladysmith was changed in 1879 to Ladismith to prevent confusion with its namesake in Natal.

Ladismith must surely rate as one of South Africa's undiscovered jewels.  It enjoys a spectacular setting in an area that not only supports intensive fruit, wine and mixed farming, but also reputedly produces the finest milk in the country. It serves an extensive farming area with ideal climate for the production of quality fruit – apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines and grapes.  It is centrally situated on the increasingly popular Route 62.  But for many the appeal to the town lies in its combination of lovely architecture, friendly people and relaxed rural atmosphere.

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