Totties Farm Kitchen on Knysna's Rheenendal Ramble

Florence Eleanor van Reenen was born in New Zealand but arrived in South Africa as a “Florence Nightingdale” nurse during the Anglo-Boer War.  She was called “Tottie” by the van Reenen family as she used to call her grandchildren “Little Tots”.

In 1922 she started the original general dealer store and butcher in Rheenendal and this shop served the Millwood woodcutters and staff from her husbands sawmill.  Totties Farm Kitchen has stayed in the family and is now run by her great-grandson and his wife.

Totties is situated 15 kilometres along the Rheenendal road, close to the Millwood area where there have been recent sightings of the Knysna elephants as well as sightings of fresh dung and tree damage. 

Tottie’s Farm Store is filled with home-made goodies and basic supplies, crafts and local produce.  You will be taken back to your childhood years when you see the sweets displayed in big glass jars and drawers at the till counter.  Buy just one or a whole handful!  Just the way it was when we were young! 

The Farm Kitchen restaurant is a wonderland of historic memorabilia, furniture and crockery!  It took at least half an hour  to wander around and look at the interesting bits and pieces that are clearly part of the family history.  Lots of old photographs are on display as well as books and appliances dating back to the early days.  We chose to sit outside in the garden under the trees on a mish mash of old (ball and claw) and newer furniture.  The big pond adds a tranquil atmosphere to the setting.  The food is deliciously fresh and seriously tasty!  Well worth a visit as part of the Rheenendal Ramble experience Read more