A very special place exists on the banks of the Orange River in the rugged, utopian terrain of the Northern Cape. A place that harnesses regard for the land as fervently as nature itself. Where generations of families gather together, gallivanting the 3000 hectares of farmland and experience the rhythms of the river that flows around the ankles of the home.
Though distinctly contemporary in its form, Orange River House emerges from the veld as a gradual extension of the Karoo’s landscape. Just as the owners so vehemently intended. Upon purchasing the property in 2020, the family set out to achieve their own initiative of nurturing all that already existed in the veld, and yielding what didn’t. With a stamp on sustainability at the helm, the owners have consciously implemented a regenerative farming method using the livestock of Nguni, Tulli and Boran cattle to nurture the veld, alongside the presence of wildlife. An entirely unique, yet triumphant approach to lauding the land.
The property comprises of a main lodge, annexed by three ensuite bungalows that
navigate their ways around open-plan living, dining and entertaining spaces, quiet reclining areas where glass doors and windows escort you out into the wilderness. Long verandahs and spacious decks with comfy seating, a mammoth hammock and lazy loungers all lookout over the river. A large outdoor fire pit adjacent the braai area sits centre-stage to nature’s parade, with a long dining table beneath a rattan roof that’s partly shaded by the beautiful Karee trees. Its interiors mirroring the textures and the tones of the surroundings. Nature’s elements in all their glory reflected in the Oregon Pine and Yellowwood timber, the stone and rattan.
Orange River House lends itself to families seeking that escape into nature, yearning for the lesser beaten tracks of the wilderness and the pacifying repartees of the river. You’ll spend your days in the water, exploring the farmlands, on bikes and in canoes, tubing, fishing, swimming and reconnecting with all of the things that matter most. Morning walks along the drainage lines, listening to the Acacia Pied Barbets and fairy flycatchers, the Diederik cuckoo and scaly-feathered finches sing the dawn’s chorus. Even sunsets on the banks of the narrows, where the lapping waters glide around your ankles as the spectacular colours of the landscape transform with the night’s air. You’ll also be inclined to experience the workings of the farm, witnessing the cattle being herded and released. An insightful appreciation for the magnificent veld that’s thriving under this regenerative concept. Most importantly, it’ll be time well spent with your favourite people, attuned with nature’s clock, in sync with the symphonies of a perfect getaway on the farm.
What we love!
- The bird and wildlife adds to the harmony of the hideaway. You’ll take to the long walking trails, with your binoculars and spot herds of giraffe, sable Roan antelope, kudu, gemsbok, impala, springbok and nyala, free-roaming alongside the cattle.
- The farm’s regenerative agricultural model and with the farm being completely off-the-grid, having the use of a solar system and back-up batteries, as well as generator too.
- Layering the large hammock with cushions and enjoying a hot brew with the river flowing beneath as you take in the stillness of the surroundings.
What you need to know…
- Orange River House is no more than a 30-minute drive from Hopetown. A portion of the drive to the property will require a high-clearance vehicle.
- In addition to the plethora of farm activities you and the clan can get involved, there is also white water rafting, fly-fishing, and game drives that can be arranged.
- There is daily housekeeping available between the hours of 08h00 and 17h00.
- There is Wi-Fi in the house, but not in the bedrooms.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie