The Scottsmen. John & Doug Gleister bought the one portion of the farm Dunbar for £950 after it was subdivided into 9 smaller farms in the late 1800’s. The two brothers couldn’t agree on a name for the farm and out of frustration, with time running out to name the farm for registration, their Harrismith lawyer (also a Scotsman) named the farm for them. Oban. After Oban in Scotland which means “Little Bay”.

The Glaister family: From the left: Anna, Grace, Margaret, Ethel (centre), Mabel, Joyce, John Brother Johnny wasn’t born yet. John and Mabel’s grave is still on the farm.

Although Oban Guest Farm doesn’t look anything like a little bay it does encircle all those who visit in a warm embrace. The farm has a rich history filled with joy, tragedy and adversity but after a 100 years her heart it beating stronger than ever. Nestled in a valley, not visible from the De Beers Pass Road in Van Reenen with Nelson’s Kop towering on the horizon. Rachel De Beer and her family camped in the yellowwood forest on Nelson’s Kop.

There is also the tragedy that played itself out at Nelson’s Kop at the turn of the century where a father shot his own son after failing to save him when he fell down a cliff. Read about it here.

Uncle Doug was known for his progressiveness in agriculture with everything from crops, sheep to prized horses. The rumblings of war at the turn of the century brought the first challenge for Oban. Doug joined General Smuts to oust the Germans and during a battle lost one eye. John desperately tried to keep Oban afloat and the bank manager happy. 

In 1922 Oban Guest Farm was born in an attempt to supplement the farm’s income. Anna Gleister (John’s wife) was an avid gardener whose garden attracted visitors from across the country. She managed the staff, trained the cooks (some who she decided were naturals), and ran the guesthouse with its bookings, meals, homemade butters and jams as well as taking care of the children and the garden.

Then tragedy struck. Mabel, then 11 years old fell on concrete. Her wound wouldn’t heal and finally turned into bone cancer. After many failed surgeries she passed away in Johannesburg where her little body was embalmed and sent back to Oban. Jim, the farm handy man, was devastated. He disappeared for about two weeks. Anna and Ethel (one of John and Anna’s daughters) recalled hearing hammering coming from the rocks behind the homestead. Two weeks later Jim appeared and beckoned them to come. He had chiseled the borders for her grave from the rocks on the hill. Her grave is still prominently visible today including the border made by Jim.

Ox wagons (one wheel was found when one dam was cleaned) would frequently pull into Oban for a much needed break coming down Van Reenen’s pass. Visitors were greeted with a warm welcome and some good o’l fashioned home cooked meals. Guests scrambled to get their share of homemade pastries, scones and treats during morning and afternoon tea which was served on the veranda (now the entrance where coffee is served in reception). Dinner consisted of a large home cooked meal from vegetables and fruits grown on the farm. 

After breakfast in the morning the sound of a large gong would sound and guests would scramble to meet the ox wagon who would either take them on a trip to Van Reenen or a picnic at Nelson’s Kop. There was a rush to get the seats with the best views. They didn’t even mind the shaking and bumpy ride as the big wooden wheels creek over the rocky dirt road.

Oban hummed with activity. Children gleefully played games, rode horses, fed farmyard animals, and frolicked with playful calves. Skilled hands dominated the sheep shearing competitions, while vibrant fancy dress parades and lively picnics added to the festive atmosphere. Evenings unfolded with captivating beetle drives, challenging quizzes, delightful concerts, and other engaging entertainment. (We are actively working to revive these cherished traditions.)

The big fireplace in the communal lounge kept everyone warm during miserable weather, and folks connected, chatted, laughed, played games, and read. This customary tradition is still followed on Oban to this day.

John and Anna generously hosted their guests, and their very large vegetable garden flourished. As a result, Oban’s guests always departed with a generous bounty of fresh vegetables and fruit after their vacation.

Uncle Doug’s return to the farm was met with agreement from those who remembered him: a confirmed bachelor and a larger-than-life character loved by all. He reveled in playing pranks on guests and was notorious for spinning tall tales.

One such incident, a previous guest recalls, was when Uncle Dougie played a prank on an unsuspecting honeymoon couple. They were both very shy and reserved and kept mostly to themselves. Uncle Dougie grabbed his prized rooster and spun him around and around until the poor, half comatose bird stuck his head beneath its wing. Dougie handed the bird to some pranksters who shoved it deep under the honeymoon couple’s bed and kept watch all night close by in eager anticipation. About an hour before sunrise there was a very loud cock-a-doodle-doo followed by shrieks and screams sending the couple fleeing from their room.

Another incident Ethel (John’s daughter) recalls was when John and Uncle Doug went to town one day. Uncle Doug removed his glass eye and set it on a fence post informing the workers that ‘it’ will be watching them whilst they are gone and they must do their work. Evidently they did! Eagerly!

Once again tragedy struck. On a beautiful Sunday morning Uncle Dough took some guests fishing at the large dam he and John had built on the farm (still here today). As usual, he was entertaining guests spinning his tales when there was a sudden silence. Guests found Uncle Dougie lying on his back. He had a massive heart attack and age 47 was gone. He was laid to rest next to Mable. His grave is also prominently visible today. Some folks swear that Uncle Dougies’ mischievous ghosts is roaming in the old homestead turning lights off after they had been turned on. Thea has been eagerly waiting for him each morning but he appears to be very shy. 

Oban were seared by several runaway wild fires which farmers found difficult to contain back then (not anymore as everyone puts them out fast when they flare up today so there is no danger anymore) and changed hands several times but withstood the adversity. She laid abandoned and unloved for eight years.

In August 2022 Thea Van Straten fell in love with Oban. Thea has enthusiastically started bringing Oban back to life. Renovations are in full operation under Jan’s critical and watchful eye and Oban’s heartbeat is stronger than ever. Soon country quilts will be found in each room. Homemade jams will continue to delight guests and will be for sale in the little shop along with many treats and trinkets to remind visitors of their stay at Oban. So be sure to go scratch around for the little treasures. The century old buildings will be standing proud and polished, ready for another 100 years. Once you have visited you become part of the Oban family and cannot help but to return to her warm embrace time and time again. She not only gets under your skin, she gets into your blood. 

Oban is a true hidden gem and guests always leave in awe. This is evident from our guest books signed by folks from all over the world and some goes all the way back to 1942. There was an older one but sadly it was stolen by a guest who had found family members who visited the guest farm in the early days. We are full of hope that remorse would set in and it would be returned to its rightful place.

We would love for you to join our Oban family. A place where time truly stands still and friends and family meet. Your soul is revived. You arrive weary and leave refreshed and renewed. Come sit with us, share your stories and enjoy hearty comfort food. Just like grams used to make it. You won’t find five star accommodation here (after all, we are over 100 years old) but we can GUARANTEE that you will receive five star treatment and tons of love!

Welcome to Oban, y’all!