About Long Thin Farm

A different kind of life

Long Thin Farm is the story of choosing a different pace of life.

Philip and Fiona Couchman came to the farm in 2021 after years in the corporate world and living internationally.

Philip, originally from Australia, and Fiona, originally from Zimbabwe, have both developed a deep love for South Africa over the years.

After travelling and living in different parts of the world, they were ready for something simpler: more space, more nature and the opportunity to build something of their own.

They found it at the western edge of the Goukou River, near Stilbaai.

Why Stilbaai?

For Philip and Fiona, choosing Stilbaai was about more than finding a farm. It was about finding a place that felt uniquely South African – beautiful, diverse and connected to nature, with the Garden Route on the doorstep.

Long Thin Farm sits along the western banks of the Goukou River, around 15 km from Stilbaai. The 23-hectare farm stretches along the river through vineyards and olive groves, with the landscape changing as it moves inland.

It was a place where they could put down roots and create something for the long term.

Growing something special

Wine has become an increasingly important part of the farm’s story.

The farm’s vineyard produces small-batch wines that reflect the character of this unique coastal growing region, including our

award-winning Long Thin Farm Syrah Grenache Noir, recognised in the 2026 Platter’s Wine Guide.

Long Thin Farm is also part of a small but growing group of local landowners exploring the potential of the Goukou River Valley as an emerging wine-growing area. The region’s distinctive coastal conditions and limestone soils are creating growing interest in the wines that can be produced here.

It is a story that is still being written, and we are excited to be part of it.

Alongside the vineyard, more than 500 olive trees and farm beehives contribute to our growing range of estate olive oil and honey,

all available to purchase and enjoy during your stay or take home with you.

Life on the farm

Wine and olives are only part of life at Long Thin Farm.

This is a working farm, shaped by the seasons and the landscape around it. The river, olive groves, vineyards and surrounding natural environment all form part of everyday life here.

For guests, that means experiencing the farm rather than simply staying somewhere near Stilbaai. Walk through the olive grove to the river, enjoy a picnic, go kayaking or fishing, spend time birdwatching, explore the farm or simply slow down and enjoy the peace and space.

A place to slow down

Today, Long Thin Farm is home to two self-catering cottages, each offering a comfortable base from which to experience the farm

at your own pace.

The cottages are a short walk through the olive grove to the Goukou River, where guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the

farm and its surroundings.

Stilbaai is close enough when you want to explore further, but the farm is the reason to stay.

Long Thin Farm is a place rooted in the landscape, connected to a growing wine story and shaped by two people who chose to leave the corporate world behind and create a different kind of life.