Combining the power of its original meter thick walls, yellowwood details, and authentic "Overberg" style while every modern convenience is available. The indulgence does not stop with the accommodation but is carried throughout your experience. With renowned chef, Lena Vergotini, creating her 5-course dinner menu, every guest is sure to be filled with delight.
The 680 ha. farm is yours to explore and straddles the lush mountainous belt with its orchards of fruit, nut and olive trees being the source of its highly acclaimed preserves and produce. Indigenous wildlife such as Black Wildebeest, Springbok, Grey Rheebuck and Ostriches are to be seen here, along with many smaller creatures and birds.
Accommodation:
Found in three separate buildings, the Original Wine Cellar (main house), the Slave Quarters and Van Eeden House, each offers a distinctive style and history.
The Slave Quarters (4 x Standard Rooms):
This Cape Dutch style building, originating in 1723, with beautiful thatched roof has been painstakingly redone to combine authentic historical atmosphere with modern comforts of today. Two communal lounges, private courtyard overlooking the orchard and situated next to the salt-water pool.
The Wine Cellar (1 x Luxury Room):
The original wine cellar with meter thick walls, thatch roof and original doors, still boast an impressive wine collection. The building has been restored to its original glory and exudes the magic of yesteryear.
This luxury room / Honeymoon Suite has a private staircase leading to spectacular views of mountains, and the pecan orchard. Step onto the balcony and watch the sunset paint magical colours or lounge on the chase reading a classic. Complete with king size bed, air-conditioning, Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and bidet as well as fully stocked mini bar and TV.
Van Eeden House (5 x Luxury Rooms):
This beautiful house was built in the 1800's. Adjacent from the main building, Van Eeden House has newly built suites with private entrances, top of the line fittings an plush furnishings.
Recreation Facilities:
Restaurant:
Famous for artisan cheese making, preserves, and orchards, the guest farm provides an award winning dining experience. All overnight guests are treated to a breakfast which includes fresh fruit parfait topped with homemade muesli and yogurt, followed by a hot breakfast of your choice, fresh squeezed juice and fresh brewed coffee or tea.
Lunch and dinner menu changes frequently as the kitchen utilises fresh produce grown in its own garden. Dinners are sure to be pleased with choices such as rack of lamb, seared tuna, aged beef fillet, or the famous kudu fillet. All pastas are handmade and salad is picked fresh daily. Pecan pie is a speciality made with the organically grown pecans from the farm and topped with homemade ice cream from the dairy.
Whether you dine inside the formal dining room, outside on the terrace or picnic style under the Pecan trees, service is a top priority. The Food and Beverage Manager can guide you in selecting a perfect bottle of wine from the wine region or help you explore the extensive wine cellar.
Location:
Steeped in nearly three centuries of pastoral history, the Western Cape has a rich heritage, and while its original settlers have long since moved on, their spirit is still evident. Many of the vineyards, currently undergoing a revival, produce some of South Africa's finest wines. Distinctive blends from all the noble cultivars and classic styles may be sampled and most farms readily welcome visitors for wine tasting.
You're in the heart of the South West Cape: the Robertson wine route, Montagu (with its hot mineral springs), the Breede River, Bontebok Park, Cape Agulhas, the De Hoop Nature Reserve (offering exceptional whale-watching in season), and the delightful town of Swellendam itself, the third oldest town in South Africa, and well worth exploring. The region offers a vast array of pleasurable pursuits to suit all tastes, within a concentrated area.