Lismore Farm has been in the Barry family since 1844, before which it was used as a horse-breeding farm for the Dutch East India Company. A post office trading post was established where transport riders exchanged horses. In later years Thomas Barry planted and grew tobacco. The first cold storage plant and rooms in South Africa were erected on the farm and can still be seen today. Cigars were produced (the holders in which the cigars were made and the certificates dating back to that time can be seen on request). The enterprising Thomas Barry laid a pipeline through the farm and erected a Pelton wheel driven by water. Lismore Farm had electricity before the town of Swellendam.
There is an option of two accommodation venues at Lismore. The Lismore mountain cottage is set on the tranquil slopes of the Kleinberg and overlooks the green fields of the farm. It sleeps eight people and has two bathrooms. The Lismore log cabin is built from solid logs and is situated on the edge of the river. It too, like the mountain cottage, is placed at the foot of the mountain with a view of the green fields of Lismore. The cabin sleeps six people with two bathrooms. Both cottages boast gas lamps and candle light. Guests only need to bring bedding or ask for it when booking (pillows are provided). A bag of wood and a bottle of fresh farm milk are also provided at arrival.
Various activities are on offer on Lismore Farm, including swimming, fishing, hiking and cycling. Bird-watching is also a pleasant pastime. Horse riding can be arranged, but guests are also welcome to simply wander around the beautiful farmlands or relax at the cottage. With luck, one might see the very scarce and very shy bushpig.
