Clarens – where history, art & breath-taking beauty live in perfect harmony

Behind the façade of a quaint village filled with an eclectic mixture of people and cultures, set against the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, as well as the surrounding Rooiberge with a myriad of colors that change in these sandstone mountains as the sun moves, lies a history that’s over 100 years old in Clarens.

The Maluti Mountains have stood for millennia in the highlands of Lesotho, and these mountains, as they extend up to 100km into eastern Free State, are also part of the well-known, well-loved Drakensberg Mountain Range.

The vibrantly beautiful valley that became home to Clarens has created a holiday destination that’ll take your breath away, no matter how many times you explore the valley and the village, which is precisely why so many people return again and again, to drink in the inexpressible magic created between these majestic mountains.

The story behind the birth of Clarens Village in the Free State

Around 1640, the Dutch East India Company allowed the burghers (which refers to an Afrikaans citizen of a Boer Republic) to gain their release from previously established contracts with the VOC, and to grant them each 200 acres for each household in the then known Boer Republic.

With the growth of the community of burghers in the area, two farms were divided and sold to a company that wanted to establish a village in the area to serve the community, which led to the establishment of Clarens in 1912.

The name of the village was a tribute to President Paul Kruger due to his influence over the area, before he left to spend the rest of his life in voluntary exile in the town of Clarens in Switzerland.

The oldest animal inhabitants of this region

The very oldest inhabitants of this region were not human, they were the massive prehistoric, gargantuan dinosaurs, and, today you are able to follow in their footsteps on the Dinosaur trail to explore bones and teeth that still lie exposed to us today.

Cultural history

Long before the first Europeans appeared in the eastern Free State, the hunter gatherer clans of the Bushman people roamed these valleys and mountains in complete freedom. However, when the first Dutch settlers arrived in the early 1800’s and war broke out between them and the Basotho nation the first time in 1858, the San People/Bushman, a peace loving people who lived in pure harmony within their clans and with nature, chose to leave the area. 

All that is left of them are the stories told in some of the most beautiful Bushman rock art in and around Clarens. This rock art is indicative of the spirituality that existed in this culture, which would obviously never tolerate or be able to live alongside violence.

Three Wars; the British, Boer and Basotho

Between 1858 and 1868, war dominated the area around Clarens. First it was among the Basotho and other African tribes, and then it was war between the Basotho and Boer, and finally, the Anglo-Boer war.

The evidence of these wars is to be seen at various historical sites in and around Clarens, so, if you’re a history buff, you’ll be fully sated after a visit to Clarens!

Peace finally reigned over the Clarens valley

After the final Anglo-Boer War, peace descended on this beautiful valley, which today is affectionately called The Jewel of the Free State, a peace perfectly befitting all that is extraordinary about Clarens.

There’s more to Clarens than history…

…however, that’s for you to find out once you’ve booked the best accommodation in Clarens, with the award-winning team at Clarens Eddies B&B/Self Catering!

Make your booking today and find out more about what to do in Clarens, and why this is one of the most creative and exciting towns you could ever choose as a holiday destination!

 

No one knows the secrets of Clarens better than the team at Clarens Eddies!

When it comes to making Clarens in the eastern Free State your holiday destination, you can be certain of one thing; without inside information on everything, from almost 30 activities to enjoy, right through to where to head for the best food, you’re going to miss out on a lot of the best that’s on offer in Clarens.

Clarens Eddies Self Catering and B&B is the perfect choice for your holiday, especially if you want the best of everything to be handed to you on a platter by the most caring staff you’ve ever met!

This is a team that is the epitome of hospitality, and, they will go out of their way to help you develop awesome holiday plans for as long as you stay with them, and, since this is their own backyard, you can be certain you’ll have an unforgettable holiday with them as your guides!

Talking guides, owner Dawn Trevelyan is a very keen hiker who knows every hiking trail there is in and around Clarens, and, when she’s in residence, she will gladly take you on hikes.

Other than that, she will know exactly which hike to point out to you, depending on your level of fitness and just how much effort you really want to put into it.  If all you want is a peaceful walk surrounded by breath-taking views, Dawn will make sure you get just that.

In fact, if you want to see some of the most unforgettable sunsets while snacking on a picnic basket and sipping a cool glass of wine, the staff at Clarens Eddies will arrange the picnic basket for you from a local deli!

Though Clarens Eddies doesn’t do meals, they will point you to the perfect restaurants, coffee shops and deli’s that’ll delight your taste buds for breakfast, lunch and supper.

If you’ve chosen self catering, well, you’re going to need a break at some point to soak up some of the best cuisine available in Clarens Village Square, and, when that time comes, the team will make bookings for you, so that all you need do is arrive hungry at the eatery you’ve chosen!

With so many activities to do in Clarens you will appreciate the inside information this team will provide you with. Whether you want to go hot air ballooning, horse riding, white water rafting, golfing or fishing, you’ll find that there’s something fun and exciting for all ages in Clarens.

As for your accommodation at Clarens Eddies, you can look forward to relaxing in style and comfort in-between exploring all that Clarens has to offer, with views of the exquisite beauty of the Maluti Mountains or Rooiberge (Red Mountains) from your rooms. No two rooms, kitchens or bathrooms are the same. Art is on display in every room as it befits and syncs with the particular style of rooms that are in no way duplicated. 

Affectionately called The Jewel of the Free State, Clarens beckons thousands of visitors from everywhere in South Africa and from overseas, many of whom return again and again because one visit to Clarens is never enough!

Book your breakaway to freedom today by contacting the team at Clarens Eddies, and look forward to world-class service and sheer comfort surrounded by the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and the majestic, ever-changing colours of the most beautiful sandstone mountains in South Africa!

 

Romantic getaway or family holiday; you’ll find no one to spoil you as much as the team at Clarens Eddies!

Clarens Eddies Self Catering and B&B is far more than just a place to lay your head on holiday in Clarens; it’s the epitome of the best there is to be had at a home away from home!

The caring attitude of the team at Clarens Eddies is generous, to say the least, which is exactly why they’re an award-winning team and guest house.

In terms of a warm welcome to be expected, the style and comfort you’ll be able to wallow in on your holiday or weekend away, will make your stay at Clarens Eddies truly memorable. 

A great majority of the regular guests that make this their base for exploring all that’s on offer in Clarens make their next booking as they’re leaving, just to make sure they don’t miss out on their favourite spot!

24 hour service is a given, should you need assistance with anything, from getting another blanket to keep you warm, or a fan to cool you down, nothing is too much for this team.

They’ll assist you with restaurant bookings and bookings for activities you’d like to try, which is essential, considering that there are over 30 activities to do in Clarens and over 20 restaurants, bistros, coffee shops and deli’s to choose from!

The most affordable accommodation in Clarens!

The best part about the fact that owner of Clarens Eddies, Dawn Trevelyan, has made accommodation affordable at Clarens Eddies, is that she has created accommodation that is also stylish and comfortable. There is nothing cheap about this lovely self catering or bed and breakfast accommodation!

There are always specials on accommodation available, which makes it a good idea for you to keep an eye on Clarens Eddie’s website, or to call Dawn and her team directly, to find out how to make your holiday even more affordable and fun!

This accommodation has been designed to cater to all tastes, whether to couples on a romantic getaway, a family ready to breathe fresh air and break out of the stress that lockdown’s have caused all, or, a single person ready for the same break in the most peaceful, most beautiful place in the eastern Free State!

Since each unit and/or room has its own private entrance, and with a capacity for only 16 guests, you can be guaranteed perfect privacy as you unwind from the stress and chaos of the city.

You’ll find that the décor at Clarens Eddies is unique, filled with works of art from local artists and styled in such an individual way that you’ll really feel at home, unlike one does in large places that simply duplicate everything in every room!

Technology and the mod cons 

If you do want to remain connected to the outside world while in Clarens, you’ll have fantastic free WiFi connection available, as well as a flat screen TV to keep you entertained, as you snuggle up after a hard day of hiking, shopping or exploring Clarens!

The Self Catering units at Clarens Eddies all boast the latest in terms of kitchen goodies like toasters, microwaves, kettles, stoves and fridges, along with all else you could possibly need if you’re going to be doing the cooking!

Make your booking today to stay at Clarens Eddies for an unforgettably comfortable, stylish holiday, it’s a decision you’ll not regret!

 

Save money by booking the most affordable accommodation in Clarens, Free State!

Clarens, in the eastern corner of the Free State, is one holiday destination that has so much in store for you to do that it’s essential to find affordable accommodation that’ll leave you with a goodly amount of spending money on hand.

The reason for wanting to save on accommodation in Clarens is that there is just so much in terms of activities to enjoy, food to feast on, art to drink in and buy, as well as some of the finest wines and craft beer to be had.

No one leaves Clarens without loading up on some of any of the above, which is why booking affordable accommodation at Clarens Eddies Self Catering or Bed and Breakfast, is your best move, especially if you’d like a world of adventure starting right at your doorstep!

Clarens Eddies B&B or Self Catering is a smallish, very private place to call home while you explore all that this 100 year old village has to offer, so let’s look at a little more about Clarens Eddies that’ll give you a better idea of what to look forward to!

Award Winning Clarens Accommodation

You will be in for award winning service and accommodation when you choose to stay at Clarens Eddies. To prove this, both Tripadvisor.com and Booking.com have awarded Certificates of Excellence Hall of Fame every year since 2015.

These certificates are issued based solely on independent online reviews from guests, and though 2020 was a washout for the world in general due to lockdowns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, had it been a year in which we weren’t under lockdown, there can be no doubt that it would have been another year these certificates would have been granted Clarens Eddies!

Consistency is the focus for the team at Clarens Eddies, which is why they’re an award winning team!

Where did it all start?

Knowing how it all started also gives you an introduction to everything that makes Clarens Eddies Guest House and Self Catering well-loved by guests that return year after year to make it their home away from home.

To say that a ton of love and care went into building and establishing Clarens Eddies would be an understatement! Owner Dawn Trevelyan began building in 1999, and, only once she was satisfied that this would be exceptional accommodation, did she finally open the doors to guests in 2006.

Great care has gone into making Clarens Eddies more than just a place to lay your head; it’s also very much about the personal touch that goes into making it everything that over-priced accommodation with no personality can’t give to visitors.

The upkeep of the property is perfect!

Dawn and her team work hard at maintaining both interior and exterior of this property, yet again giving the absolute assurance that this is a place worthy of calling home while you have fun on holiday.

Even before stringent hygiene standards were introduced due to COVID-19, Clarens Eddies had a phenomenal reputation for the state of hygiene that has always been of the highest standard.

Naturally, in the face of the pandemic, Dawn and her team have instituted industry standards in order to make sure that your welfare and health is their top priority, as always.

Everything about Clarens Eddies is fresh! From the bedding to towels, including the kitchen towels, which is certainly a confidence booster for South Africans desperately in need of a break somewhere they will feel truly safe and cared for.

A sterling reputation that has never wavered

Anytime you’re going to book accommodation, it’s best to check out what guests have to say about it, and, it’s no different with Clarens Eddies! You are welcome to browse the independent reviews of previous guests (and those that keep coming back!) here, no doubt you will find that this caring team and awesome accommodation is the real McCoy!

Comfort, style and convenience rolled into one!

Comfort is a given when you choose to stay at Clarens Eddies, as is style. Artwork from local artists adorn the walls in the various rooms and units, and, if you want the convenience of being able to take a stroll to the picturesque Clarens Village Square, well, you won’t have far to go at all!

What are you waiting for?

All you need to do now is to contact Dawn and her team to book affordable accommodation in Clarens today!  Make sure that when you’re turn to escape the city and daily life comes around, you’ll know that your accommodation is booked, and that no one can steal it from under your nose, just because it’s so popular!