Boschendal, between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, is launching a new farm-stay experience in South Africa’s Winelands region from December 15. In line with its vision to restore its legacy, renovated Cape Dutch labourer cottages bring to life the working farm, where visitors’ experience will be about connecting with the land, its produce and its heritage. Guest cottages are rural yet contemporary and are ideal for families, groups of friends and couples, ranging from a five-bedroom Rhodes Cottage, a National Heritage Site built by Sir Herbert Baker for Cecil Rhodes, to the Orchard Cottages, a series of one- and two-bedroom cottages with an outdoor dining area for braais, a large swimming pool and a setting among the plum trees. Adjacent to the historic Werf, the seven one-bedroom Werf cottages are within walking distance of the restaurant and deli.
Also being restored is Boschendal’s Cape Dutch Werf, which incorporates the original Manor House. A farmshop and deli in the original wagon house will offer breakfasts, light seasonal lunches and afternoon teas. It will stock wholesome farm produce and delicatessen products that include Boschendal extra virgin olive oil, Black Angus beef home-made bread, jams and preserves. Picnic baskets can also be made up for guests.
The Werf Restaurant will offer tasting of naturally grown produce from Boschendal’s bio-friendly farms to pair with its wines from the 200-year-old Cape Dutch Cellar. At lunchtime the help-yourself harvest table will see chefs, led by Executive Chef Christian Campbell, putting the final touches to meals at interactive food counters. With access to Boschendal’s 2 200ha farm, guests staying in the cottages can join farm and history tours, follow trails through orchards, stopping off to pick pears, plums and citrus fruits, depending on the season. There are mountain biking trails, wine tasting and cellar tours, and trout fishing and swimming in the dams.