Oude Molen Eco Village
About Oude Molen Eco Village
Oude Molen Eco Village in Pinelands is a 30+ year-old sustainable community spanning wetland-adjacent farmland on the site of South Africa's first windmill, now home to approximately 30 micro-enterprises employing up to 300 people seasonally. Visitors can experience horse riding lessons, organic farm-to-table dining at Millstone café, children's play facilities, volunteer opportunities, and craft workshops, alongside social programs including youth skills development and tree planting initiatives. Rated 4.0★ on Google (69 reviews), the village attracts families and tourists seeking an alternative to conventional attractions, with reviewers highlighting the peaceful natural setting and diverse activities available across the estate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What horse riding activities are available, and what do lessons cost?
Riding lessons are offered Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays at Oude Molen Eco Village in Pinelands. The estate has 20 horses and meadowland alongside the Black River suitable for galloping, plus wagon rides for younger children and carriage hire for special occasions.
When is Oude Molen Eco Village open?
The village in Pinelands operates 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday and is closed Mondays. It is located on Alexandra Road opposite Pinelands Station.
Are there play facilities for young children in Pinelands?
Yes. The Play Shed offers indoor and outdoor play for children aged 0–12 years. The Pinelands site also features a tree-house in the gardens at Millstone café and wagon rides suitable for younger visitors.
How can I volunteer or intern at the eco-village?
Volunteer opportunities are available for students, school groups, and individuals (local and international) at Oude Molen in Pinelands. Activities include youth skills development, tree planting, alien tree eradication, and organic farming work. Contact the village directly for inquiries.
What food options does Millstone café offer in Pinelands?
Millstone serves organic vegetables grown on-site, freshly baked bread from wood-fired ovens, coffee, fresh juices, and wholesome meals. The café in Pinelands also stocks homemade preserves and jams, with a relaxed garden setting and tree-house play area.
Why is the Pinelands site historically significant?
The Oude Molen estate dates to 1693 when land was granted for a mill. In 1725, South Africa's first windmill was built here. The site later served as military barracks and a psychiatric hospital before becoming a sustainable micro-enterprise village in the late 1990s.
Can I stay overnight near the eco-village in Pinelands?
Yes. Riverlodge Backpackers and Lighthouse Farm Backpackers Lodge operate within the Oude Molen estate in Pinelands, offering budget accommodation near the Black River wetlands, approximately 12 minutes from Cape Town airport.
What types of businesses and makers operate at the village?
Approximately 30 micro-enterprises operate at Oude Molen in Pinelands, including metal and wood workshops, craft makers, artists, and retail vendors. Regular markets showcase local producers, with activities spanning art, crafts, film work, and organic farming.