Boschendal Farm

Guests staying on the farm have access to every corner of the sweeping grounds and boy are they magnificent. Get stuck into the relaxed farm lifestyle and pick plums from the orchards, explore the vineyards or simply lie in the lush grass listening to the puttering of the tractor. Food-wise, there’s the Rhone Homestead restaurant where traditional South African fare is served up on grand tables, the smart Werf Restaurant or for a laid-back bite, pick up a picnic basket or something from the deli.

The old farm labourer’s cottages on the estate have been elegantly restored into colourful, stylish retreats with a touch of the old Cape Dutch charm. The Orchard Cottages are across the road and are quiet and chilled with a lovely shared swimming pool and gardens, whilst the Werf Cottages are on the main estate and have ravishing views of the mountains. Two-bedroomed Clarence Cottage is a good option for families, Trout Cottage is probably the most private and the piece de resistance is Rhodes Cottage, the original bolthole of Cecil John Rhodes and now a stunning ‘country-house cottage’ with all mod-cons. Recently, several more cottages at The Retreat have been added; more modern in style, they are purpose-built and lack a little of the character of the main farm.

Overnight guests have exclusive use of the estate’s hiking trails so make the most of the solitude and explore the magical surroundings. If you’re feeling particularly energetic there’s jeep tracks and winding forest roads for mountain biking, trail running and even horse rides. On the estate, tantalise your taste buds with wine and food pairings, delve into the heritage with a cellar tour or chill out totally in the Farm Spa. And if you’re still not tired, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch with their eclectic shops and restaurants are only a short drive away.