Reminiscent of a bygone era.
The next time you find yourself on Route 62, and are in need of a decent pitstop, my strong recommendation is that you make sure you get to pull in to Calitzdorp, half way between Ladismith and Oudtshoorn.
It’s a cutsey little town, and home to some very nice dessert wine producers.
Off the main street, on the corners of Queen and Geyser Streets you’ll find the old general store, or Handelshuis, which dates from 1900.
Tracy Farrell and her partner Pieter Erasmus took over the building a few years ago and began renovating it. Seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Knysna, Tracy opened a 1940’s styles beauty salon in the corner shop position in the building. She’s a trained beautician, and the locals began to make appointments with her as a manicure in Calitzdorp was a better option than trekking to Oudtshoorn.
So when she opened her coffee shop she had a fine customer base to rely on. The period style has been wonderfully continued,
Tracy Farrell.
with old enamel advertisements and paintings by local artist Marinda Combrinck. It feels like you’ve wandered back in time to another era, the 1940’s or 50’s. I love it.
I make a point of stopping here every time I pass along Route 62. The coffee is top class, and the cakes and pastries are home baked and delicious. Tracy is usually there and she and her Mum are always on for the chat with passing travellers.
Artwork by Marinda Combrinck, local artist.
Coffee @ Die Handelshuis.
Cnr. Queen and Geyser Streets
044 2133172.
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