Modern country living, barn style
A magnificent modern retreat, not far from the charming old town of Tulbagh, High Country Cottage is a dreamy country escape surrounded by majestic mountains in the Cape Winelands.
Sometimes in the middle of nowhere, awaits an unexpected surprise. High Country Cottage is one; a contemporary hideaway and an ode to rugged mountain beauty. Set in the Breedekloof Valley on De Vierde Liefde Private Nature Reserve, you’re just 20km from the town of Tulbagh but a world away. It’s soulful here, peaceful, calm. Views overlook vineyards to the moody mountains, there’s birdsong in the air and fynbos everywhere.Â
Named also for the owners’ special love of mountains, High Country Cottage is a 21st century interpretation of an African, barn-style farmhouse – it has Cape Dutch colours with a thoroughly contemporary spin. Actually it’s two separate barns, one a light-drenched, double-volume living space; the other a double-storey section with four spacious bedrooms and accompanying bathrooms. Linked by a glassed passage, the house is carefully designed for privacy and rest, alongside full-blown living.Â
Interiors inspired by world travels…
Not just the house has personality, but so does each room. Décor throughout reflects the colours of the mountains, fynbos and evocative sunsets. Furnishings are a blend of colonial, contemporary and upcycled heritage pieces that all live comfortably together. And the house is alive with trees and plants throughout – and another 125 tree saplings planted outside too.
So you can choose your bedroom to match your own personality. The Finch Room has straw wall paper that reflects the natural surroundings in winter. Bedside pendant lamps hang at different heights and resemble birds’ nests – and there’s a finch image on the wall. The Moody Room is muted in black, white and grey, including the pictures on the wall. Pale pink walls in The Moroccan Room reflect the colour of buildings in Marrakech, but also the sunset hues on the mountains. The pale green walls and burnt orange linen of The Colonial Room reflect classic shades of Africa, and furnishing hints of the old African safari era.
High Country Cottage embodies easy living. Sunshine streams in, plants flourish and there’s a vitality and lightness of being here. It’s a place that beckons you to bask. But you can also walk, hike or mountain bike as far as you can see in all directions. Natural beauty and space are found here in large supply in the Tulbagh winelands.
What we love!
- The internal ‘winter garden’ with big plants or trees in every room.Â
- The wabi sabi style of ‘beauty in imperfection’
- The quirky kitchen island with gold tiles.
- Snow-capped mountain views in winter, enjoyed while soaking in a steaming hot bath.
- Watching the sun set from the beautiful outdoor entertainment area or while dipping in the pool in summer.
- Incredible star and moon gazing at night.
- Enjoying a hearty breakfast at Kole & Deeg in the heart of historic Tulbagh. In the evenings, Daphne’s Restaurant serves delightful local cuisine … but we’re quite sure that once here, you won’t want to leave. Evenings especially are beautiful here.Â
What you need to know…
- Tulbagh is an easy 1.5 hour drive from Cape Town and High Country Cottage is 20km from Tulbagh.
- Suitable for groups of friends, or parents with babes-in-arms (or children over 8 years old) as the swimming pool is not covered.
- There are amazing activities in the area, including guided walks and wine tasting Wine tasting at some of the country’s finest cellars including Krone and Saronsberg wineries. But aside from all of the natural attractions surrounding Tulbagh, there is so much to do in the historic town itself, whatever time of the year. The village even likes to host Christmas in June/July – try some Glühwein and hot German bakes at the Christmas market on Church Street.Â
- Interested in Cape history and learning more about Tulbagh’s earthquake? You can listen to a fascinating voice tour, starting at the Earthquake Museum.Â
- If High Country Cottage isn’t available on your dates, you could try our other Tulbagh gems: nearby heritage Cape Dutch homesteads in the village, or Nibbana Farm just outside Tulbagh.Â
- High Country Cottage is available as a Shoot Location.
Edited by Michelle Snaddon