Situated on a heritage wine estate in Wellington, where the ancient oaks, vines and olive groves have presided over its farmlands since 1777, Die Werf at Welgegund is a journey back in time, to a tranquil, serene place of history, where nostalgia engulfs the land’s atmosphere entirely. As if to reveal a narrative of your own, that existed once a upon a time long ago, this hideaway implores you to settle amongst its pastures and relive it all over again, upon its grand, stately grounds.
Settled within its beautiful old walled gardens, beneath the oaks and thorn trees, where the resident geese saunter past, the spotted eagle owls rest outside the farm-style kitchen’s door, and the curious mongoose scurries amongst the squirrels, Die Werf at Welgegund spans itself across a courtyard where a cluster of white-washed cottages rest beside the manor house. Accommodating as many as ten guests, this hideaway is the perfect place for families and friends to gather next to the vines, that rest in one of the most beautiful valleys in the country, cushioned around the foot of the Hawequa and Drakenstein Mountains. Its interiors are all dressed up in fine classical attire, maintaining the integrity of the building’s heritage. Its roaring fireplaces and underfloor heating keep things cozy when the wintry chill sets in.
Mornings will start slowly, with a lovely breakfast in the courtyard, shaded by the trees as the birds accompany your hot bakes with their chorus. If it’s a sweltering start to a summer’s day, the dining room in the manor house is the perfect place to offer respite from the heat. Then it’s into swimming cozzies and off to the pool. Long walks around the farm followed by an afternoon game of tennis on the rustic tennis court. A wonderful way to workout and work-up an appetite for an evening braai in the courtyard. Some afternoons you might like to venture off the farm for a brief interlude, exploring the majestic surroundings of Wellington. Her mountains and rivers and neighbouring estates. Perhaps a visit to the farm at the end of the valley for lunch. An authentically rural affair for the whole clan, where you settle around a table, enjoying delicious home-cooked meals served in the old stables, with an unmarked bottle from their vines. Or bring your own. Or perhaps you’d like to visit the former judge-come-culinary extraordinaire in Wellington. Rest on her verandah around the table and have a feasting from the heart. Venture along the magnificently beautiful Bainskloof Pass for some more rivers and nature trails. Head off to the quirky town of Riebeek Kasteel for a dose of art and culture, wine, cheese and olive oil tasting. Visit Adene’s flower farm in Wolseley and see her spectacular dahlias, hydrangeas and other cut flowers. Maybe some hiking and mountain biking in the Paarl mountains. Maybe just some lazy downtime at Die Werf at Welgegund. Endless hours of bliss on the farm with your favourite people, as you encounter the seclusion, the serenity and the stillness of an ancient land, upholding a wealth of history.
What we love!
- Spending time on the tranquil grounds of the wine farm, where all of the workings of the farm go on in the background, as you take in the beautiful surroundings, walking through the vineyards and the olive groves. You never have to leave the property, unless one has to stock up on supplies.
- Whatever the weather, it’s a wonderful place to retreat to, work from and tune-out from all of the noise, and just be.
What you need to know…
- The dwellings comprise of a manor house and the former stables and studio of the farm, that have been well restored and renovated. Their own little quarters set on the secure wine estate of Welgegund, less than a 5-minute drive from the town of Wellington.
- All of the wonderful recommendations of daily excursions of the area will be provided. Including venturing out to the neighbouring farms for lunches and wine tasting, the hiking and biking trails.
- There is daily housekeeping during the days of the week. If you are planning on a long stay, arrangements can be made with the resident housekeeper.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie