Boschendal Re-visited – Another Gem in the Winelands

Boschendal offers a wonderful product – one could describe it as a 4 star version of Babylonstoren – somewhere nestled between what Babylonstoren und Jordan offer… charming farm living in the sweetest self catering cottages – it is highly recommended accommodation in a beautiful setting!

Werf Cottage & Clarence Cottage are situated on the “known”/touristy part of Boschendal – close to the picnic area, Restaurant, Deli & Manor House. They are within easy walking distance of all the amenities, however, they are tucked away behind the vegetation and have awesome valley and mountain views.

Rhodes Cottage (ex holiday home of Cecil John Rhodes) and The Orchards Cottages are situated on the fruit, wine & cattle farm part of Boschendal property. So one has to exit the well known Boschendal estate, carry on for a very short distance up the main road and then turn off on to the farm which is opposite Boschendal. Being more secluded, these cottages are away from the hustle and bustle one will experience at Werf & Clarence cottages ….some might think even too isolated, but it is really beautiful, with a long farm drive up to Rhodes Cottage between rows of magnificent and hugely valuable Yellow-wood Trees.

The five bedroomed Rhodes Cottage is exclusive use for a maximum of eight adults and two children, and comes with a dedicated Chef & Butler!

A little distance from Rhodes Cottage, are the thirteen Orchard Cottages, consisting of one, two, three and four bedroomed cottages – these are also secluded and make for an amazing experience – especially for clients who want to be in the winelands on a farm and want to experience a unique side of the winelands and feel far away from anything touristy – this is the ideal spot!

The interiors of all the cottages vary, but they are all very tastefully decorated and are both practical and very comfortable.

Breakfast is served at the Boschendal Deli (not included in rates) from 08h00 – so for clients staying in the one bedroomed Werf Cottages or the two bedroomed Clarence Cottage, a short walk to build up the appetite and a delicious breakfast can be enjoyed at the Deli. Clients staying in the Orchards Cottages will have to drive to the Deli, whereas Rhodes Cottage clients are catered for at the Cottage.

Boschendal has also re-opened The Werf restaurant in the original cellar of the Manor House. Executive chef Christiaan Campbell (ex Chef Delaire, ex Group Chef for Liz McGrath Collection) focuses on exquisite farm-to-table cuisine – created from ethically grown and harvested produce which is free of antibiotics and pesticides, and much of which is produced on the farmlands in the immediate area. The interior of the restaurant is totally different from what it used to be – it is now very light, with an invigorating farm-style and is invitingly friendly. They have also extended to an outside terrace with a view on to the evolving produce garden (which is very similar to Babylonstoren).

So that is the direction in which Boschendal is moving – a healthy farm environment which celebrates natural goodness, like Babylonstoren. They are almost fully self-efficient in terms of food production and have on the farm cattle, chickens, wine of course, and many fruits such a pears, naartjies, etc, etc. Guests can walk/cycle (bikes to rent are available) around the farm as they please and sample what ever grows there.

On the farm side, i.e. The Rhodes/Orchards Cottages portion of the estate, there is a huge mountain range along which there are marked walking trails for guests to explore, and in addition there are possibilities to join in the harvesting (in season) and farm life, or take a fishing rod to do some fishing on the estate.

This is another highly recommended product for those looking for a more authentic winelands farm experience, and is also a perfect winelands destination for families with children too!