Best farm venue for a corporate retreat or year-end function near Johannesburg
If your idea of a corporate getaway involves trust falls and fluorescent lights… we need to talk.
Because what if your team could trade boardrooms for birdsong?
Deadlines for lawn games? End-of-year burnout for barefoot sunsets and fireside connection?
Welcome to The Stone Cellar. A working farm turned laid-back wedding and event venue just outside of Johannesburg and Pretoria. And yes, we do host corporate groups. Thoughtful, relaxed, people-first gatherings are kind of our thing.
Not your average conference venue (and we like it that way)
You won’t find marble foyers, clicky name tags or buffet lines with questionable lasagne here. Instead, you’ll find:
- A beautiful, repurposed chapel space for team meetings, strategy sessions or workshops (don’t worry, we have a screen, sound and decent Wi-Fi).
- Wide-open lawns for anything from morning yoga to friendly competition (volleyball, croquet, tug of war anyone?).
- Long table lunches under trees, farm-to-table dinners, wine by the fire and space to just be.
We focus on simplicity and substance. Fresh air. Room to think. Unrushed moments. And food that tastes even better when shared with people you like.
What does a corporate breakaway at The Stone Cellar look like?
That depends on you.
Some companies want a full-day planning session with breakaway groups, coffee on tap and a harvest table lunch.
Others want a relaxed overnight retreat with families in tow, morning meetings followed by lawn games, wine, and a slow fire-cooked dinner.
And a few just want to treat their team to a day that doesn’t feel like work at all.
So what do we offer?
1. Flexible spaces that work with you
Our converted chapel space is perfect for presentations, meetings, or strategy days. There’s natural light, high ceilings, and a calm atmosphere that somehow makes ideas flow more easily.
Need smaller breakaway areas? We’ll work with you. Whether you prefer hay bales under the trees or a picnic bench in the garden.
There’s no need to wedge yourselves around a plastic table under fluorescent lights when there’s the option of open air and fresh thought.
2. Farm-to-table food (with a view)
Our kitchen focuses on simple, seasonal ingredients served beautifully. Think: roast veg from the garden, freshly baked bread, farm-style meats, artisanal cheeses, vibrant salads.
Whether you want a hearty brunch, a long lunch, or a three-course dinner, we can customise to suit your group.
We love using local, seasonal produce — it’s better for the planet and makes everything taste the way it should. Menus can be elegant or rustic, plated or family-style. We’ll design something delicious either way.
And yes, we cater for dietary preferences. We know Susan from accounts is vegan. We’ve got her covered.
3. Group activities that don’t feel forced
You can:
- Play volleyball, cricket or lawn games
- Host a wine or gin tasting
- Do a group painting session on the lawn
- Chill by the fire and roast marshmallows
Some teams bring their own quiz night or storytelling prompts. Others just hang out, phones down, shoulders relaxed. You don’t need to manufacture connection when you’re in a space that encourages it.
4. Onsite accommodation for small groups
Want to make a night of it? We can host:
- Up to 13 people not sharing (each in their own room/space)
- Or up to 44 people sharing (ideal if families are coming along)
Our farmhouse and en-suite rooms are cosy, simple, and well-appointed. Just the right balance of rustic and restful.
Have a slightly larger group? We can help shuttle overflow guests to nearby accommodation: neighbouring farms or the Heidelberg Crown Hotel.
The bonus of staying over? No rushing home. No fighting traffic. Just one more cup of coffee, one more story around the fire, one more breath of fresh air before you go.
Who is this perfect for?
- Startups and small businesses who want to treat their team
- Creative agencies or wellness practitioners needing a calm space
- Leadership teams who want real conversations, not just PowerPoints
- Companies who want to reconnect after a tough season
- Remote teams who rarely meet in person and want to make it count
If your team is close-knit, values quality time, and would rather chat over a farm lunch than awkwardly clap after a PowerPoint, we’re probably your people.
Year-end functions with soul
The Stone Cellar is perfect for end-of-year celebrations that feel more personal and less like a badly lit restaurant with a set menu.
You can:
- Arrive for brunch, enjoy the farm all day, and linger for sunset drinks
- Host a prize-giving or short speech session in the chapel
- Let kids run wild on the lawns while grown-ups relax by the fire
Some teams bring in lawn games and silly awards. Some just want good food and no emails for a day. Either way, we’ll make it happen.
Want to add florals, a beautifully styled table, or a bonfire under the stars? Let’s chat. We keep it flexible, and we’ll help make it yours.
Planning is easy (we promise)
We know you don’t have a full-time events coordinator. That’s what we’re here for. Just tell us:
- Your preferred date(s)
- How many people (and whether they’re sharing rooms)
- If it’s a one-day or overnight event
- What your goals are (fun, strategy, rest, all three?)
We’ll help you plan the rest — meals, schedule, activities and more. You’ll get one point of contact (no long chains of emails), and we’ll guide you from idea to execution with calm, cheerful professionalism.
Need a timeline? A menu suggestion? A few tips to get your team excited? Done.
The heart of it all
Most teams don’t need another conference. They need connection.
Space to talk like humans again. To laugh. To listen. To remember why they started working together in the first place.
When the setting is right, so much becomes easier. Ideas land more clearly. Relationships strengthen naturally. People feel seen.
That’s what we offer: a backdrop for real moments.
Ready to get out of the office?
We’d love to host your team.
The Stone Cellar might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Click here to get in touch or build your own quote.
