A palpable narrative on authenticity, sustainability, simplicity and repose escorts you through the grounds of Stillwater Sanctuary. From the moment you arrive, lasting long after you’ve left. The U-shaped adjoining dwellings consciously blending into the surroundings, as if to salute nature without imposing itself. Though distinctly contemporary in their farmhouse forms, they sensitively occupy the land that’s cushioned around the ankles of the mountains, overlooking the Hemel-En-Aarde valley, its vineyards and the curvaceous body of the De Bos dam.
Five ensuite bedrooms depicting their own interpretation of the five elements of nature – earth, water, fire, space and air – harmoniously tuck themselves away from the hub of the home. Where the cooking, living, lounging, looking-out and lapping up the lay of the land all goes on. Allowing guests to gather and retreat as they so wish. A central courtyard with more dining, braaiing and entertaining areas hold the spaces together, perfectly cocooned from the valley’s change in winds. The interiors of the home are minimal and effective, suggesting a strong Scandinavian twist in an otherwise very African tale. A curation of contemporary furnishings and bespoke design pieces occupy their own nooks and crannies, wall and floor spaces with intention. Just as the owners intended, to create a tranquil environment of timber, stone, glass and reed, marrying the works of local artisans with linear finesse, set upon the ancient Khoikhoi wisdom of the land it occupies.
With its stamp on sustainability at the helm of its ecosystem, the hideaway’s practices are in complete alignment with the rhythms of nature. Equipped with solar panels and sourcing water from the De Bos reservoir, the property lends itself as being off-the-grid, yet with all of the necessary amenities. When you and your travelling companions are not bobbing about in the swimming pool or lazing on its loungers, steaming it up in the sauna or overlooking the land from the jacuzzi, you’ll be taking a gentle amble around its 11 hectares, marvelling at this place deemed heaven on earth. For a valid reason. Its seasons are riveting from one to the next. The colours, the birdlife, the neighbouring world-class wine estates all beckoning a feasting and a tasting at their tables. The community of farmers is invigorating. A youthful enthusiasm added to an area revered for its grapes, terrain and beauty, just a short drive to Hermanus’ shoreline. Whatever your motive for travel, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley bestows a new perspective on life and its values. Summoning you to your senses to explore nature in all of her elements, sample the finest vintages and allow time to tick in accordance with your own inner pulse. Stillwater Sanctuary refines that sentiment with sincerity.
What we love!
• Early mornings spent with the birds, walking around the indigenous garden, greeting the sun’s rays and the mountain air’s embrace. A moment of stillness, witnessing the dam’s waters reflect the verdant hills.
• The layout of the farmhouse offers ample gathering space, where all can congregate in the living, dining and entertaining areas. And equally cordoned off into pockets of seclusion, so that those who wish to retreat at any time, on their own holiday clocks, can.
What you need to know…
• Stillwater Sanctuary is located down a gravel road, a short drive from the town of Hermanus and about a 90-minute drive from Cape Town.
• The property is self-catering with a fabulous farm-style kitchen, perfect for cooking up a feasting, surrounded by your clan. A pizza oven and braai in the courtyard. There are also plenty of wonderful spots to setup picnics or lay long tables on the spacious verandahs.
• Should you wish to sign-off as cook for the day, there is a great local chef who can be arranged prior to your visit.
• There are an abundance of wonderful wine farms and restaurants to visit in the valley, just a short drive away from the property. Including Hamilton Russell, Creation Wines, Bouchard Finlayson, Bosman, Ataraxia and Newton Johnson.
• The property is ideal for friends or families travelling with babes-in-arms (under 6 months) and children 8 years and up.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie