Boschendal wine estate in Franschhoek’s Drakenstein Valley is constantly evolving to keep up with a changing world, and more discerning tastes. In addition to its exquisite wines, there are vegetable gardens, free-range cattle and the deli that has established the estate as a farm-to-table food destination.
It is the ideal place to absorb the very best of the Winelands, at your own pace – and now there’s a new space to do it from.
The uninterrupted view from Orchard accommodation.
The Orchard Cottages are the latest in a collection of luxury cottages at Boschendal. Set in idyllic surroundings at the foot of the Drakenstein mountains, the accommodation is perfect for family holidays or a getaway with friends who appreciate tranquillity, and the pleasures of pressing pause on life.
You can’t help but unwind and take deeper breaths the moment you lay eyes on the lush lawns and inviting pool. The giant trees on the property filter out the sun but let enough rays through in to warm the body deliciously.
The Orchard cottages are set against the mountains.
Also read: 5 ways to enjoy Boschendal this spring
The new cottages are located about two kilometres from the main farmyard on the 1,800-hectare estate. The interiors are modern, with all the comforts to make your stay hassle-free. You can cook up a storm with Le Creuset cookware, or braai on the larger-than-life patio. You can drive or cycle back and forth through the orchards.
My family and I settled down in no time and watched as the kids immediately took full advantage of the green grass and fresh air. They could hardly contain themselves. This was even before we got to the main attraction for kids, The Tree House on the main property. This is a place where children’s dreams come true. The unique slides and tree houses kept them entertained for hours and when children tire of that, there are other activities like drumming and crafts to occupy them.
The treehouse is hours of fun for the kids.
There’s the option of getting on your mountain bike and exploring the trails or taking a hike. If like me, you enjoy leisure time that’s a little more sedate, you can relax at the pool and soak up the sun or venture out to the night market where another side of Boschendal comes to life. Here you get to meet the locals and staff who make Boschendal so inviting.
The market area comes alive when the sun goes down every Friday, with twinkling lights, the inviting deli and food stalls.
Live music created a carefree atmosphere as we browsed around deciding what to eat. There’s plenty of place to picnic too and watch as the sky changes colour as it fades to black.
The market offers an array of delectable food like pizza, falafels, shwarmas and even a great chicken curry if there is a chill in the air. We opted for the buy and braai. We choose our meat from the butcher at the deli, along with salads and the freshest bread, and it was braaied just the way we like it. It’s a very cost-effective way to dine.
Join in the Friday Market for a festival feel, every week.
When we were finished feasting on our main course, we were faced with a selection of desserts like chocolate pancakes, decadent cupcakes and fruit salad – all of them delicious and fresh.
An orchestra of birds welcomed us in the morning. As you rub the sleep from your eyes, I recommend a large cup of coffee on the stoep to soak up the surrounding beauty. Breakfast at the Werf Restaurant overlooking the lush gardens was the perfect way to kickstart our day. The restaurant is housed in the original cellar of the Manor House, which dates back to 1685. Here you can choose from a harvest table of the most delectable, freshly baked goods or menu items. There is something special knowing your entire experience is farm to table goodness.
This is the Boschendal way of life, where brilliant wine meets exceptional food in luxurious surroundings. It’s the way life should be.
Contact: +27 (0) 21 870 4200 boschendal.com
Price: From R2,200 per night, for two people sharing
Pictures: Nidha Narrandes and supplied
