Stylish heritage home in Tulbagh
A beautifully appointed homestead in the historic village of Tulbagh, in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, House of the Firemaster offers a tranquil escape.
What was once the private residence of the town’s chief of the fire brigade, many years ago, is now an idyllic country hideaway in one of the Cape’s most revered wine regions. House of the Firemaster proudly reveals its heritage through its original Cape Dutch features, which are all perfectly intact, harnessing its charm and vintage character. All of the necessary modifications have been made to accommodate the seasoned traveller, that’s accustomed to all of the finer luxuries one wants when voyaging through Africa. Rustic and wild, yet sublimely comfortable at the same time. An apparent stamp of opulence delivered with a discernment in style. A gorgeous palette of green and gold, mustards and earthy tones canvas the old farmhouse spaces of the home. A lot of timber, exposed brick, glossy and terracotta tiles, reed rugs and ceilings all bind the cosy sentiments of old-world meets modern luxury. Every room has been considered to illustrate a life of long ago, back to the late 18th century when many of the historic homesteads were built on Church Street. How days would unfold in the farm-style kitchen, gathered around the long table with the heat from the open fireplaces warming the corners of the living spaces.
Three ensuite bedrooms with their lavish touches of comfort are accompanied by a lovely sitting room and separate intimate dining space. As you enter through the old wooden front doors, a window draws you out into the back garden that offers additional outdoor dining spaces with a large kitchen area, a Jacuzzi and lovely boma with seating space to allow for those long nights around the fire. Taking in that crisp country air. Firemasters has an extra bit of history to it. Alongside all of its other historical attributes, the house still has its original vegetable garden and outhouse that the residents used to maintain as a means of sustaining themselves, all of centuries ago. How wonderful to have a portion of the property’s memoir, there for the admiring.
Tulbagh’s ticket to a charming country escape
House of the Firemaster will be that tranquil spot to base yourselves at, as you explore the captivating village of Tulbagh in the heart of the Tulbagh winelands. Alongside all of the region’s abounding adventures in nature. The amazing property manager will advise on all of the fun activities you and your travelling team can add to the daily itineraries. From wine tasting and mountain hiking, to guided walks with a resident guide around town and some of the local farms. You’ll have access to many lovely eateries that are all within walking distance from the hideaway, on the days when you don’t feel like hovering over the stove. But that’s the wonderful thing about escaping to the countryside, is the time spent gathered together in the kitchen. Preparing and snacking and chatting before the full-on feasting begins around the tables. Firemasters welcome this past-time with enthusiasm, around the clock. It’s as if this is what the home was built for. Special family bonding moments under the ancient rafters, beneath the gables and overlooking the old lanes of this quaint farming town of Tulbagh.
What we love!
- Spending time in the Jacuzzi or gathered around the boma in the evenings.
- Enjoying a delicious breakfast at Kole & Deeg which is within walking distance from House of the Firemaster. Nothing like walking out the front door, down an old farm lane of a village and stopping off at the local eatery for a hearty baked breakfast.
- In the evenings, when no one fancies wearing the chef’s hat, head down the street to Daphne’s Restaurant for some insight into the delightful local cuisine.
What you need to know…
- The kitchen is great for home cooking and there is also an outdoor kitchen area. Should you wish to have a private chef cater to your meals, this can be arranged prior to your stay. There is housekeeping three times a week.
- The property manager will advise on all of the amazing activities in the area. Including guided walks and wine tasting at Krone and Saronsberg wineries. The Fynbos Animal Sanctuary and educational, historical places one can visit. Aside from all of the natural attractions surrounding Tulbagh, there is so much to do in the historic town itself, whatever time of the year. The village even likes to host Christmas in June/July – try some Glühwein and hot German bakes at the Christmas market on Church Street.
- Interested in history and the earthquake? You can listen to a fascinating voice tour, starting at the Earthquake Museum.
- If House of the Firemaster isn’t available on your dates, you could try our other Tulbagh gems: nearby Ballotina or Nibbana Farm, just outside Tulbagh.
- House of the Firemaster is available as a Shoot Location.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie