A deli, a country kitchen and a cottage in the heart of Swellendam

Sipiershuis, home of Country Deli

The Sipiershuis was built in 1828 as a home for Swellendam’s gaoler (sipier), who also served as the town’s postmaster (hence the red Victorian postbox you can still see today). It later became a maternity clinic, and over the years it was known locally as both the old post office and the old clinic. It was declared a national monument in 1954.

This little building has been part of everyday life in Swellendam from the beginning. Today, as Country Deli, it’s still a go-to spot for locals to pop in for coffee, pick up a fresh loaf or a bunch of flowers, and catch up with a familiar face.

The Secretary’s House, home of
Field & Fork

Field & Fork Country Kitchen is tucked into the Secretary’s House, part of Swellendam’s Old Gaol complex. In 1777, the gaol cells were housed in a lean-to against the building that would later become the Secretary’s House. The gaol took its present shape between 1828 and 1844, and the complex was declared a national monument in 1951. The house’s yellowwood beams were uncovered during Dr Mary Cook’s restoration in 1967. We love the deep windowsills and thick walls that make these old rooms feel so cosy, and we look forward to welcoming you in for dinner.