Aspen Guest House is located in the idyllic town of Clarens, often referred to as the "Jewel of the Free State". We offer both bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Clarens.

Our motto, "We are different", is reflected in our locality, the views on and from the property the design of our rooms, the services we offer and your hostess.

You hostess is Alae Grabe, and her two Great Dane boys Patrys and Portret. They live on the property in their own area but love to welcome every one!!!

Alae moved to Clarens in 2003 to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. Although she is still practicing as a town and regional planner, she is most of the time at home to enjoy the house, garden and her quilting.

Aspen Guest House can accommodate a total of 12 adults and a number of children. There is also a self catering cottage available.

The main house offers four bedrooms; three rooms with double beds and a fourth room with a double bed, a cot and a day bed. Breakfast can be served in the rooms.

We are situated between the mountain and the river. The property borders onto the mountain and has an open space to three sides. The small river running through town forms the one boundary-making the whole property the ideal place to escape and to relax.

Entering Aspen is the beginning of an experience. The fire place in the entrance warms the house and your heart immediately. Our rooms are spacious and each is decorated according to a specific theme. With names such as Music, Writer, Nature, Artist and Quilters you can be sure that you are in for a unique experience. Simply request a specific room on each of your visits in order to experience each theme.

What makes us different?

• The views on and from the property are so spectacular you need not go any where!!!
• Lots and lots of books to enjoy;
• Breakfast in bed;
• Fire place in lounge and reading corner;
• Rocks on the property;
• The spacious rooms;
• Creative décor in each room;
• Large property;
• Walking distance to town but away from town noise;
• The Lounge area;
• Braai areas;
• Various interesting corners;
• We are fun!!!!
• We are locate in close proximity to a number of walking trails

The Lounge
A communal lounge with a fireplace offers you a warm and homey environment. One large bookshelf, stacks of games, DSTV, and music centre, provide all that is necessary to ensure a comfortable stay.

Bean bags and throws are scattered around to add to the warmth. Take a bean bag to bed at night to warm your hands whist reading a book or enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate.

Breakfast room
Next to the fire place in the wide passage is the breakfast room. Enjoy a tailor made breakfast next to the fire.

The Lounge Stoep
Here you will enjoy many cups of tea and coffee. The view is breath-taking and can be enjoyed whilst consuming coffee and enjoying good conversation over a shared breakfast.

The Outside Reading corners
Under the rock is a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the day without noticing the realities of life.

The Braai areas
A braai area has been developed for the guests. Although we do not offer supper you can book the braai area for the evening and we will supply you with all the cooking utensils necessary for a lovely evening outside.

BED AND BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION

Music Room
Enjoy the luxury and the nostalgic feeling of the music theatres of the past. The view from the bed is directly facing the mountain which is a stone through away from the stoep. This is the perfect place to take your breakfast basket and enjoy the morning at leisure. The room is decorated with photos of South African music icons, books on music and related subjects. Even the bathroom, with its unique shower reminds you of the days gone by. Remember to grab a bean bag from the lounge to warm your hands whilst enjoying a book in bed.

Writers Room
This is just the room to stimulate those creative skills. The subtle tones of blue create the perfect atmosphere for relaxing in. The stoep is large and is equipped with a day bed which is ideal for a day of reading. What more could you want? Remember to grab a bean bag from the lounge to warm your hands whilst enjoying a book in bed.

Nature Room
This room has a 270 degree view - starting with the river, pasting over the Horeb Mountain and ending against the mountain bordering the property. Relax on the daybed at the bay window with a nice book and forget about the reality. Remember to grab a bean bag from the lounge to warm your hands whilst enjoying a book in bed.

The room has a cot for the little one and a TV to keep the kids attention whilst mom and dad enjoy the view and relax. It also has a small fridge and micro wave to provide in the needs of a little one.

Artist Room
The view of the Horeb Mountain is spectacular. This room reflects the life of artists in a humorous way. The stoep offers an extra space for your own relaxation. Remember to grab a bean bag from the lounge to warm your hands whilst enjoying a book in bed.

Breakfast

Who wants to get up and dress for a breakfast table on a Saturday and Sunday morning? Breakfast is served in your room!! Open your breakfast basket to discover a surprise for the day every morning.

The basket is packed with a variety of treats and differs from day to day. Fresh scones, muffins, cheese, ham, home made jam, fruit juice and fresh farm are just a few of the delicious treats you can expect to find in your basket. There is enough food in the basket to sustain you for the rest of the day.

SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION

The unit is fully equipped from sheets and towels to the necessary cooking utensils, stove, microwave and fridge. Rooms are well equipped to tamper the winter cold.

The self catering cottage comprises of two bedrooms (one king or twin size bed and one single bed) with a lounge, kitchen and en suite bathroom (bath and shower). The one bedroom looks out onto the mountains and the other onto the garden. The secured and private braai area is accessible from the kitchen. This unit is pet friendly. DSTV is available in this unit.

Facilities:

• Individual braai / barbeque areas
• Kitchen (fully equipped)
• Microwave in unit
• Parking on site
• Private entrance
• Radio in room
• Tea/ coffee making facilities
• DSTV in room
• DSTV in room (bring card)

Facilities surrounding the property

The natural swimming pool
The small river on the one side of the property has a beautiful area to cool off. It is the ideal place for kids to play while their parents cool their feet in the gentle stream.

Hiking trails
Two hiking trails are located adjacent to the property, one along the river and one up the mountain, offering all nature lovers the best of the Free State nature.

For the business person
Our offices are fully equipped with all the necessary equipment you may need in a business emergency. ADSL, scanner, etc are available for your convenience.

Activities in the area:

Activities in the area cater for a wide range of tourist preferences. From art gallery to book store from wine gallery to restaurants, from Golden Gate National Park to Quad biking. Variety of Art galleries Eating places Bookshops, Wine galleries, Interesting shops, Golden Gate National Park, Hiking trails Game drives, Big game, Dinosaur trails and Fly fishing.