It didn’t take much convincing for the owners of Le Piquet to fall in love with the old bones and magnetic soul of its land when they first stumbled across it. In the hopes of finding the idyllic spot for their family to retreat to, where nature would be the ongoing narrative, this enchanting hideaway ticked all of the boxes. What was once an old farmhouse, settled above the Moutons Valley in Piketburg, is now a bonny country cottage resting on just under a hectare of flourishing fruit and nut trees, rock gardens with proteas, herbs and wild flowers, a geese pond and swimming pool, and, just a short drive away, you can access endless walking trails through the surrounding mountains and neighbouring orchards and vineyards.
No more than 20km from the quaint little town of Piketberg, famous for its fruit farms and Rooibos tea plantations high up in the mountains, Le Piquet is the perfect antidote to the fuss and frenzy of city life. As you drive through the mountains, along the beautiful Fashveld Pass and arrive at Le Piquet, an immediate sense of stillness and wonderment engulfs you. The old farmhouse has been lovingly restored to reveal an open-plan three-bedroomed cottage that’s doused in authenticity and a familial sincerity. The use of cemcrete in the floors and the walls adds to the rustic, country theme of the home that’s layered in textures from the original pine roofing, the wooden sash windows, the oak cabinetry and beautiful reclaimed Balinese tables, the whicker furniture and light fixtures, and the abundance of foliage featuring in every space.
It’s apparent that you and your clan will be gathered around the open-plan living, cooking and dining space, prepping pizzas and concocting fancy cocktails for many a hours of the day. In season the fun comes from the farm, plucking fruit from the pomegranate and prickly pear trees, foraging for herbs and little treats to go onto the pizza dough or squeezed into the cocktails. A farm-to-fork philosophy that’s been prevalent at Le Piquet since its olive-green doors were reopened. When you’re not swimming in the pool or walking the farm trails, you’ll be hanging out on the long stoep beside the massive fireplace, around the 10-seater dining table. Or spending time in the library, letting the pages do all the talking. Then onto the neighbouring farm trails, around the dam for a double-dose of nature’s medicine, treasure hunting at sunset. Before lighting the fires again and settling around the long table beneath the giant wild old olive tree, that’s all lit up in fairy lights. The air is still and peaceful, with the odd interruption from the resident nightjar or barn owls, that are dutifully reminding you about the following day’s adventures ahead. Time to settle in with the night, and nature’s pacifying, resounding clock.
What we love!
- The gentle renovation of the old farmhouse has allowed for the soul and so many original features of the home, to be retained with integrity. Yet opening it out completely, to the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, letting the natural light to flow throughout the home.
- There’s something very special and unique about foraging around the farm land, selecting fruit and ingredients for the feasting that goes on in the kitchen.
- Spending time on the patio in the morning, watching the geese preen themselves around the pond, as they join the day with you.
- Every last Saturday of the month there is an authentic farmers market in Piketburg where the best local ingredients are served and sold, with some fine tunes played by the local bands.
What you need to know…
- Le Piquet is not too far to travel for a decent little getaway with the family – only about 1hr and 30 mins from Cape Town.
- The gorgeous community shop called Winkel is about 1km away, on the main road. It stocks a wide variety of goods, from milk to knock-off airpods, and is open daily.
- There’s also plenty to do and see in the little town and surrounding Bergrivier region. From mountain biking to 4×4 routes, loads of fruit farms to visit and interesting vineyards.
- There are a total of 48 fruit and nut trees on the property. Pick and taste to your heart’s content. There is also a lovely vegetable garden for you to source some other ingredients for the magic in the kitchen.
- Your furry family members are welcome!
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie