On  VLAKFONTEIN, home base of Treeferns Trout lodge, the distant past and yesterday is very much alive. Most people have a keen interest in historical events, and  guestions in regard to the history of the farm are frequently asked by guests. As many bookings are forthcoming from the web site, it is considered appropriate to also include  info relating to the past.

An old family farm like Vlakfontein is likely to have infra-structure, farming and household items many years old.  The farm was registered in the name of great-grand father, Frederik Jakobus Maré, in 1865. The old farm cottage (above), and cattle kraal(below) still excist and are in use.

The second homestead was converted to a managers house, and a portion  is also being used as a shed.

The third farm house (shown below) was re-built in 1908 after it was destroyed in the Anglo-Boer War,  is still in use, and breaths an atmosphere of  times gone by, and in misty weather one can almost sense the sacredness.

The original cottage now shelters an old ox waggon. On the under-carriage a wheel tax disc of the old Transvaal shows the date  1917. Ancient farming implements, books, and house hold items, etc. are to be seen in the kiosk at Reception.

Items on display include an old state bible dating 1892, given to Grandfather and -mother on their wedding day, coffee grinder, butter churn and mould, mincer, coal stove irons, milking cans,  bucket, tin with martini henry bullets from the Battle of Vlakfontein, giant soap making pots, etc.

An old single row, ox drawn hand plough, planter, a pair of ox yokes, branding iron, and gigantic lion spring trap decorate the entrance to Reception.

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