Paarl’s Brookdale Estate: A Gorgeous Country Getaway Awaits

Welcome to Brookdale Estate in the charming town of Paarl! Are you ready to experience a tranquil and idyllic retreat in the heart of the countryside? If so, then you’re in for a treat because Brookdale Estate offers everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating escape.

When you step onto the grounds of Brookdale Estate, you’ll be greeted by a sense of serenity and beauty that is truly unparalleled. The estate is nestled in the heart of nature, surrounded by rolling hills, lush gardens, and impressive vineyards. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world and find peace and solace.

As you explore the estate, you’ll discover an array of breathtaking amenities and features designed to enhance your stay. From the inviting swimming pool where you can take a refreshing dip on a hot summer’s day, to the charming picnic areas where you can enjoy a delightful lunch surrounded by nature, there’s no shortage of places to relax and unwind.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’re in luck! Brookdale Estate is home to a distinguished winery where you can indulge in the finest wines that the region has to offer. Take a tour of the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and treat yourself to a tasting session that will tantalize your taste buds.

Aside from its natural beauty and world-class amenities, Brookdale Estate also offers a range of elegant and comfortable accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage for a romantic getaway or a spacious villa for a family retreat, you’ll find the perfect home away from home at Brookdale Estate.

So, if you’re in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than Brookdale Estate. Let the tranquility of the countryside wash over you as you relax and rejuvenate in this picturesque retreat. Your perfect getaway is waiting for you at Brookdale Estate in beautiful Paarl.

After spending almost an hour driving from Cape Town towards Paarl, you might start questioning if you’re going the right way. All of a sudden, your GPS instructs you to take a left off the busy N1 onto an inconspicuous road, 62A.

Less than a kilometer later, a robotic voice directs you to turn right onto a rather shabby dirt road, in the middle of nowhere. If you thought you were lost before, now you’re completely convinced.

Your surroundings are beautiful but untidy. Definitely not what you expected from a fancy estate.

But then you spot it. A perfectly paved road, decorated with blooming proteas, welcomes you as you approach a breathtaking Cape Dutch manor nestled among thriving vineyards.

Right away, you’ll feel relieved. You quickly realize that you were never actually lost. You’ve reached your desired destination. It’s exactly what you’ve been searching for.

As you drive down the winding road towards the beautiful white building with its large lawn and traditional thatched roof, a sense of relief washes over you. You’ve arrived.

This is Brookdale Estate Manor.

When you look at the lush vines, the meticulously maintained gardens, and the grand manor itself, it’s hard to believe that all of this is relatively new. Tim Rudd, the current owner, purchased the property in 2016 with a vision of creating a world-class country estate and producing the finest wines.

Once upon a time, a terrible virus swept across the land, wiping out all the crops. It was a devastating blow for farmers everywhere. But amidst the destruction, there was one small ray of hope. A single block of Chenin Blanc remained unharmed, untouched by the virus that had ravaged the fields.

With determination and hard work, the farmers set out to restore what had been lost. They knew it wouldn’t be easy, but they were willing to do whatever it took.

First, they had to clear away the remnants of the virus. Acres of alien vegetation and overgrown vines had to be removed, making way for new growth. It was a painstaking process, but they knew it was necessary to bring balance back to the land.

But it wasn’t just about the vines. The farmers understood the importance of preserving the land. They created beautiful gardens and brought back indigenous vegetation, creating a harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

And then came the manor house. Nestled in the shadow of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, it stood as a symbol of resilience and transformation. Its Cape Dutch architecture and rows of vines gave it an air of timelessness, as if it had always been there.

But the truth is, this remarkable place came to life in just a matter of years. What seemed like centuries of history and tradition was actually the result of hard work and unwavering dedication.

As I arrived at the manor house, I was instantly greeted by the friendly staff who handed me a refreshing glass of homemade iced tea and a moist towel to freshen up after the long journey on the dirt road that seemed to have been forgotten by time.

The grandeur of the house took my breath away. It was truly exquisite with its five luxurious bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom. There was even a sixth bedroom in the nearby building. The house provided ample space, with a grand living room, a cozy library, an entertainment room, a dining room, a study, a charming breakfast room, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Stepping outside, I was greeted by multiple terraces that offered breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic mountains and the picturesque wine valleys. The gardens were meticulously maintained, and the pool house and pool terrace provided the perfect spots to bask in the warm sunshine while sipping on a refreshing glass of wine.

I watched as the Brookdale property transformed into the vision that Rudd had first imagined. It’s almost hard to believe that just a few years ago, there was hardly anything here.

When I arrived, we had to start from scratch, building and developing everything you see now. It has been quite a journey. In a relatively short amount of time, we have accomplished so much – not only with our wines but also with the estate itself.

There’s something truly special about the moment you turn off the dusty road and catch sight of the manor house in the distance. It’s a feeling that never gets old. Each time it comes into view, you can’t help but be filled with a sense of comfort, peace, and wonder.

Food and wine are a big part of what makes Brookdale special. I mean, who doesn’t love good food and wine, right? The best part is that our winemaker, Kiara Scott, has become famous all around the world for her amazing wines. She’s created so many incredible ones, like the Serendipity Rose, the Mason Road range, and the famous Chenin Blanc made from our special 35-year-old vines. Those are the only vines we managed to save, by the way.

I have to say, Scott is pretty unique. There aren’t many women winemakers out there, but she’s one of the best. It’s impressive to see someone with so much passion and talent in this industry.

`Her wines are perfect when paired with a scrumptious five-course dinner, specially designed to meet your dietary needs. The meal is expertly prepared by Yvonne’s husband, Chef Gary Coetzee, who brings years of experience from working at high-end resorts. Chef Coetzee’s expertise ensures that each dish is crafted with precision and attention to detail.`

`At our event, we were treated to a delightful dinner that featured locally-sourced ingredients. The meal started with kingklip tortellini in a creamy white wine sauce with parmesan cheese. This was followed by tandoori cauliflower, a curried lentil salsa, and cumin curd.`

After savoring the mouthwatering main course of springbok sirloin, accompanied by a delightful combination of carrot puree, broccolini, fondant onions, and fine beans, all drizzled with a rosemary jus, I found myself too full to consider dessert. However, when the luscious tiramisu arrived at the table, topped with a decadent coffee sauce and a dollop of Chantilly cream, I simply couldn’t resist.

The incredible meal left me completely satisfied, and feeling more than a little sleepy. With contentment in my heart, I made my way back to our suite for the evening. To my delight, a soft and fluffy robe, along with a pair of cozy slippers, awaited me on the bed. As I slipped into the robe, a hint of lavender floated through the air, creating a soothing and tranquil ambiance.

When I woke up refreshed after a great night’s sleep, I couldn’t wait to hit the local trails for a morning run. The breathtaking landscape of the farm and the sunrise were absolutely stunning. Everything about Brookdale – the food, accommodation, service, and scenery – was top-notch, but what truly made it special was the feeling of being part of something exclusive.

During our visit, there were only two other couples staying in the manor. This created a sense of tranquility and seclusion that added to the whole experience. The general manager told us, “We want our guests to be curious and explore everything we have to offer. We want them to feel like they’re at home.” I loved the fact that their kitchen was open for all to see, and guests could even watch the chef prepare their meals. It added a personal touch to the whole dining experience.

If you’re interested in booking a stay at Brookdale, you can visit their website at www.brookdale-estate.com or call 076 400 0229 for more information.

And when it comes to pricing, rates start at R3 480 per person sharing.

Don’t forget to check out the pictures of Brookdale Estate below!