Our Story And History
The Kingwill family has been farming in this region for four generations. Paula’s grandfather, Roland Kingwill, was a pioneer in veld conservation and management. He also dedicated his life towards enriching the lives of others. Paula’s parents continued this work both on the farm and in the local community. Phillida Kingwill, Paula’s mother worked tirelessly to support locals towards education and employment.
Paula and Iain returned from Cape Town in 2010 to continue this rich legacy. Paula brought her training as a dramatherapist and extensive work in the healing arts. Iain brought his experiences from theatre and film and his hugely varied knowledge both on and off stage. Farming they needed to learn from scratch. Today they have a strong focus on regenerative farming as well as tapping the healing potential of the land and the natural environment.
Our Vision
At The Rest, our vision is to create a space where individuals can reconnect with themselves, their families and natural environment. We believe in living sustainably without sentimentality and invite our guests to explore an alternative relationship with their environment.
Workshops and Retreats
We offer residential retreats for groups, families, and individuals looking to break old patterns and reconnect with joy. Using expressive arts, family constellations, and nature’s healing power, our small-group retreats (4-9 participants) help you release what keeps you stuck.
Unplug in the breathtaking Sneeuberg mountains with guided therapeutic sessions, creative integration, delicious homemade meals, and time to rest.
Meet Our Team
The People that Make it Happen
We are committed to fostering healing, connection, and growth at The Rest farm. We are healers, farmers, artists, creative facilitators, diligent caretakers. We each bring a unique set of skills and a shared love for the land.
Cedric Minaar
Cedric has been working on The Rest since his early 20’s. He is skilled in animal husbandry and has a deep understanding of the Karoo environment. His eye for detail and commitment to personal growth is a key ingredient of our success on the farm.
Pule
Pule hails from Clocholan. They bring their knowledge and experience to support Cedric in his work
Pane
Pane is from Nieu Bethesda. They bring their knowledge and experience to support Cedric in his work
Mathabo
Because the business of housecleaning and laundry is taken care of by these two women it is possible to everything else!
Nana
Because the business of housecleaning and laundry is taken care of by these two women it is possible to everything else!
Meet The Owners
Steering the Vision, Driving the Growth
Iain’s role at The Rest extends far beyond maintenance and technical support; he’s also a facilitator of experiences, sharing his wealth of knowledge with visitors through workshops and hands-on activities.
At The Rest, Paula facilitates Expressive Arts therapy and Family Constellations workshops, offering individuals and groups a space for profound self-exploration and healing.
Discover Stories of Transformation
Read what our guests have to say about their life-changing experiences at The Rest.
Magical location! Great for families. A must if you’re looking to get away from it all!!!
Kristin
Amazing experience if you are looking for something different + a real family feel from the hosts + stars for Africa.
Alistair
What an amazing place! I thoroughly enjoyed staying at The Rest. I cannot wait to go back. If you want peace, quiet and solitude, this is the place for you. Walking in the mountains with not a soul in sight. It was pure adventure.
Melvin
The Rest is a unique and incredible place. There is such a sense of freedom and safety and Paula was a phenomenal host. A wonderful place to get away from normal life and explore the true beauty of the Karoo. Highlights for us included climbing the mountain for sunrise after a snowfall and enjoying hearty meals made with grass fed beef grown right there on the farm. Don’t miss out on that, or a loaf of home made bread!
Jessica
Fantastic. The Shepherd’s Cottage might be rustic but was well appointed and suited to my purposes, which was a quiet time to do some studies while exploring. There is no cell phone reception but there is a good working WiFi to stay in contact. There is good MTB riding experience or just go for a walk but remember no WiFi away from the cottage. I recommend at least a few days stay to properly appreciate the time there.
Patrick
Awesome view and ambience. Clean and all you need for a break from the city hassel and bussel.
Eugene
Rustic and beautiful. Stunning views. Exceptional hospitality. Freshly baked bread on arrival. We enjoyed our stay very much. Magnificent surroundings. Paula and her family are very warm and welcoming.
Talitha
What a wonderful, peaceful space! Thank you very much for sharing this with us. We can see the love and care.
Gert
A very special and recommended place. They rent two houses: one at the entrance to the property; and another next to the family home. I was in the first one, big and comfortable. Good people, the Kingwills!. If you book through Airbnb, ignore some reviews. The access road does not kill anyone! If I got there with a Hyundai I10, you can too!.
Xavier
Farm life and a space to rest is the most practical way to shake off the city. The Rest – brings you back to your roots.
