“Stylish, homely Cape Dutch country manor and wine farm close to Stellenbosch and Cape Town”
The 15 bedrooms are spread between the main house and various converted outhouses. Each room is different but all are beautifully furnished with fine antiques, contemporary touches and comfy beds dressed with crisp linen. Expect slick basins and armchairs re-upholstered with fresh new fabrics; we particularly like the outhouse rooms with their clean lines, great views and fine finishes.
Our favourites were the bright and airy Superior and Family Rooms, with their spacious bathrooms and relaxing terraces. We also had a quick peek at one of the Luxury Rooms which was fresh and chic, with doors opening out to the gardens (others have garden views only).
Featuring a kitchen, living room and dining space, the Self-Catering Cottage has 2 ensuite bedrooms with large French windows, as well as access to a sunny courtyard.
All rooms have digital safes, WiFi, hairdryers and Charlotte Rhys toiletries. There are no TVs but you can request an iPod docking station.
Taken inside or on the pretty veranda, breakfast is served at a long wooden table overlooking the rose and lavender gardens. Expect a healthy array of juices, granolas, creamy yoghurts and fresh fruit, plus homemade jams and toast. Leave room for the cooked breakfast - our scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and roasted tomatoes were perfect.
Bear in mind that the Self-Catering Cottage has its own kitchen and is booked on an accommodation-only basis.
A 3-course set dinner menu is on offer daily from the Country Kitchen, just pre-book before 11am that day; expect simple, but tasty home-cooked food. There's a cosy sitting room with an honesty bar: help yourself to a glass of their crisp Chenin Blanc and watch the sunset from the veranda.
Although there’s no formal lunch service, there are delicious cheese and meat platters available, and staff will happily make you a pot of tea (ask for the fresh mint brew), served on a silver tray with locally baked biscuits.
For change of scene, you will have to venture out in the car. Make sure you book well in advance as it can be difficult to get into the best restaurants (Hawksmoor staff are very good at making suggestions and reservations). We like the award-winning Terroir (on the Kleine Zalze wine estate), 96 Winery Rd (rustic and famed for their steaks) and Tokara (innovative cuisine and amazing views).
Children aged 2-11 can stay by special arrangement only, and this will depend on other guests staying at the time. Other ages are always welcome.
Teens (over 12)
Family Rooms have space for an extra bed; the Self-Catering Cottage sleeps up to 4 in two ensuite bedrooms, and has its own kitchen.
Babysitting can be arranged
The long pond and pool could be a hazard for any unsupervised children
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
