If ever there was a time to go out and explore your own ‘backyard’, so to speak, it is now. Yes, there is a pandemic happening and we need to be cautious and practice social distancing, sanitise our hands and wear masks, but we also need to support the wine and hospitality industries that were dealt a severe blow due to the nationwide lockdown. Now is the best time to do just that, especially with amazing discounts offered by many establishments.
After the past few stressful months with a daily routine of work, home-schooling, cooking, cleaning, washing (did I mention cooking?), trying not to be overwhelmed by the world being turned upside down, constant concern for family and friends and REPEAT… the travel bug in me just HAD to get out of the city and head for the country. Elgin Vintners Country House was just the place for us to relax and rekindle our relationship.
The Cape of Storms was raging the day we drove out to the beautiful cool-climate Elgin Valley, so we took a slow drive through the blinding rain. Elgin Vintners is situated only about an hour’s drive from Cape Town yet feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city living. Far from the madding crowd, we were thrilled to have the entire guesthouse all to ourselves for two nights.
Jolene welcomed us with a big smile, a bottle of Elgin Vintners Belle Amie Blanc de Noir 2020 (such a beauty!) and a delicious cheese platter. The views from the sandstone patio are breathtaking, but with the temperature plummeting and snowfalls expected that night, we settled beside the fire to feast on the enticing spread. The Tasting Room has since moved from the guesthouse to a newly built space a short walk from the house.
The boutique guesthouse dates to 1927 and is based on a Sir Herbert Baker design. Recently restored to its Victorian glory, the plush interior and stylish decor is simply out of this world and features modern comforts, including speedy WiFi should you need to work.
The house sleeps 10 guests and can be booked for bed and breakfast or self-catering. This is a great option for a family (the farm is child-friendly) or a group of friends as the vintage kitchen has everything you need for a self-catering getaway. I loved the six-seater yellowwood table, as well as the modern seven-plate SMEG gas stove.
Each of the four Suites is named after a former Elgin Orchards owner and we were happily ensconced in the Syfret Honeymoon Suite. This would be my first room choice and once you see it, you’ll immediately know why.
The luxury suite is beautifully furnished in a Victorian style that is spacious and the stuff that dreams are made of. The wall-panel heaters and gas heater had thoughtfully been switched on prior to our arrival, so the vast room was warm and cosy. We are both very tall and our feet often hang over the edge of hotel beds. This was not an issue here as the bed is huge and oh-so-comfortable.
Trust me, you’ll find it hard to leave that heavenly bed with its luxurious linen that just begs to be snuggled in for longer. You’ll also find a hairdryer, safe, coffee station with biscuits, DSTV and plenty of closet space. It rained on and off during our stay, but when the sun briefly made an appearance, the garden view from the bed was quite spectacular.
If you’re a fan of beautiful bathrooms like I am, prepare to be blown away. The en-suite bathroom is the perfect spot to luxuriate in a blissful pamper session. The large shower easily fits two people, while the claw-foot tub was large enough for the two of us.
With a double washbasin, bespoke amenities, including hand sanitiser, and a pretty vase of colourful flowers, one can easily spend hours in this gorgeous space. The towels were soft and plush, although larger towels would’ve been appreciated. The chandelier, however, was the pièce de résistance! The sparkling chandelier in the bathroom added a glamourous touch of grandeur and opulence.
There is a small braai outside and wood is provided, as well as for the indoor fireplace. As it was raining, we enjoyed a very relaxed evening chatting beside the fire, sipping on Elgin Vintners sublime Pinot Noir and slowly felt the pressures and stresses of the past few months melting away.
After a blissful night’s sleep, we saw that snow had fallen overnight once the clouds had lifted from the mountains. That certainly explained why it was so cold! But what a beautiful sight. The sun played hide-and-seek and as tempted as we were to stay in our cosy ‘cocoon’, tummies began to rumble so we headed to the Elgin Railway Market, only a short drive away. I’ve always loved this market and it was a great spot to chill for a few hours, enjoy some drinks and nibbles while listening to the live band.
We managed a short meander back at the farm before the heavens opened again. It is such a treat to walk through the lush garden with its hidden fairy garden, water features, pretty flowers and towering trees. Oh, and a bit of puddle jumping for me… I couldn’t resist! Good thing I remembered my wellies.
Keep an eye out for woodland creatures. We spotted a mongoose that came close to the house but ran off the moment it saw us, as well as a little deer. No braaiing for us unfortunately but it’s a must during summer, as is swimming in the massive pool and enjoying a game of tennis (rackets and balls are provided). Another cosy evening beside the indoor fire? Yes please!
We awoke to a gloriously sunny morning, the skies dotted with puffy white clouds against a brilliant blue sky. Perfect weather for a wander around the farm. Stopping by the paddock to feed the horses, we passed by a forest before making our way down to the swiftly flowing Palmiet River. Sitting on a fallen log together, we listened to the sweet sounds of birds tweeting, mesmerised by the swirling eddies in the water and the beauty of nature around us.
Strolling hand in hand past the still bare fruit orchards, we felt at peace and so much lighter than when we had arrived. We needed time away, just the two of us, to reinvigorate our mind and soul.
We didn’t realise just how much we needed this time together, without life’s daily distractions and responsibilities, until we arrived at Elgin Vintners Country House. We really didn’t want to leave this tranquil and magical haven that has completely stolen my heart.
Elgin Vintners is a proud WWF Conservation Champion that actively protects and conserves its natural biodiversity which is a huge bonus in my book. They tick all the right boxes – breathtaking natural beauty, award-winning wines produced by winemaker extraordinaire Marinda Kruger-Claassen and her team, luxury accommodation, warm hospitality, conservation champions… the list goes on. This is a truly special, one-of-a-kind destination that deserves more than one visit. I know I’ll be back to visit soon. To be honest, I could happily live here! 😉 Thank you so much for hosting us, Elgin Vintners.
SPECIAL OFFER! Take advantage of a 30% discount that applies to all bookings made and paid for until 28 February 2021. This fantastic offer includes daily breakfast and is available from 1 September 2020 for the entire high and peak seasons. To claim your 30% off, bookings must be made directly with Chrisma Johnson via guesthouse@elginvintners.co.za (i.e. do not book online via Nightsbridge).
Disclaimer: I was invited for a two-night stay by Liquid Pulse Marketing & Communications and Elgin Vintners for review purposes. All views and images are my own unless otherwise stated.
