After a day of wine tasting, horse riding, ziplining, playing in snow, ambling through curious small town stores, and practicing your photographic skills on the rugged country landscapes of the Witzenberg, there’s nothing better than a cosy spot to put your feet up and soak in the privilege of being “away”. Here are 3 top choices for places to stay in Tulbagh:
Guinevere Guest Farm
With a name inspired by neighbouring farm, Artois, referring to King Arthur of Camelot, Guinevere Guest Farm sets itself apart from the “norm” of country B&Bs. Just walk into the spacious courtyard of the huge monastery-style house and you’ve entered a mythical land of legends and archaic fairy tales. Moroccan tiles lead to old wine barrels that have transformed into hanging day beds with draping nets, and a mural of Guinevere herself.
While Guinevere Guest Farm belongs in folklore, the eclectic portraits, mismatched furniture and fabrics, and odd patch of peeling paint make this the kind of place where you can relax, put your feet on the couch, and enjoy real life. With room for 35 people in a choice of double, family, or dorm rooms, it’s an ideal group getaway with plenty of spots to socialise or enjoy peace and solitude. Long dining tables inspire visions of great royal feasts and the sunlit common room would make the perfect place for the Knights of the Round Table to throw back a well-deserved beer at the end of a long day.
Aside from wine and olive oil tastings that showcase the relaxed and creative style of its makers, guests can pick their own seasonal produce. Depending when you visit, you can forage anything from pomegranates, plums, and gooseberries, to almonds, figs, and tomatoes. The farm falls within a very important renosterveld zone, so take some time to walk alongside this endangered species of fynbos and appreciate the magical setting. Sassa the dog might just join you too. Enquire now.
Tulbagh Hotel
When the weather plays its melancholic melodies of pattering rain and rat-a-tat winds, there’s no better place to cosy up than by the crackling fireside of The Olive Terrace Bistro & Lounge Bar of Tulbagh Hotel. You’ll find it easy to sink into the sofas and enjoy the unhurried pace of a small town as you warm up with a hot coffee – or something a little stronger from the elegantly polished bar.
Dating back to 1859, the 4-star Tulbagh Hotel offers a luxury getaway in a choice of individually decorated en-suite rooms. Expect anything from lime green walls to modern black and white stripes. My highlight was the Van Riebeek Heritage Room where the shower has been cleverly built into an old chimney. Unexpected touches like the classic chaise lounge at the top of the staircase can be found throughout the hotel, leaving you feeling utterly pampered in a luxurious environment.
For guests who prefer to self-cater, The Toll House is a National Monument for which Tulbagh Hotel had to obtain special permission to refurbish into a 6-sleeper accommodation. This old Cape Dutch house has a private courtyard with swimming pool and loungers which are well utilised during the hot summers. Although The Toll House is fully self-catering (and pet friendly!), it is owned by Tulbagh Hotel and a bed and breakfast rate can be arranged. Enquire now for Tulbagh Hotel and The Toll House.
Eikelaan Farm Cottages
For families and friends who enjoy a laid back stay in the sticks, and the freedom to raise their voices above an obligatory “hotel hush”, Eikelaan Farm Cottages offers a great do-it-yourself stay in spacious self-catering cottages. While you are surrounded by farmlands and have the odd chicken running underfoot as you cross the big manicured lawns, the cottages are in no way rugged or rural.
Built by the owner himself, the light and airy units are decorated in neutral tones with rustic terracotta tiles and classic farm-style furniture. I loved the comfy leather single couches in The Winterhoek cottage and can imagine long hours spent with a book by the fireplace when the blue mountainscape is dusted in snow.
All of the cottages have indoor fireplaces for the cold winters, as well as air-conditioning for the heavy summer heat that hangs in the valley. It’s not hard to image the farm as a summer playground, with children running around, feeding the sheep, and bombing into the sparkling blue swimming pool. Enquire now.
Which of these Tulbagh accommodations would you like to visit?
