Bartel du Toit is a longstanding successful farmer and carries the proud agricultural heritage of his father, and his father's father before him. By the early 1900's Bartel's grandfather already served the community with pioneer farming technology. This spirit of innovation was perpetuated by the introduction of ostrich and vine by Bartel's father and continues to this day. Karin loves people and things of beauty, and when family circumstances made the homestead available she warmed to the idea of creating a superior hostelry… the La Plume Guest House was born.

In July 1997 Bartel and Karin received their first three guests – they had three rooms, three cats, three dogs… and three children. The venture was successful – everything grew: the cats, the dogs, the children… and the business.

With the fourth generation Du Toit's – Matthys (named after his grandfather, and now 16) and Lize-Jean (13) and Luther (11) – growing up rapidly , the third generation Du Toits of La Plume decided in 2005 to open their graceful Victorian homestead of 1902 completely for the enjoyment of visitors to Oudtshoorn: one of South Africa’s “must sees”.

While Bartel continued to successfully farm ostriches and dispense of his duties as a director of the Co-op, Karin steered La Plume to an award-winning, accredited guest house offering exceptional country style and refined living.

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