Christoffel Johannes Jakobus Gerber was the original owner of Arbeidsvreugd, or now trading as Marais Vrugte. In the 1800’s the farm was called “Tygerboschkats Vallei”. Willem Francois Marais bought the farm from his father-in-law, CJJ Gerber, after he got married to his daughter, Sophia Gerber. None of CJJ Gerber’s sons was interested in farming. In those days the farm mainly consisted of apricots, peaches and vineyards. Willem Francois (Francois) Marais and Isabel Marais with their only son Christoffel Johannes Jakobus (Christoff) Marais and his wife Mally Marais currently manage the Farm Operations. Christoff and Mally Marais’s son Francois (jnr.) is currently the sixth generation on Arbeidsvreugd. Since 2015 we trade as Marais Vrugte and currently produce winegrapes, peaches, nectarines, persimmons, apples and pears. We pack our own fruit on the farm for the local and export market. In 2019, Vredehoek has formed part of Marais Vrugte, Vredehoek Guest Farm is the newly added baby to our family. For generations our family love living on this beautiful farm and we want to share these experiences with our guests.

Vredehoek Guest Farm is a beautiful working fruit farm, tucked away in a secret valley high on the slopes of the majestic Mostertshoek Twins, awaiting nature lovers. We have various self-catering accommodation and a private, exclusive campsite surrounded with mountains and breath-taking views of the Breede River Valley. Individuals/groups needing to escape from the city rush, will definitely feel refreshed after enjoying the fresh champagne air while fishing, jogging, canoeing, hiking, cycling or relaxing in front of the fireplace with a glass of local wine. We offer a 3 km and 4.8 km Farmers Hike. Spend quality time with family and friends on the deck of one of our luxury houses overlooking the majestic mountain ranges covered with snow in winter. Enjoy the summer spectacular evenings and savor the serenity of the beautiful picturesque sunsets and wind down with a glass of our Local Wines. Vanish for a couple of days into this hidden treasure and enjoy the incredible peacefulness which gave this valley its name (“Vrede” meaning peace). You will go back refreshed and revitalised in spirit, soul and body with lingering memories to keep you going for a long time.

Conveniently located near some of the most famous wine farms and with easy reach of all the Breede River Wine Cellars and Wedding Venues. Enjoy a wide variety of memorable activities and sceneries. Join Horse About Trails to experience a soul-restoring horseback trail between Wolseley and Tulbagh. Matroosberg peak of adventure in Ceres is well known for fun in the snow in winter time. Visitors to Bosjes wil find the journey worthwhile, if only to see the Chapel, an architectural masterpiece, and to enjoy the landscaped Chapel gardens. Ceres Zipslide Adventures offer the best Zipline Tour in Africa come and experience this 1.4 km of pure adrenalin Eco Adventure. Adene Farm Flowers in Wolseley specialize in growing unusual varieties of flowers and foliage, open days are incredibly popular and welcome visitors every Sunday (seasonal). If you’re looking for fresh juicy fruit in summer, it doesn’t get much fresher than picking it yourself at Hoogwater Fruit Experience in Wolseley. The Animal Sanctuary at Fynbos Guest Farm in Wolseley offers day visitors a wonderful experience to see and interact with the rescued and rehomed animals. Visit Wolseley and Breedekloof tourism's websites for more detailed information.