Jan Harmsgat Country farm house
Written by: Tara Charron
Heading towards Swellendam, just off the N2 and about 2 hours from Hermanus, you will find a quiet, breath taking rustic country farm house. This little haven is nestled between its vineyards of grapes, pomegranate and olive trees. It provides picturesque backdrops filled with mountain ranges, fields and greenery. It was an instant feeling of calm and mindfulness as soon as we stepped onto the property.
Facilities
Checking into our rooms we were immersed in what I can only describe as a modern day, Victorian style cottage house. Beautifully decorated to the finest detail, the room was equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay and more! From a king sized bed to aircon and refreshments station, it was almost difficult to want to leave our room!
The rooms were incredibly spacious with farm made beauty detergents available. The farm harvest and grow their own pomegranates, olives, grapes and honey, of which they now use to produce not only decadent wines and juices, but also to create a handful of soaps and body wash.
Taking a walk around the farm is very easy on the eyes, with greenery everywhere/ A favourite of ours was the apple tree canopy as you walk through to the pool. This little walk way makes for the perfect reset before heading over and enjoying your self at the pool.
Food
When it comes to the food, I can not go on enough. The menu was diverse and wholesome, catering to everyone’s dietary desires and requirements. Now let me just say that I am not one to order a salad at a restaurant, but man, on man was it the best salad I have ever had! The produce was so fresh and decadent with majority of the ingredients coming straight from their vegetable gardens. But don’t worry, if salads are not your thing, they have a list of options to choose from, and trust me when I say that the chef knows what he is doing when it comes to bringing flavour to food.
Choose between the cosy indoors of the restaurant or dine outside between the trees. Be sure to taste their fresh pomegranate juice made from their farm grown pomegranates!
Activities
You will not be short of things to do, with activities catering to all walks of life. Enjoy wine tasting of the farms wine for only R35! from their very own vineyards after taking their bicycles for a ride around the farm. The farm has a set out route to run/ cycle which takes you on a scenic route around the fields and dam. You may even spot the farms wildebeest!
The wine tasting may take place inside or outside and is a fantastic way to learn about the farms history and taste their beautifully harvested wines. The Cabernet Sauvignon is my favourite, with the Pinotage coming in a very close second.
Not to worry though, if you are not a big cycle or run fan, there are guided tours which happen in a canopy tour bus, another great way to learn about the farm and the workings of the farm.
If you are feeling a little adventurous, take a drive about 25 minutes to Montagu nature reserve, where you will be spoilt with a variety of different hiking trails. We did the bloupunt trail which leads you to a series of waterfalls for a refreshing dip. This is a must do for those who love the outdoors. Be aware though, you need to purchase a permit of R52/ per person at the gates with the first and second waterfalls about 3-‐4km walk through the mountain. The walk is relatively flat with almost no inclines. Take water and some snacks to enjoy after your dip.
Recent Comments