When the sweet isolation of a Karoo farm cottage is calling, Sheperd’s Cottage, in Prince Albert awaits the warming of the cockles of your countryside heart.
It’s a well-known, tried and tested prescription for the soul, that taking a trip to the quiet seclusion of the Karoo does wonders for our wellbeing. A place where we can completely shut off, surrendering to the silence, the stillness and the solitude. Allowing the vastness of the terrain and its ever-changing characteristics to be the only facets that influence our state of mind. That’s when – they say – we are healing, fostering and feeding the fruitful essence of existence.
Driving the dirt tracks of De Aap Farm Lodge, navigating your way down to Sheperd’s Cottage – that’s situated just over two kilometres from the main farm house of 22 Degrees East – will set the wheels in motion for that decent dose of nature’s medicine. Surrounded by 2,200 hectares of nature reserve, where the Swartberg and Cape Fold mountain ranges rise and fall with the Karoo landscape, this hideaway discreetly cushions itself into the veld as if it has always been there.
Its Mexican-inspired façade, brushed in an earthy red, sets the tone of this 1820’s dwelling that still stands in much of its former glory. Retaining its history and own fruitful essence of existence. Having traversed the centuries as a sheep-keeper’s hut, safeguarding those that would walk the hills and valleys of the Karoo’s dry pastures, Sheperd’s Cottage has been ardently restored into a three-bedroomed hideaway, brimming with inspiration. The owners – of architectural distinction – set about transforming the little dilapidated home into a klein kunswerk. A little work of art indeed, evident in the soft statements made around the cottage. The materials that have been sourced from the land and repurposed into the build. The timber, reed, stone and mud. The curves that influence the tranquil atmosphere and shape each setting. Looking out through the timber-framed windows and doors – ensuring the landscape continues to hold the narrative. As if each room has its own portrait. The considered furnishings and gentle tones and touches of authenticity. There’s a humble yet distinguished sentiment that sweeps through the kitchen area, into the open-plan living and dining spaces, and flows out onto the front stoep. A calm and muted fusion of Mediterranean meeting the Karoo. And that’s the effect the owners were going for. To retain the cosy-cottage feel, held in the comfort of small spaces that simultaneously cocoon you from, and release you into the vast expanse of the prevailing landscape.
You’ll be out there, with the antelope. The kudu, blesbok, springbok and gemsbok. The bountiful birdlife and all of the other small wildlife that inhabit the Swartberg National Park. Gallivanting the nature trails by foot or by bike. Discovering fynbos routes, nearby fig farms and the Cango Caves. You’ll also be inclined to simply sit still at Sheperd’s Cottage, taking in the surroundings. Languidly bobbing about in the farm-dam-pool. Listening to the Aapsrivier flowing nearby. Tucking into some hearty meals and lengthy novels around the clock. Resting beside the fireplaces. Star gazing for hours on end in the boma area that’s protected from the elements by the ingenuity of the circular reed enclosure. Whatever the weather, the boma area is the perfect place to plant yourselves around the fire, as it generously reveals the milky way, the mountain ranges and the majestic veld that unravels. Savouring each moment that reminds you to follow nature’s script of surrendering to the silence, the stillness and the solitude.
What we love!
- Sitting outside on the stoep, witnessing all of the colours transform with the landscape as the sun begins to set – beautiful tones of red blend with the whole house, the bougainvillea and succulent gardens.
- In winter when the cold Karoo days and nights set in you have the lovely fireplaces to warm up the cottage. When it snows on the mountains, you can drift out of the windows with those spectacular views and watch the landscape shift with the seasons.
- The cottage is so remote it is sublimely quiet and tranquil. Gathering around the boma in the evenings watching the stars blanket the night’s sky is one of those bucket list sights to behold.
What you need to know…
- Sheperd’s Cottage is situated on De Aap Farm Lodge & Private Nature Reserve, on a working farm that’s settled adjacent to the Swartberg National Park and about a 40-minute drive from Prince Albert.
- There are a number of activities that one can enjoy on the farm, including hikes, bike rides and Fynbos walks, identifying plants. The Cango Caves near the town of Oudtshoorn are a scenic drive away.
- There is decent cell reception and strong WIFI on the property. Solar supplies all of the necessary appliances.
- Whatever the season, always bring a warm jacket with you, as the weather can change at any Karoo moment.
- There is daily housekeeping at the property.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie