An authentic farm experience
Nieuwe Sion in the Franschhoek Valley redefines farming and luxury travel as an idyllic winelands getaway, evoking nostalgia and a countryside romance with its integral reverence for the landscape and long lineage of communities.
It’s all in the name. The promise of new beginnings, or a new sense of hope with all that’s to come. The way we travel and see ourselves being shaped by the new terrain we traverse. What our relationship is to the landscape we discover. The cultures we comprehend and the soil we settle upon. Nieuwe Sion represents all of that. Nestled in the Simondium countryside between Franschhoek and Paarl, wrapping itself around the Berg River in the Western Cape, gazing up at the Drakenstein mountains, this hideaway hints to the future, with a venerated historical hum from the past. Honouring the rhythm of nature and all of the seasons, the farm is in full working mode. Producing rare and curious fruits from the rich soil that prevails in the valley. Not only the grapes and her vines, but red and yellow kiwis – once named Chinese gooseberries – black figs, apples and six different varieties of table grapes too. Citrus orchards and oak woodlands. Wild Jasmine covering the clay tennis court walls and more oaks shading the swimming pool loungers. Wheat fields, herb and vegetables gardens, and acres and acres of rolling green lawns. All encapsulating an innate essence of farm living.Â
That’s what’s so special about Nieuwe Sion. Yes, its contemporary rendition of a Cape farm has been fluently layered together. The laidback loveliness of the interiors are entirely understated; humble as they come, yet deliciously lavish and decadent in quality. All the luxuries one needs, in harmony with the art and statement pieces. A conscious celebration of local designers and artisans, exhibited with intent. Showcasing the inspiring relationship between nature and its vibrant palette, culture and its diverse conversation.
This beautiful family farm welcomes as many as eighteen of you and your clan, exclusively. All nesting under a cluster of farm barns that have been modified over the passing centuries to accommodate the inevitable evolution of luxury travel. Harnessing the heritage and a wholesome simplicity to country life. So that you can hear the birds from all of the trees. Witness the landscape transform in every changing hour of the day. Its colours, its scent, its shapes and its boundless horizon. So that you can learn about the farm’s eco-conscious, sustainable approach to farming. Tapping into some bespoke experiences that include curated art tours and farm-to-fork cooking workshops. Engaging with local artists and craftsmen that furnish you with more insight into the thriving communities. A retreat that relentlessly reconnects you and your travelling team with the beauty of nature and culture intertwined.
Rural up-skilling and culture conservation
At the heart of your winelands holiday, it’s about the people that you get to share this magical place with. Hosting those long feasting tables. Food, wine and conversation. Walks along the river, with the occasional picnic or sunset spot, set up for a new view of the landscape. Hop into the back of the farm truck and head out on an educational excursion. Get involved in some crafty creations. Harvest some fruit and vegetables. Swim in the pool or the river. Snooze beneath the oaks on the lawn. Surrender to the simplicity of the place. For, with all of its pulsing energy of a fully-operating farm, there’s a quiet stillness that comes with it too. Imploring you to connect the little dots that are beginning to pave that pathway of yours to a beautiful new beginning. And that’s what travel has an obstinate way of doing.
What we love!
- Watching the Drakenstein mountains transform in differing tones of pink and gold at sunset. Between the hours of the late afternoon into early evening, resting in the shade of the swimming pool area. The whole cycle of the day is mesmerising as there is always somewhere different to admire.
- The owners have layered the home with a lot of creative love. It’s palpable from the moment you walk in – every space is beautifully decorated in earthy textures and tranquil tones. Lots of cleverly considered spaces that cater to those that appreciate distinguished design.
- The property is ideal for multigenerational gatherings and special occasions where you can exclusively hold your own space in the winelands. Setting up a number of lovely locations around the farm for dining, picnicking, playing and exploring. From the river to the orchards, the tennis court to the forest woodland area…
- Braais at the river. Swimming in the little rock pools whilst lunch rests on the flames, fresh beverages served on the banks. Sublime farm life.
What you need to know…
- The property comprises of three farm dwellings to accommodate as many as 18 guests, exclusively. The farmhouse, the vineyard rooms and the old coach house that has been restored. You are welcome to have a private chef arranged for your stay, or self-cater. All of the communal, gathering spaces of the farm are well considered and stitched together to accommodate the whole clan seamlessly.
- It is no more than a 20-minute drive from the main street of Franschhoek. A swift cruise to the beautiful gardens of Babylonstoren and its delightful restaurant Babel.Â
- The farm accommodation manager will assist you with all of the planning around the activities you would like to partake in. Including the farm hiking trails, the tours of the operations and fruit picking, cooking, art and pottery classes. As well as the nearby golf, wine tasting, mountain biking, horse riding and spa options too.
- The villages of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are overflowing with fabulous eateries – Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse at Maison, La Petite Colombe, Bread & Wine, and Le Coin Français. There are also plenty of less fussy, more laid-back restaurants on several reputable wine estates and within the towns.
- If Nieuwe Sion is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Franschhoek.Â
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie