Luxury Cape Dutch homestead in historic Tulbagh
A heritage Cape Dutch homestead in the charming old town of Tulbagh, Pineapple House offers a country escape in the Cape Winelands of the Boland.
Dating back as far as 1790, and now a national monument, Pineapple House was settled among the ancient oak trees of Church Street in Tulbagh. More recently, its original Cape Dutch bones were sensitively renovated, creating a hideaway that now reveals contemporary interiors with finesse. A safari-feel almost, a farmhouse character that’s layered in subtle textures and notable luxuries that ooze a familiar affection. As if you’re walking through the front doors of a family home.Â
Three ensuite bedrooms accommodating as many as six of your getaway pals, Pineapple House is an ideal countryside cottage for you to explore one of the country’s oldest towns from. Being surrounded by mountains and vineyards, rivers and waterfalls, there’ll be plenty of nature excursions for you to enjoy. The wonderful host at Pineapple House will furnish you with an array of activities to get stuck into, within the town of Tulbagh and the surrounding wine and citrus region. Guided hikes with a resident guide who’ll escort you through secret and isolated farming terrain. Or a historical walk through the town, learning all about the devastating earthquake of 1969 that left the village almost in ruins. The stories of its restoration and the sites that reveal the long-standing courage of the community. Visits to the nearby Fynbos Farm, where you can feed the animals and walk the trails of this heartwarming animal sanctuary. Wine tasting at some of the country’s finest cellars and swimming beneath waterfalls.
Old-world luxury in beautiful wine country
As much as the town and its beautiful surroundings will have you satiated around the sun – or whatever the weather, this is an all-season destination – you and your country clan will enjoy the simple moments at the house. Gathered beneath the pergola that’s covered in creeping vines, savouring an al fresco feasting. Dipping in and out of the heated plunge pool by sun or moonlight. Parking yourselves on the benches on the front stoep and watching the village life move by. Or tucked away in the indigenous garden, ensconced in the tranquillity of its yellowwood and citrus trees. A gentle amble down the lanes to the evening’s attractions. To the local eatery or pub. Or to simply take in that invigorating mountain air, that’s been ordered by the travel doctor. Pineapple House will have your holiday memories layered into a lovely, slow-paced, historical tale of indulgent moments in the Tulbagh winelands.
What we love!
- Pineapple House exudes character and comfort in every space. A feeling of familiarity and intrigue in all of its rooms and lovely living spaces. Its ideal location on Church Street adds to the historical charm and allows easy walking access to lovely cafés and eateries. It was named after the three plaster pineapples featured on its gable, a symbol of hospitality and welcome in the baroque era.
- Spending time in the lovely garden. In the heated plunge pool or on the built-in bench, reading books and taking in the tranquillity of the mountain air.
- Enjoying a delicious breakfast at Kole & Deeg which is within walking distance from Pineapple House. 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…
- Tulbagh is an easy 1.5 hour drive from Cape Town.
- The kitchen is great for home cooking and there is also an outdoor braai 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 Pineapple House isn’t available on your dates, you could try our other Tulbagh gems: nearby Ballotina or Nibbana Farm, just outside Tulbagh.
- Pineapple House is available as a Shoot Location