Meet the locals
Martie and Shawn Smuts
Marlotti Farm Venue
Martie grew up in the valley, and since 2017 she and her husband have lived on Marlotti farm, 20 km from Ohrigstad on the road to Pilgrim’s Rest. This move followed a 13-year stint in Johannesburg, where Shawn was a fresh produce agent and Martie worked in the communications industry. “And then we had two children… and everything changed,” Martie says.
Martie’s father and brother are farmers, but this piece of land next to the road was not suitable for farming. It is, however, well positioned for exploring the Panorama Route. “Tour buses are our biggest business; they stop here for lunch. But we also host weddings and school and leadership camps on the farm – you could call it a modern veld school.”
Martie says this is a talented community. “Trix Crause paints all my signboards and the DJ who plays at our dances also makes gates. And it’s always great when you find out that a farmer’s wife is also a qualified lawyer.”
There are leopards on the farm, and Martie and Shawn often see one of the big cats near the house, in the fields or at the venue. “My daughter, Nina, was two months old when we moved to the farm. Sitting at a coffee shop in Lydenburg and seeing all the cars driving by, she would
