5 reasons to stay at Boschendal
Five reasons? Actually, there are a million to stay at Boschendal. Situated between the Simonberg and Drakenstein mountains, it must rank as one of the most spectacular locations in the world.
Fleeing religious persecution, Jean Le Long was one of the Huguenots who landed in the Cape. He was granted land in 1688 that became Boschendal. Boschendal, Dutch word for wood and valley, is the second oldest wine estate in the country, and as such has an rich history. A historian’s dream. The history of this estate could be turned into a Netflix series, over 300 years of stories.
But we fast forward to the present…
Reason One:
You can experience farm living in one of the 40 cottages on the property, even the historical Herbert Baker designed ‘Cottage 1685’. Cottages are recently refurbished, a serene take on contemporary heritage and rural. Cottages are scattered over the property, adding to the sense of privacy. I would suggest taking a few nights to stay over, there is so much to do on the estate and surrounds, it is definitely not a stop-over destination. Adding to that, one needs to have time to read, or sit on the veranda and take in the beauty, or just be still. The cottages are also a perfect place to take kids, as they offer a lot of activities for them. We were there for two nights, but immediately booked another. When we go again, not if, but when, I will book for a week or more. Time is needed there.
Reason Two:
I just could not get enough of the garden. One’s eyes cannot get used to the burst of colours, and then the ever-changing colours of the mountains in distance, from purples, to oranges. The garden in morning light to the last rays of the day, is a visual feast. I cannot begin to think about the massive work it must be in upkeep. The valley itself has over 600 species of fynbos on the 1800 hectare property. One can enjoy this by foot, on horseback or on bike.
Reason Three:
I completely lost my mind at the Farm store. Artisanal breads, pastries, jars and jars of every delight from guava jam, to onion marmalade, to olives and feta. Lavender shortbread. A home-wear collection from artisans from the area includes pottery, baskets, and wooden items.
Another reason why one cannot have a short stay is that there are too many delectable items to try. It reminds one of a Boulangerie or Charcuterie in France, but the products are so South African, it almost makes one weep with nostalgia. All the wonderful things we grew up with, peaches in syrup, bottled onions in mustard. I am not a journalist, I bring experiences to Dossier readers. I don’t have enough positive adjectives writing about this store, the words just cannot describe how much I love this space.
The Deli serves farm breakfasts and lunches. Much of the produce is organically grown on the property.
The cellar of the original manor House now houses The Werf Restaurant, offering sharing plates from produce ethically farmed on property such as Black Angus beef, forest-reared Duck, herbs and vegetables from the garden. Open from Fridays to Sundays. Festive season specials are also on the website.
Reason Four:
The Boschendal Rose Garden picnic is an institution for Capetonians. Picnic baskets include freshly baked bread, salads, free-range roast chicken, Boschendal Butchery charcuterie, homemade preserves and desserts. And the cellar is right there, to pick out a perfect wine for the day.
There is also The Werf Farm picnic available, on the lawn, one is welcome to bring own blankets and laze away the day under the trees.
But what we experienced was reason enough to stay over - we were collected with a 4x4 vehicle, and taken to a site on the foot of the mountain, and an unbelievable spread was packed out for us, plus a bottle of chilled bubbly. And the staff left us there, for us to enjoy a private picnic. In my 30 odd years as a photographer and then producing Dossier, I have experienced many things - but this picnic is most definitely on my list of the top experiences in travel. The vista, the peace, the food, it is a once in a lifetime experience.
Reason Five:
300 years of winemaking, makes for Boschendal to boast an iconic wine collection. Just recently Boschendal Elgin Chardonnay was awarded best white wine from South Africa from The International Wine and Spirits competition in London. The 2021 Platter’s Guide has also awarded three Boschendal wines with 4.5 stars. Another reason to stay over, take an afternoon to enjoy the wine tasting – the collection is extensive – from Method Cap Classique, to Brandy, to a Sommelier Collection. In fact, I would suggest a few different wine tastings over a few days.
Activities include hiking, cycling, horseback riding, experiencing the farm. Franshhoek and Stellenbosch is a short drive away.
For festive season activities and specials please go to boschendal.com
