Travelling to the Free State is like stepping into the beginning of time. Where there’s nothing but you and its vast terrain. A land far, far away, that’s magnificently raw and tranquil, remote and beautiful. The farmlands rise and fall over the rich sandstone hilltops, undulating as far as the eye can see. The air is crisp and pacifying, the light embracive and titillating. It’s a place where you can go and tune out of the noise entirely. To gather with your favourite people, completely immersed in a different kind of wilderness. A mellow, tame escape in a unique part of the country.
Less than an hour’s drive from the little town of Senekal, settled on the outskirts of the old hamlet of Rosendal, The Herenberg harnesses its contemporary farmhouse heels into the soil it occupies, and opens its gregarious yet graceful soul out into the landscape. Spread across one level of living, dining, cooking and reclining spaces, this hideaway has been stylishly stitched together by its owner’s discernment for design. Vintage family heirlooms meet bespoke cabinetry and steel works. European collectables, avant-garde pieces of art and lighting, Persian and Nguni rugs, a Gregor Jenkins steel dining table and accompanying Ghost chairs all make this home an elegant, flamboyant take on a farmhouse in the Free State. Its double ensuite bedrooms flank the hub of the home with their own views – the main ensuite with an outdoor shower and the guest room with their own lounge chairs on the patio – allowing for that extra elevation of space.
And then there are the views. They somehow denounce themselves as being the mark of a land far, far away, without commanding your attention. The Maloti mountains draw you out through the glass sliding doors, over the long deck, across the working farmlands, around the willow trees, the dam and the river, towards the horizon and beyond. You’ll find yourselves spending many a hours around the table on the long deck. Watching the colours of the landscape transform throughout the day, the rainbows appearing after the odd afternoon drizzle, the cattle grazing the fields as the farmer ploughs his land. The bokmakierie will be tuning his flute and perfecting his plethora of tweets as he admires his reflection in the windows. With the state-of-the-art kitchen being fully equipped and its adjacent scullery and pantry stocked with herbs and spices, Ottolenghi inspired dishes will be cooked-up and feasted-over from just after dawn and well past dusk. When the fire has been lit and the stars come out, you’ll plant yourselves on the blankets across the lawn in the secluded courtyard – perfectly sheltered from the occasional breeze – listening to the resident owls lull your own chats into a distant hum. It’s nature’s turn once again, to remind you why you and your beloved companions have ventured to The Herenberg. To explore the land and to sit still. To chitter chatter and nibble, sip and indulge, and to tune out and reflect. To bond, to reconnect and to take a bath for as long as you wish. As if it’s the beginning of time, again.
What we love!
- The sunsets are truly spectacular, sitting on the stoep and witnessing the sun reflect on the sandstone and the landscape constantly transform with the light. Then come the stars that shoot through the night’s sky.
- Swimming in the pool, admiring the incredible views. Lazing around on the lawn, or simply resting in one of the reclining spaces, looking out across the land. The house is perfect for long lunches and evening dinners around the tables, cooking and feasting to your hearts’ content.
- Lighting up the ‘stoempie’ – old combustion fireplace – and all huddling around the fire in the evenings, playing games and listening to your favourite playlists.
- There’s a lot to be said about feeling safe and incredibly secure in the surroundings.
What you need to know…
- Roesendal is the nearest town from the property, and 50km from Senekal. The final 30km stretch of the road to the house is not the easiest road to navigate so it’s the perfect opportunity to wind the windows down, turn the music up, take it slow and enjoy the magnificent views.
- The town of Rosendal is small, with a humble population, a couple of art galleries, a lovely hotel that’s perfect as a wedding venue – The Rosendal Country Retreat – with a restaurant. There is also a wine bar in the town, and a patisserie and bakery located in an old barn.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie