With over 700 vineyards inside a two-hour drive of Cape Town, deciding which one to go to can pose a problem. Fortunately, the property closest to Cape Town’s airport is a vacation spot in its personal proper – and after visiting twice, it’s time to share this hidden gem.
The welcome
After finishing the mandatory paperwork, we had been escorted right into a golf cart, and our journey started, meandering by means of the property. As we handed the resort and the proprietor’s villa – together with a herd of Dexter cattle grazing within the fields – we noticed the row of white-washed Cape Dutch-style cottages, considered one of which might be our dwelling for the following three days.
The room
The property options six freestanding, two-bedroom luxurious cottages, and strolling throughout the entrance veranda was a pleasant expertise. Stepping inside, we had been welcomed by a lounge with a wood-burning fire and a eating desk. As a continuation of the nice and cozy welcome, our porter poured us glasses of Cap Classique. This is commonly served in resort receptions, the place I generally really feel pressured to complete it instantly, however being served in our lounge felt each intelligent and homely.
From the central lounge, two equivalent bedrooms lengthen outwards, each with invitingly comfy king beds – adorned with loads of pillows for many who take pleasure in making a sleeping nest – and main by means of sliding doorways to the surface veranda.
The out of doors area is effortlessly designed for rest: the generously sized heated pool invitations lounging, and an out of doors bathe provides each heat and funky water after a swim. Secluded from the remainder of the farm, the cottages boast a tranquil setting, surrounded by manicured gardens, with the Stellenbosch mountains within the distance.
Vergenoegd Löw additionally provides a fantastically boutique Farm Lodge, the place I stayed throughout my first go to. Each of the Deluxe Lodge Rooms is a spacious 40m² and options its personal non-public deck with a jacuzzi and out of doors furnishings – and all of the farm’s amenities are only a quick stroll away.
Lastly, the beautiful proprietor’s villa is accessible for selective stays – a contemporary and custom-designed dwelling that includes six en-suite bedrooms. There are 4 Vineyard suites within the courtyard, every with its personal heated pool, which will also be rented out for small teams of associates or household searching for seclusion. There’s additionally a formidable presidential fairly – a favourites for wedding ceremony {couples}!
The rest room
Returning to our luxurious cottage, each bedrooms result in giant loos with walk-in showers and freestanding bathtubs. As a frequent traveller in South Africa, I’m all the time curious in regards to the offered facilities – and I felt a sigh of aid at Vergenoegd Löw upon recognizing the acquainted Healing Earth labels, a premium African spa model.
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The location
Vergenoegd Löw couldn’t be extra conveniently positioned – being the closest property to Cape Town’s airport, which is a mere 20-minute drive away. The metropolis itself is barely twice that distance – however make no mistake, the property nonetheless embodies the spirit of the Winelands, supplying you with a way of escape from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. While a number of the lodging could also be new, the farm’s historical past traces again to the early days of the Cape.
One notable instance is the story of Dutch Lutheran minister and artist Jan Brandes, who visited the farm in 1786 and created intensive work of each buildings and botany, which have guided present groups aiming to honour the farm’s heritage. Some of his works are featured within the prestigious Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, with reproductions on show in Clara’s Barn.
The amenities
With so many actions on provide at Vergenoegd Löw, you genuinely received’t wish to depart – which suggests you may indulge within the farm’s three culinary choices. Firstly, Clara’s Barn is firmly positioned in my prime 4 South African eating places. It’s an expertise that completely hits the mark for fantastic eating, providing pure epicurean ecstasy from the 11-course choices to the breath-taking interiors, all paired with property wines – tucked away in a serene enclave of the farm.
Secondly, within the farm’s central courtyard (and delightful indoor rooms), informal eating is served up within the morning and at midday at Geuwels. Hotel company take pleasure in breakfast right here, that includes tasty South African twists like ‘die soutie’ full breakfast and the ‘regmakertjie’ for these affected by final evening’s indulgences.
Lastly, with in-room eating, you may take pleasure in no-frills delights delivered to your door – whether or not by the pool, within the eating room, or my private favorite – in mattress! There are few issues I relish greater than sinking my enamel right into a burger in mattress whereas watching the newest Netflix providing.
Then maybe saving the very best for final, naturally Vergenoegd Löw provides premium wine. We had the privilege of spending a bit of time with the charming winemaker Vusi Dalicuba, who walked us by means of the wines. Vusi Dalicuba has been on the helm since 2021, having beforehand labored at a number of famend wineries. In a world the place there are nonetheless few Xhosa winemakers, he has very proudly made his mark.
From the fabulously contemporary tropical and Sauvignon Blanc, fantastically fruit-wood balanced Chardonnay, lighter however elegant Shiraz to the seductive cool local weather Cabernet. The wines are finest loved over the Indigenous Tasting on the veranda or tremendous fashionable rooms of the Manor House. They’re served with a number of favorite South African nibbles – relatively than dictating the pairing you’re left to discover your personal mouthwatering style combos.
Other good touches
In addition to the work and drawings, the property additionally boasts a formidable sculpture assortment. The Art Walk is a self-guided or lead tour taking within the excellent items, which embrace a number of from celebrated South African artists Dylan Lewis and Manuela Holzer.
Walking the tour takes you previous the tranquil setting of the lake; with the Eerste Rivier working by means of the property, there’s infinite water with canals holding the gardens and vineyards well-watered. Next on the stroll is the serene Valentina’s Chapel, seating as much as 120 folks for weddings and important ceremonies. The chapel is flanked by each a labyrinth and a maze, which give a bit of leisure pre or submit your go to to the chapel.
The price
The lodge rooms begin at R7200 for 2 company, the winery suites at R9200, after which the cottages at R13200 for 4 adults. The proprietor’s villa is accessible on selective says, with the value on request. All lodging is inclusive of a welcome drink, fruit basket within the room, one complimentary wine tasting on the Vergenoegd Löw tasting room per keep, a restricted minibar after which day by day breakfast.
The finest bit
Mention the farm’s title and sometimes you’ll hear one thing alongside the strains of “Ah, the farm with the ducks!” The lovely Indian Runner geese have turn out to be the farm’s mascots – a staggering one thousand of them name the farm dwelling, and twice day by day they are often noticed elegantly marching throughout the lawns: on their approach to and from a day’s duties of foraging and natural pest management.
The closing verdict
After all that, you’ll see why I take advantage of the phrase vacation spot to explain Vergenoegd Löw – for those who thought it was nearly wine tasting or geese then they’re lacking out. After two stays, the farm already looks like dwelling – and with the shut distance to Cape Town itself, why not have an additional dwelling across the nook?
Disclosure: Our keep was sponsored by Vergenoegd Löw.
Jared Ruttenberg
Jared Ruttenberg is a journey author from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting folks and experiences by means of phrases, pictures and social media.
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