Rooms

There are four units to choose from (and you can book the whole homestead in one if you are a big enough group), but the gems are the contemporary free-standing Fynbos Suites, utterly private, set along a path that meanders through the reserve (the furthest is about 300m from the homestead). 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. This makes you feel like you're living outside whilst remaining cosy indoors. 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 Mountain View is a more recent renovation. Once the owner's house, it is now a ground-floor apartment with a modern farmhouse feel. The main room is an open plan living area with a cosy seating area and a wood stove for cooler nights. There is a queensize bed in a separate room, and an additional bed can be added on request. Though it doesn't have the views of the Fynbos Suites, it does have its own covered terrace with cushioned seating, a braai area and a small, enclosed garden. The style here is less cutting-edge but just as comfortable, with pillowy beds, dark concrete floors, linens in soothing natural hues, large sash windows, a slick bathroom (with indoor and outdoor showers) and a hot tub.

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
• WiFi

Eating

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

If you don't fancy cooking there are plenty of tasty offerings in Gansbaai. Rosemary's Country Kitchen & Deli has a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that focuses on authentic African flavours, accompanied by local wines. If fresh seafood is calling your name head to Blue Goose Restaurant to dine in style while tucking into the region's finest fare. Or if you're after a more relaxed affair take out some classic fish and chips from The Fish Lady, best consumed by the sea.

Features include:

• Bar
• Coffee / tea making

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). If you want to learn more, go with an expert guide
  
• Stay put: rest, relax and absorb the wonderful natural surroundings, or take an invigorating dip in the lap pool
  
• There's wonderful horse riding on offer: 1-2 hour rides in the nature reserve itself, or day trails, which can bring you along the beach of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. (The Africa Horse Company organises trips from its station at Stanford, a 30-minute drive from Farm 215.)
  
• 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
• Private guided tours
• Swimming
• Trekking
• Whale watching
• Wildlife
• Wine tasting

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome, and baby cots are available free of charge on request. Kids aged 12 and over will be charged at the full adult rate.

Best for:

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

Family friendly accommodation:

The Mountain View Suite is best for a small family as it is the largest and has a single bed which can be made up for a child. Two of the Fynbos Suites have a day bed which can be made up for an additional child on request if you are taking over the whole property. You can also book the whole property together for a party of up to 8 adults and 2 kids.

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.