Built using stones from the mountain behind it, the villa at Black Eagle Lodges is modern country-chic in the heart of the rolling hills of the Overberg. It has four comfortable loungers on the large veranda begging to be napped on, so I spent a lot of time doing just that, interspersed with ambles through paddocks, along farm roads and past dams, marvelling at the bird life while keeping an eye out for the leopard whose footprint has been framed in the villa.
Accommodation is self catering and you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen along with a spacious dining table and outside table. There are three en suite bedrooms with kingsize beds (twin beds can be arranged) and two of the rooms have wood-burning stoves (I had little need for these as the duvets were so warm). All rooms have doors leading outside and if you’re lucky you may see a duiker nibbling on the green lawn in the early hours of the morning.
Daydreaming or stargazing are perfect pastimes here, but you can also hike up the mountain, go mountain biking, visit the nearby wine farms, go whale-watching in Hermanus or spend time at the Caledon Casino and Spa. The outdoor braai area is a great spot from which to watch the sun set and chilly evenings can be enjoyed around the indoor fireplace.
The lodge and the villa are far apart, so you have complete privacy, and it’s just 90 minutes from Cape Town, so there’s no long drive to get to the wide-open spaces. The views are gorgeous and there is great delight to be found in the simplicity of country living.
In dry seasons, the dam in front of the villa may not be as full as it appears on the website, but there are other dams on the farm within walking distance. There’s wifi, but no electricity and the power is solar generated.
What it costs to stay at Black Eagle Lodges
From R1 300 a night for the lodge and from R2 000 a night for the villa. Both sleep up to six guests. Specials available for couples.
Black Eagle Lodges contact details
Tel 028-212-2113, email [email protected], www.blackeaglelodges.co.za.
