Baardskeerdersbos: The Ultimate Foodie Haven

Ah, Baardskeerdersbos! The mere mention of this delightful village conjures up images of delectable, mouth-watering cuisine. Trust me when I say, you haven’t truly experienced the best of the culinary world until you’ve sampled the gastronomic delights that await you in this hidden gem.

Let me introduce you to this extraordinary culinary paradise tucked away in the picturesque countryside of South Africa. Baardskeerdersbos may be small, but its food scene packs a punch. Venture here, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a treasure trove of flavors, savoring each bite like a true connoisseur.

So, what sets Baardskeerdersbos apart from the rest? Well, it’s all about the ingredients. Here, local farmers nurture their crops with love and care, ensuring only the freshest and finest produce reaches your plate. Picture farm-fresh vegetables bursting with flavor, succulent meats straight from the pasture, and heavenly baked goods that will leave you craving for more.

But it’s not just the ingredients that make Baardskeerdersbos a food lover’s dream come true. The passion and creativity of the local chefs take every dish to new heights. With their culinary wizardry and innovative recipes, they transform simple ingredients into works of art that tantalize the taste buds and leave you yearning for yet another bite.

From charming cafes serving up aromatic cups of coffee and freshly baked pastries to gourmet restaurants offering exquisite fine dining experiences, Baardskeerdersbos has it all. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot for a casual brunch or an elegant venue for a special occasion, you’ll find the perfect dining destination in this charming village.

So, what can you expect when you embark on a culinary journey through Baardskeerdersbos? Prepare yourself for a gastronomic adventure like no other. Indulge in hearty country-style dishes that evoke memories of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones. Discover bold and exotic flavors that transport you to distant lands with every bite. And don’t forget to leave room for the delectable desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth in the most delightful way.

Let Baardskeerdersbos bewitch you with its culinary magic. Allow yourself to be captivated by the flavors, the ambience, and the warmth of this foodie haven. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of gastronomy, one thing is certain – Baardskeerdersbos will leave an indelible impression on your taste buds.

So don’t wait any longer, dear food lover. Plan your visit to Baardskeerdersbos and embark on a culinary adventure unlike any other. Prepare to be dazzled, delighted, and utterly satiated. Are you ready to take the plunge? Trust me, this is one foodie haven you won’t want to miss.

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with something greater? Baardskeerdersbos is the perfect place to do just that. I’m here to tell you why.

When I visit Baardskeerdersbos, I can’t help but notice how the community embraces the beauty of nature. It’s as if they’ve made a pact with the land, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking landscape. And that’s just one of the reasons this place is so special.

The people here have a unique bond with the environment. They understand the delicate balance between humans and nature. It’s not just about taking from the land, but also about giving back. They value sustainability and work together to ensure their actions have a positive impact.

In Baardskeerdersbos, time seems to slow down. The inhabitants appreciate the fullness of each day. They understand that life is about more than just ticking off tasks on a to-do list. It’s about savouring the present moment and fully immersing themselves in their surroundings.

When you visit Baardskeerdersbos, you’ll experience a sense of community like no other. The residents are welcoming and eager to share their love for this special place. Whether you’re exploring the lush landscapes or engaging in conversations with the locals, you’ll feel a kinship that’s hard to find anywhere else.

In this hidden gem of a town, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of simplicity and richness. Baardskeerdersbos offers a reprieve from the chaotic pace of modern life, allowing you to rediscover what truly matters. So, if you’re yearning for a getaway that will nourish your soul, Baardskeerdersbos is calling your name. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

When the sun begins to set, Lokal provides a picturesque backdrop for a delectable dish created by the talented Suzi Holtzhausen. Her culinary masterpiece consists of freshwater trout, hake cakes, and a medley of sun- and air-dried vine and pine fruit, drawing inspiration from the artistic vision of Liz van den Berg. The breathtaking combination of flavors and textures is captured beautifully in a photograph taken by Brandon de Kock.

I can still vividly recall the first dish that Suzi Holtzhausen prepared for me – a succulent fillet accompanied by smoked mussels and a refreshing orange granita. As I sat down to indulge in this unique creation, I must admit that I approached it with a hint of skepticism. Fruit ice with roast beef seemed like an unusual pairing. However, Suzi’s culinary prowess quickly won me over, and I left the table as a fervent admirer of her daring flavor combinations. Since that memorable experience, my partner, Brandon, and I have made it a point to seek out opportunities to dine with Suzi in Paternoster, whether at her esteemed restaurants or in the comfort of her own home. On our most recent visit, Suzi wasted no time in pushing the boundaries of my taste buds. It was early morning, barely breakfast time, when she revealed that she had been exploring the culinary wonders of Baardskeerdersbos.

Welcome to Baardskeerders, or B’Bos as we like to call it! This charming town has a bit of a mysterious name, which is connected to the fascinating Solifugae spider-scorpion, also known as the baardskeerder. B’Bos is nestled in the beautiful Overberg region, conveniently located between Gansbaai and Elim. You’ll also have easy access to Pearly Beach and Stanford. For a long time, B’Bos was a quiet place, home to just over 100 residents who enjoyed their independence because the road leading there was never paved. However, things have changed now. The road has been freshly tarred, and B’Bos is quickly becoming known as the alternative route to Cape Agulhas.

In a small town called Baardskeerdersbos, there is something intriguing, something that has sparked the interest of many artists over the past decade. It’s a hidden gem, a place that not many people know about. And yet, it holds a special charm that has drawn people in.

One of the artists who has found solace in Baardskeerdersbos is Niël Jonker. He is a sculptor and landscape painter who has made this town his home. But his creativity doesn’t stop at his artwork. Niël also teaches the art of artisan bread baking, sharing his passion and skills with others.

Another resident of Baardskeerdersbos is Suzi. She may not be an artist in the traditional sense, but she is a culinary artist. Suzi travels to different places, cooking at pop-up venues. She finds inspiration in the bountiful land of Baardskeerdersbos, utilizing the local ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes.

We had the privilege of joining Suzi on the first Art Route of 2017. It was through her that we were able to connect with the community of retiring creatives who have found their haven in Baardskeerdersbos. This unique group of individuals has chosen this town as their final destination, a place where they can fully embrace their creativity and live a life surrounded by beauty and inspiration.

Baardskeerdersbos may be a small town tucked away in the countryside, but it holds a wealth of artistic talent and a sense of community that is palpable. It is a place where art and nature coexist harmoniously, where creativity thrives, and where artists can find solace and inspiration.

So, if you’re looking for a place that is off the beaten path, where you can immerse yourself in art and connect with like-minded individuals, Baardskeerdersbos may just be the perfect place for you. It’s a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, a place where artists can truly flourish.

When I visited Hoopoe House, I couldn’t help but admire the enchanting atmosphere of Lokal, a special place brought to life by a group of close friends. Stanley, Lainy, Helena, and Albert, the Lokal ‘family,’ have created something truly magical. As I approached the restaurant, I immediately noticed its simple yet charming bare-brick exterior, which blended seamlessly with the vibrant organic garden that surrounded it, complete with flourishing raspberry canes.

If you’re looking for Suzi, Lokal’s heart and soul, you’ll find her in the kitchen. She’s always there, creating culinary wonders. Lokal is strategically positioned on the left side of the main road, providing easy access for anyone coming in. And if you happen to be passing by Marietjie’s Pub & Grill, you’ll notice Lokal right across from it. Marietjie’s is known for its affordable brandy and Coke, which draws bachelor parties and Sunday bikers who can’t resist indulging in their tempting breakfast platters.

When I joined Lokal, we brought a special gift to contribute to the collaborative spirit – pomegranates from our own tree. These vibrant fruits would play a starring role in a sensational dessert: floating islands of torched meringue, adorned with poached tamarillos and topped with delicate spun sugar. This creation, titled ‘Symphony in Late Summer’ and captured beautifully by Kali van der Merwe, captured the essence of a fiery pincushion protea. It was just one of the artworks that Suzi, our talented interpreter, used as inspiration for our weekend menu.

As I watched the preparations unfold, I witnessed the quiet hustle and bustle of the kitchen. It’s amazing how much work goes into creating a delicious meal. It truly takes a whole team of people to bring together all the ingredients. I saw Stanley, stationed at the griddle pan, skillfully cooking up tacos made from fresh red corn. The olives, sourced from the nearby Die Werf farm, had been carefully brined, cured, pitted, and air-dried. And in a cast-iron pot, a flavorful bone broth simmered, ready to be poured over the vibrant brassica leaves. Everything was inspired by Niël’s beautiful bronze artwork called ‘Kopbeen’.

I looked over at my notes, which were hanging on a string that was stretched across the tall room, like a conductor using sheet music. Since I don’t have my own place right now, this is where I can be creative and come up with a brand new menu for each event. Thankfully, Lokal connects to Niël’s house, and there’s only a small patch of land that separates the two, known as ‘the forest’. So I took a break and offered to show you around there.

As we wandered through the vegetable patch, we gathered basil along the way. You see, we were tasked with making Napoletana sauce for our lunchtime pizza, so we needed fresh ingredients. Each of us brought something unique to the table; one classmate even brought his own homemade mead. I think it was Suzi’s idea to make the sauce together, and she carried a bag of end-of-season tomatoes in her arm. The sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet guided us, and we passed by a remarkable sculpture of a sleeping woman before reaching the steps of Niël’s stoep. There, we found a chopping board and three onions awaiting our arrival.

In this unique outdoor classroom, there’s a special attraction – a wood-fired oven measuring three by two meters. It’s a standout feature, and it holds a deep personal meaning for me. You see, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside a bread oven expert named Alan Scott in California. I remember a moment frozen in time, captured on an old photograph hanging slightly crooked on the wall of our bakehouse. It shows a younger version of me, laughing with a wise, white-haired man. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: there’s more than one way to make a difference in the world. Instead of just consuming and accumulating plastic-wrapped products, we can contribute through the art of baking bread.

I love talking about baking bread. There’s just something magical about the process, from measuring and mixing the ingredients to watching the dough rise and transform in the oven. But there’s more to bread-making than just following a recipe. It’s an art form that requires patience and a deep understanding of the ingredients and techniques involved.

That’s why I find the teachings of Niël, the master baker, so fascinating. He doesn’t just focus on the technical aspects of baking, like calculating the baker’s percentage or shaping the loaves. He believes that there’s something deeper at play, something that goes beyond the ingredients and instructions.

When Niël feels that his wholemeal loaves need more resting time, he doesn’t rush the process. Instead, he takes a moment to light the flame under his trusty, lime-green whistling kettle and offers tea to everyone. It may seem like a small gesture, but it serves a purpose. Niël believes that the practice of making bread teaches us to be patient, to surrender to the natural rhythm of things.

As a Type A personality, always trying to optimize every minute of the day, this concept of surrendering to the peacefulness and tranquility of the baking process is both perplexing and liberating. It challenges me to let go of my need for control and to find beauty in the waiting.

When I join Niël on his stoep, shaded by lush vine leaves, I can’t help but feel a sense of calm wash over me. The only sounds I hear are the whispering of the wind through the towering poplars and the cheerful chirping of a resident robin. And as I sit at the communal table, surrounded by Niël’s beautiful bronze creations, I realize that this is more than just a bread baking lesson. It’s a lesson in reconnecting with nature and allowing it to guide us.

Bread baking is a gentle reminder that not everything in life can be rushed or controlled. Sometimes, we need to step back and let nature take the lead. So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, kneading dough and waiting for it to rise, take a moment to appreciate the process. Embrace the waiting, surrender to the peace, and let nature work its magic.

There’s something unique about the people in this community. They have a deep understanding of our connection to nature and strive to live in harmony with it. They make intentional choices, like using alternative energy sources and growing their own food. These choices reflect a different mindset – one that goes against the norm. Here, it’s not about how much you consume, but rather about the impact you make.

Suzi, in particular, embodies this mindset. She values where things come from, appreciates art, and adds her own twist to conventional ideas. It’s no wonder she feels a strong connection to B’Bos.

During our journey, we made our first stop at Farm 215. It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by a vast expanse of fynbos, a type of vegetation native to the area. As we looked out, we could see a beautiful dam and the neighboring Lomond Wine Estate.

At Farm 215, the wines are truly unique. Each one is named after a different species of plants found in the floral kingdom, and they tell a story of the land they come from. The vineyard is divided into 21 different sections, each with its own distinct type of soil. It’s like a patchwork quilt, with each “patch” contributing something special to the overall wine.

One interesting comparison is between the Pincushion and Sugarbush vineyards. They are located right next to each other, and the grapes are vinified in exactly the same way. However, the resulting Sauvignon Blanc wines couldn’t be more different. It’s amazing how the same grapes can produce such contrasting flavors.

When I arrived at Hoopoe House, our cozy second lodging, I couldn’t help but notice the vibrant fynbos plants peeking through every window. It was a breathtaking sight. As I chatted with our host, Doug Hey, he couldn’t contain his excitement about the starlit night we had just experienced. “Did you see the stars last night?” he asked, his eyes gleaming. “They were like hanging chandeliers!”

I couldn’t agree more. Doug and his wife Dezzie had chosen a location surrounded by the stunning beauty of nature. Their neighbor, Caroline Rillema, happened to be the proud owner of Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar. It was there that she crafted a remarkable blend called Celestina, a combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

When I visited Doug and Dezzie’s accommodation, I was immediately struck by their love for good food. Every detail was carefully thought out, from the neatly organized kitchen to the well-sharpened knives (finally, knives that actually cut!) and unique utensils like a herb chopper made from a railway sleeper. Doug, who happens to be an engineer, even designed a braai with adjustable levels. It’s clear that no effort is too much for this cheerful couple.

During a walk with Doug, he showed me just how attentive they are to their guests’ needs. Ahead of time, he had tied a cup to a branch near a stream so that we could conveniently quench our thirst. These small gestures demonstrate their commitment to creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone who stays with them.

What impressed me even more was Doug and Dezzie’s extensive knowledge of the area. Having lived here for 16 years, they are true experts on all things local. They happily share their insider tips and recommendations, making sure that their guests get the most out of their visit.

It’s rare to come across hosts who go above and beyond to ensure your stay is memorable. But with Doug and Dezzie, that’s exactly what you’ll get. They welcome you into their cozy accommodation with open arms and a genuine desire to make your stay unforgettable. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

It seems like Baardskeerdersbos is getting ready for another change. Some of the people who arrived here first are selling their properties: Hoopoe House, Farm 215, and Joshua Miles’ home. Joshua has a beautiful fruit orchard and even designed those Lokal aprons with a lemon-press block print. But they’re not really leaving. Doug and Dezzie have a plan to move “into town,” if you can call it that. It’s only about six kilometers away. Maarten Groos from Farm 215 has already made the move, and Joshua bought a piece of land right next to his old house.

Right now, you can only get a flat white in B’Bos from a mobile van that shows up at the Saturday boeremark. It’s a quaint place where the older generation, who were born and raised here, sell crocheted baby booties and curried tripe. If you’re lucky and it’s late, someone might even offer you a taste of their homemade witblitz from a 1.5-liter Coke bottle. It will be interesting to see what happens next in this town. I hope whoever comes next will be respectful and leave their fancy espresso machine at home.

Plan your trip to Baardskeerdersbos

From my vantage point on the hillside of the Tierfontein Conservancy Farm 51, I gaze upon the charming Hoopoe House. Photo credit goes to Brandon de Kock.

How to get there

If you’re coming from Cape Town, hop on the N2 and head towards Hermanus on the R43. Keep going until you reach Gansbaai. Once you’re just outside of town, take a left turn towards Baardskeerdersbos (about 20km away). Make sure you have a vehicle that can handle dirt roads.

Find your retreat

Hoopoe House is the perfect “home-away-from-home” for families or close-knit groups of friends who love to cook and savor good food. In the winter, you can cozy up to the fireplace in the lounge or warm yourself with the Dover stove in the kitchen. Downstairs, you’ll find a master bedroom with its own bathroom, while upstairs, there’s an open plan loft with two bedrooms, one of which is also ensuite (though it lacks a door). The cost per night is R1500, and the house can accommodate six people.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, Farm 215’s fynbos suites are the perfect choice. These suites offer seclusion and an immersive experience in the beautiful natural surroundings. During the summer, don’t miss the stunning sunset views by the pool. Keep in mind that the suites are not self-catering, so you’ll enjoy your meals at the on-site restaurant. The price for a suite starts at R1550 per person sharing, including bed and breakfast (sleeps two).

For a unique getaway, consider staying at Tierfontein Rondawel. This self-catering hideaway, located on the edge of a lily pond on a fynbos farm, is an artist’s dream. It offers the perfect blend of tranquility and creativity. You can stay in this cozy hideaway for just R800 per night.

Here’s what you can do:

If you don’t have a wood-fired oven at home, let me show you how to make bread in a cast-iron pot. You’ll be amazed at the delicious results you can achieve. Join me as I guide you through the process step by step, making it accessible to everyone.

At a delightful pop-up venue called Lokal in B’Bos, you can have a truly unique and creative lunch experience. Suzi Holtzhausen, the talented chef behind Lokal, prepares imaginative lunches that will tantalize your taste buds. For just R425 per person, you can enjoy four to five courses of pure culinary bliss. Make sure to sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about upcoming dates – you won’t want to miss out on this gastronomic adventure. Alternatively, if Lokal is not open, you can head over to Marietjie’s Pub & Grill for a satisfying meal in town. Give them a call at 0724525210 to reserve a table.

Are you a wine lover? Then you must visit Lomond Wine Estate, where you can indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience. If you visit in December, make sure to ask for a tasting under the majestic milkwoods – it’s a truly magical setting. The Estate Range tasting is just R30 per person and includes five wonderful wines. If you’re looking for something more exclusive, go for the Single Vineyard tasting for R35 per person. This tasting includes a selection of exquisite wines like Sugarbush, Pincushion, Snowbush, Conebush, and Cats Tail. It’s a wine lover’s paradise!

Experience the Baardskeerdersbos Art Route! Artists from the local community, as well as guest artists from all over South Africa and even abroad, open up their homes to showcase their incredible work. This fantastic event takes place twice a year, in the beautiful seasons of autumn (late March) and spring.

Please keep in mind that Suzi will be absent during this Art Route, as she will be in the United States, immersing herself in new techniques of smoking, wood ovens, and pit-cooking!

Discover this captivating story for the first time in the July 2017 edition of Getaway magazine.

In our July issue, you’ll find a delightful assortment of articles that include the top-rated accommodations in the charming Midlands, affordable family getaways in sunny Durban, and a wide array of must-see attractions and activities, many of which are completely free, in the vibrant city of New York.