The Evolution of Bosjes

Bosjes in the Breede Valley in the Western Cape, has just revealed the next phase of their evolution - a new restaurant and farm store.

“This latest expansion really establishes Bosjes Estate as a leading destination in the Cape winelands,” explains Carlen Vorster, CEO of Hospitality & Marketing. “And, even more importantly, the expanded outdoor areas allow us to welcome day-visitors over the weekends; a time when the estate was often closed for private functions.” 

Creating imaginative outdoor spaces was key to the design of the new gardens, and “we’ve really focused the expansion to attract families looking to spend time together outdoors,” adds Vorster. “It really is a perfect fit with the Bosjes philosophy of making people more aware of the beauty of nature.”

Within the new garden guests can enjoy two new visitor offerings on the estate, the Bosjes Spens and the Bosjes Winkel. 

The Winkel is Bosjes’ contemporary interpretation of a country store, curated by acclaimed interior designer Liam Mooney who has filled the space with a covetable collection of bespoke wares, local crafts and upcycled décor.  

 “The Winkel is a wonderful curation of old and new, artisanal and unique,” explains Mooney. “It was important that we supported local craftsmen and suppliers as much as possible.” 

A short walk through the gardens brings visitors to the Spens, which blends the best elements of a café, coffee shop and well-stocked country pantry. 

On the shelves discover seasonal preserves using fruit from the valley – think pickled garlic, fig and almond jam, and onion marmalade – while glass displays are filled with breads, pastries and pâtisserie from talented pastry chef Rafieq Jacobs. 

But it’s on the menu from Head Chef Kim Cox that the Spens shows its true colours, with an array of delicious dishes that’ll take care of hunger pangs from breakfast right through to lazy afternoon picnics. 

With a firm focus on seasonal eating, the Spens menu is flexible enough for most plates to be enjoyed indoors, where the playful décor and long banquettes by Liam Mooney may tempt on wintry days, or out in the shade of the lemon groves amid the gardens. 

For diners settling in at the Spens – no reservations, so arrive early – Cox’s well-priced lunch menu takes inspiration from both the estate’s own gardens and the seasonal bounty of the Breede River valley. 

The Spens and Winkel blend effortlessly into the new gardens and broader landscape, a testament to the creative collaboration between architect Coetzee Steyn and Square One Landscape Architects.

Meyer & Associates Architects were appointed to assist Coetzee Steyn and Square One Landscape Architects with the execution of the project, as project architects and principal agent.

While the ethereal wings of the Bosjes Kapel remain the architectural highlight of Bosjes Estate, the innovative design of the Winkel and Spens is a subtle celebration of the region’s rich cultural history.

 “The two carefully burrowed buildings, drawing inspiration from the ways of the San as well as the early Dutch settlers who first inhabited the valley; are all in keeping with the Bosjes’ design philosophy,” explains Steyn, who appointed Meyer & Associates as project architects and principal agent on-site. 

 “We worked closely with Square One to not only position the built structures in the landscape as curiosities, but also as anchors around which the landscape was eventually designed. The seamless integration of the landscaping elements with the built structures was an essential design objective from the start of the project.”

It’s a perfect blend of culture and tradition, natural beauty and inspired design, and a continuation of the design philosophy that has established Bosjes Estate as one of the leading destinations in the Cape winelands.  

 The BOSJES Spens is open from Wednesdays through to Sundays between 08h30 and 16h00. Bookings are not taken.

 The BOSJES Kombuis Restaurant is open for lunch from Wednesdays through to Sundays.

 BOSJES Estate is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

For enquiries about the Die Skuur Guest House, Die Stalle Spa and also for special events visit www.bosjes.co.za.

Photography credit: Dave Southwood.