Farm 215

Rooms

There are three accomodations to choose from, but the gems are the three contemporary free-standing Fynbos Suites, utterly private, set along a path that meanders through the reserve. At night you'll need to use the torch if you're going to be taking a stroll, but the payoff for this is magnificent stargazing. And by day, wall-to-wall glass reveals an outstanding view across the fynbos. All that separates you from the flora and fauna is a long wooden deck with a hot tub apiece. Outside, there's a table and chairs – perfect for sundowners.

The suites have a clever open-plan arrangement, sectioned into 3 areas for living/eating, sleeping and bathing. Wherever you are, the view never leaves you. Colours are warm earthen tones and there are wood-burning stoves to keep you toasty. The bathrooms have stainless steel sinks, large bathtubs and limestone shower rooms. You get fluffy towels and bathrobes. Sometimes the water can appear golden-red, but it's safe to drink due to the local source and eco filtration.

The House on 215 is a modern farmhouse with rolling views to the hills at the back of the reserve. There are two bedrooms, one with a queensize bed and the other with 2 singles. There's a cosy lounge that opens onto a private garden and covered patio with seating and a braai; there's also a wood-burning stove for cooler nights. The style here is less cutting-edge but just as comfortable, with pillowy beds, dark concrete floors, linens in soothing natural hues, large French windows, two bathrooms with indoor/outdoor showers and a hot tub.

Big groups should take Fynbos Hill. The large house has 4 double/twin bedrooms; each has its own spacious ensuite with a bathtub and/or walk-in shower. Step out into a large courtyard patio to find a sunken fire pit and superb views of the reserve. The second, smaller building contains a lounge, well-equipped kitchen and a bar fit for a party (though you'll have to bring the supplies yourself). This is the perfect choice for a special celebration.

All rooms have crisp 100% percale linen and goose down duvets. There are no TVs in this place – with these views it would be a sin.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Coffee / tea making
• Cots available
• Fireplace
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

Farm 215 operates on a self-catering basis, with kitchenettes in each of the Fynbos Suites and good-sized kitchens in both House on 215 and Fynbos Hill. They come equipped with the most basic items but you can stock up from local supermarkets from Gansbaai (20 minute drive away).

Each accommodation has a braai as well as outdoor tables and chairs, so on warm evenings you can dine alfresco. Fynbos Hill even comes with a full-size bar (that you'll need to stock yourself).

If you don't fancy cooking there are plenty of good restaurants in Gansbaai, or you can head a bit further out to Stanford and Hermanus.

Features include:

• Full kitchen
• Self-catering

Activities

• Go walking: there are 20km of trails through the reserve and surrounding hills, through indigenous fynbos and incredible wild flowers and fauna (we saw tortoises, antelope, baboons and snakes)
  
• Stay put: rest, relax and absorb the wonderful natural surroundings, or take an invigorating dip in the lap pool
  
• Wonderful horse riding can be arranged: rides can start in the reserve and bring you along the beach of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve (organise directly with The Africa Horse Company)
  
• Go whale-watching: Walker Bay (between Gansbaai and Hermanus) is one of the world's best spots for spotting southern right whales from the shore (between August and December)
  
• Get up close to great white sharks: take a boat trip and cage dive amongst these awe-inspiring creatures
  
• Visit the sleepy missionary town of Elim (25km) - ideal for those who want to get even further off the beaten track
  
• Stargaze: on a clear night sit on your deck and stare at the crystal firmament

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Plantlife / flora
• Trekking
• Whale watching
• Wildlife
• Wine tasting

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome, and baby cots are available free of charge on request.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Fynbos Hill is the largest, sleeping up to 10 (max. 8 adults); the large double/twin bedrooms each have an ensuite, there's a big kitchen for preparing family meals and direct access to the communal lap pool. House on 215 is best for a family of 4-5 as it has two bedrooms and a daybed that can sleep an extra person. The Fynbos Suites each have a sofabed which can be made up for a child on request. Book the whole property together for a party of up to 18 in existing beds.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Farm 215 is located along the 100km stretch of coast from Stanford to Cape Agulhas, the southern-most point of the African continent, near the entrance to the Agulhas National Park. The reserve itself is located in the middle of a mosaic of vineyards, farmland, flower orchards and unspoilt nature.

By Air
Cape Town International (150km away) is the nearest airport and has many links to Europe, the USA and beyond - click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
It is just over 2 hours' drive from Cape Town International, heading east via Hermanus. Accessed from the 'Fynbos Road' along the southern point of Africa, the gate to Farm 215 is about 20km from the fishing village of Gansbaai, on the road to Baardskeerdersbos and Elim.

By Car
For car hire see our car rental recommendations. The last 4km to the farm are along a gravel road - it's suitable for normal cars, but watch out for potholes.

Detailed directions will be provided when a booking is confirmed through i-escape.com.

More on getting to South Africa and getting around.