Calling all nature lovers: How about a rustic escape in the woods?

I don’t know about you, but there’s something magical about the idea of a cabin in the woods. The thought of leaving behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and trading it for the peaceful serenity of nature sounds like a dream come true. Luckily, I’ve got good news for you – there are two charming and cosy farm stays near Cape Town that will transport you to a world of tranquility and relaxation.

Picture yourself waking up to the sound of birds chirping outside your window, surrounded by towering trees and breathtaking views. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the concrete jungle we’re so accustomed to. These farm stays offer a chance to reconnect with nature, recharge your batteries, and come back feeling revitalized and inspired.

One of the key benefits of these farm stays is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. From hiking trails that wind through dense forests to open fields where you can spot wildlife roaming freely, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore and connect with your surroundings. Imagine taking a leisurely walk through the woods, discovering hidden treasures along the way – it’s a nature lover’s paradise!

Additionally, these farm stays provide a unique and authentic experience of rural life. You’ll have the chance to learn about farm activities, such as milking cows or feeding chickens – activities that are far removed from our urban realities. It’s a chance to slow down, appreciate the simpler things in life, and gain a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into running a farm.

When it comes to accommodation, you won’t be disappointed. These cabins are the epitome of comfort and charm. Picture a cosy fireplace, a plush bed adorned with soft linens, and a warm cup of cocoa to keep you company on chilly winter nights. It’s the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

And if you’re worried about being disconnected from the outside world, fear not. These farm stays offer all the modern amenities you need, including Wi-Fi and electricity. So you can still stay connected, while enjoying the benefits of a peaceful retreat.

So, if you’re in need of a break from the chaos of city life and yearn for a rustic escape in the woods, these farm stays near Cape Town are calling your name. Immerse yourself in nature, experience the joys of rural life, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay today and let the magic of the cabin in the woods work its wonders on you.

Imagine what comes to mind when I mention the word ‘cabin.’ It’s a word that sparks a world of imagination. I picture a cozy retreat nestled amidst beautiful nature. I envision a small haven surrounded by lush greenery, with a babbling river nearby that flows endlessly towards the vast ocean. The cool night breeze is an essential part of this mental image, complemented by a crackling fire, and of course, the pleasant company of friends, engaging in heartfelt conversations. It’s a soothing experience for the soul.

During my recent visit to Cape Town, I seized the opportunity to explore some of the Western Cape’s farm stays and cabins. Here’s what I discovered.

White Bridge Farm

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a peaceful cabin in a picturesque valley? Well, I found just the place for you. White Bridge Farm, nestled in the tranquil Witzenberg Valley, is the perfect getaway, located just a short 90-minute drive from the bustling Mother City.

When I arrived at White Bridge Farm, I was immediately captivated by the range of accommodation options available. However, I ultimately chose to stay in a charming wooden cabin located right on the banks of the breathtaking Breede River.

The cabin is beautifully decorated with a mix of styles, featuring neutral tones and a sleek white concrete floor. It has a charming country feel that is both cozy and chic. The farm is owned and run by Peppi and Paul Stanford. You might remember that I wrote about Peppi’s love for the greater Wolseley area and her Creative Hub, which showcases the artistic talent of local residents.

Peppi’s dedication to promoting the region is truly inspiring. I had the chance to visit the Creative Hub one Monday morning and saw firsthand the results of her hard work. As I looked through the edited photos, it was clear that her efforts are making a real impact.

Hey there! Let me tell you an interesting story. Peppi’s son, Nick, is an amazing chef. He runs the Olive Rock Wedding and Function Venue, which is located on White Bridge Farm. It’s a really cool place that used to be old sheds on the farm. Now, it’s right by the Breede River. How cool is that?

Now, here’s a little secret for you. If you ask Nick nicely, he might just whip up something super tasty for you. He loves using fresh ingredients from the farm. Imagine enjoying a scrumptious meal next to a cozy fire while sipping on some delicious local red wine. Doesn’t that sound amazing?

Just remember, if you’re ever in the area, make sure to visit Olive Rock. Nick’s cooking will blow your mind!

While you’re in the Witzenberg Valley

Hey there! If you find yourself exploring the greater Wolseley and Ceres area, you’re in for a treat! There’s so much to see and do here. One place you definitely don’t want to miss out on is Ceres Zipslide Adventures. Trust me, it’s a real adrenaline rush!

Picture this: you’re soaring through the air in the magnificent Schurweberg Mountains, feeling the wind in your hair and the thrill in your veins. The zipline course is filled with eight exciting slides, ranging from 100 to 290 meters long. That’s a total of 1.4 kilometers of pure excitement! It’s a whole new way to experience the rugged beauty of this area.

What makes Ceres Zipslide Adventures even better is the awesome staff. They’re incredibly friendly and well trained to make sure you have the best time ever. Let me tell you, on my first slide, I was a little too cautious with the brake. But they were right there to help me out and cheer me on. I quickly got the hang of it and ended up sliding from one rocky outcrop to the next with a huge grin on my face!

After a long eco-adventure, my friends and I were feeling quite thirsty. We decided to visit Loxtonia Cider’s tasting room, which is actually located right in the cidery itself! It’s amazing how much the cider scene has grown over the years. When I first started drinking cider, there weren’t many options available. But now, cider has become quite popular, and Loxtonia has played a big part in that.

I decided to go all-in and try all the ciders they had to offer, including their newest creation made during the lockdown. Out of all the options, my absolute favorite was the Pale Amber. It had a delicious cherry flavor that was dangerously easy to drink. But that’s not all I found at Loxtonia. They also had a cider sparkling wine called Loxtonia Blush MTC (and they even had a Brut version!). The MTC stands for “method traditional cider,” and let me tell you, that bottle of bubbly we had in their cozy tasting room was absolutely delightful. It was the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Ceres Valley.

Pendennis Farm

I want to tell you about a special place that not many people know about – the Bossieveld Valley. Have you ever heard of it? It’s located just outside Villiersdorp, if you’re coming from the Rawsonville side. And there’s a farm there called Pendennis Farm that has been around since 1875. It’s a really important place in the region.

The farm is quite big. It covers 42 hectares of land and has vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. It’s also a home to many animals like sheep, cows, ostriches, and even rescue dogs. So, it’s not just a regular farm, it’s a place where you can experience the real farm life.

When I discovered the farm owned by the renowned travel writer Dagmar Schumacher, I was instantly captivated. The place offered an array of affordable accommodations, many of which were the brainchild of her son, Maximilian. But what intrigued me the most was the recent addition of a container home, which ended up being our cozy haven in the valley.

During our stay, we were treated to delightful meals at the main homestead, courtesy of Dagmar herself. As the evening progressed and the red wine continued to flow, we found ourselves engrossed in conversations about travel, journalism, and the enchanting region known as the Bosssieveld. There’s something truly magical about these discussions that come to life in remote destinations, where the air is filled with the freshness of the surrounding farm.

Hey there! Let me tell you about this awesome container home I came across. It’s not your ordinary house, that’s for sure. This place has got a unique and artsy vibe that really catches your attention. And guess what? There’s plenty of space inside, even when it’s fully occupied! Can you believe it?

Now, let me take you on a little adventure. Just a quick drive away from here is Villiersdorp, a charming town that’s less than ten minutes down the road. We stumbled upon this cute little café called Alwyn Vintcent and decided to treat ourselves to a delicious late breakfast. You won’t believe where it’s located – inside an antique shop! Keep an eye out for the big red apple on the main road.

But wait, there’s more! Besides being an amazing place to stay, Maximilian, the owner, has also transformed an old blacksmith barn into a stunning wedding and function venue. They named it Dasbos Barn – pretty cool, huh? It’s perfect for those charming country events like weddings or family gatherings. The whole place just gives off a relaxed and easygoing vibe, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Now, let’s talk about what you can do in the Bossieveld Valley.

When I visited the valley, I discovered a plethora of outdoor activities to participate in. There were peaceful walks to take, exciting 4×4 routes to navigate, and even opportunities for fishing. Immersed in the calm pace of farm life, I decided to indulge in the offerings of the Bossieveld at the newly constructed tasting room of Stettyn Family Vineyards.

Stettyn Family Vineyards has a fascinating history that dates all the way back to 1714. The land was originally given to a pair of Free Burghers, Cloete and Radyn, who came from the Stattin region in former Prussia. In 1818, the farm was acquired by the Botha family, and it has remained in their ownership for an impressive eight generations.

So there I was, sipping on a glass of bubbly, taking in the scenic beauty of the valley. I had decided to try out the new Babelki Chardonnay Pinot Noir, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The flavors were exquisite and perfectly balanced.

Not only did I enjoy the wine, but the tasting room also had a wide selection of cheese platters, oysters, and even offered coffee to pair with the wine tastings. And the best part? The tastings start at just R30!

It’s truly a wonderful experience to indulge in these delicious wines while indulging in the delightful offerings at the tasting room. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a fun outing, this place has something for everyone.

Getting Around: On and Off the Beaten Path

So, I wanted to venture off the usual path for my little adventure. And to make sure I was ready for anything, I needed a ride that could handle more than just smooth roads. That’s when I met the Ford Ranger Raptor – a real head-turner, whether it was tearing up the asphalt or blazing through the wilderness. The farms we visited had decent roads that any old car could handle, but having the Ranger Raptor on our side gave us that extra peace of mind. This bad boy was built for off-roading, honed in the world’s toughest terrains.

The Western Cape is teeming with options for cabin and farm stays, offering a plethora of choices just a quick 90-minute drive from Cape Town. So gather your friends, grab some red wine and firelighters, and embark on a journey of discovery. Trust me, your soul will be deeply grateful.

If you want to see more of Ryan’s exciting escapades, you can find them here.

All pictures and videos belong to Ryan Enslin.