Few places lead us back to our roots, to our childlike ways of curiously seeking adventures that stem from the ruggedness of nature, quite like the life on a farm does. Where the raw scents of the earth waft through the air from the paddocks, the soothing sounds of the birds, the light landing on the water, bouncing onto the verandah and into our eyes all remind us about the immortality of time. How we’ve grown to know ourselves on a farm, like the trees and roses and hydrangeas in the gardens have. Making memories and planting them into the soil. For our kids to plant their own alongside. For the next generation and the generation after that. A farm holds a family photo album of sacred moments shared in our lives, and frames them across the landscape.
In the heart of the Midlands Meander, settled on 195 hectares of farm land, at the foot of the Kamberg Mountains, with 7 kilometres of the Mooi River running through it, Hemyock Farm reveals a century’s worth of family festivities and frolics around its homestead. A farmhouse, a pool house and a garden cottage allow for as many as 22 guests to occupy this magical Midlands hideaway all at once. Where multigenerational families can gather and celebrate whatever is on the cards to celebrate. A myriad of entertaining spaces, from long verandahs to the semi-exposed living area known as the hide, the summer gin lounge and accompanying formal lounges to the ample dining space, outdoor braai areas with a pizza oven and fabulous farm-style kitchen. It’s spacious ensuite bedrooms, libraries and reading spaces are all beautifully furnished with family heirlooms and antique collectables, complimenting the original 1920’s bones of the build. The wooden floors and ornate open fireplaces embellish the brass chandeliers and vintage rugs. Every piece in this historical hideaway has been thoughtfully considered and holds its space with intention. Adding to that family portrait with a taste that’s timeless.
Whatever the occasion and celebration of the gathering, you and your large clan are at liberty to carve your own farm family memories into the landscape. Whether you’re up with the early bird or slow to rise, a morning coffee on the sundeck overlooking the dam, followed by a hike or a cycle before breakfast will kickstart the activities for the day. Badminton, boules, giant jenga and massive pick up sticks will be played across the acres of rolling lawns. Perhaps a bit of clay pigeon shooting or pitch ’n putt onto the chipping green. Some might like to sit and sip, as the kids zipline from one side of the dam to the other. Fishing from the rubber ducks or along the pacifying banks of the river. Picnics and afternoon snoozes beside the rapids. Others might prefer wading in and out of the swimming pool in the courtyard. One last escapade up the hill before dinner, behind moon cottage towards the sundowner spot, where the waterfall flows and the magnificent views unravel with the changing hues of the horizon. Down to freshen up before the feasting around the dining table. Everyone is together and all of the family banter is flying around the room, out into the fields, the paddocks, down the lanes along the avenue of trees, over the bridge and across the landscape. That everlasting photo album of life on the farm.
What we love!
- The beautiful, tranquil picnic spots along the river banks where you can read or fish or swim or snooze to your heart’s content.
- Although there is wifi there is no cellular network. It feels like you are completely shut off from the unnecessary noise of the world, ensconced in the harmonious surroundings of the farm. The sheep, the cows, the birds and the horses.
- Spending hours playing board games and lawn games, reconnecting with all of your favourite people. Evenings around the fire-pit, overlooking the dam, listening to the nightjars and telling tales until the fires go out.
- Playing with the clay on the banks of the Mooi River, looking for crystals.
What you need to know…
- Though the property is self-catering, there is a wonderful team of staff that assist with all of the daily housekeeping from linen changing to laundry, lighting the fires, preparing the lawn games and assisting in the kitchen.
- Nottingham Road is a 24-minute drive away from the farm. The property is completely secluded and private, other than having the farm manager down the road, who is there to assist with your stay. Should you require a trip to the supermarkets and stock up on supplies, the nearest town is a relatively short drive away.
- Linger Lapa is also located in the town, offering fresh local produce, lovely snacks and deli goods.
- Durban’s King Shaka International airport is about a 2 hour 30 minute-drive from the farm.
- There are plenty of fun activities to get involved in, away from the farm should you wish to. Craft gin tasting, wine tasting, highgate Midlands Meandering. The farm will share all of its tips with you.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie