13 on Grewe – The alluring 19th century village of McGregor retains its reputation of being one of the most authentically charming villages in the Western Cape thanks to its charismatic community, historical homes, spectacular scenery and healing energy that encompasses the land. Just 2 hours from Cape Town within the Robertson Wine Valley, you’ll find a quaint little Camelot of rural ruggedness, where farm animals saunter down lanes and eagles, buzzards, starlings and swallows sweep through the vast blue skies. Where water trickles from river beds and streams down ley lines and into troughs. Where the stillness of the Klein Karoo air incites a splendid pacifying existence. Time seems to slow down as you settle yourself into the soil of an old, sacred town, that has a story or two to share with you and your clan. It’s apparent upon arrival, there’s nothing quite like the town of McGregor.
In keeping with the typical vernacular of the town, with its effervescent farm cottage character and enchanting, hospitable old soul, 13 on Grewe settles itself amongst lemon, pomegranate, quince, apricot and plum trees, olive and almond groves, a little herb and salad garden, a skinny swimming pool and a long wrap-around verandah to sit and watch the languid world go by, from behind the creeping wisteria. A laidback, open-plan living, dining and cooking space flows out onto the stoeps and into the garden, with the three bedrooms flanking the entertaining areas. Family heirloom furnishings, luxury linens and sentimental collectables add to the cosy country charm of the hideaway. Beautiful French doors lead out from the main ensuite, onto the verandah where an outdoor shower awaits your morning wake-up with the cackles of the resident guinea fowl. A hot brew escorts you to the front stoep where you’ll witness the surrounding mountains come to colour, as the residents ride their horses or walk their dogs down the lanes; their friendly smiles reaffirming that ardent affection that comes with the community. A yummy fruit bowl for breakfast before heading out down the long dirt tracks and onto mountain trails for some hiking, biking and exploring. Perhaps a visit to the local market sourcing all of the ingredients for the feasting that you and your clan will be doing around the tables for the rest of the day. A slow siesta with the afternoon breeze adding that respite to a sweaty summer snooze. Some more laps in the swimming pool before dinner. A little walk around the nearby dam. You might like to head into town and munch on gourmet burgers from the local burger van, parked opposite the pub. Or a delicious pizza before heading home to catch the sun setting behind the mountains, transforming those magnificent colours of the rugged surroundings, from the roof terrace. Down to the walled-garden on the back stoep, where the fire-pit’s alight and the comfy seats beckon some star gazing. Whether it’s just you or the whole clan, McGregor’s night skies tell more tales about the land you’re inhabiting. That’s entirely unique and all yours for as long as you choose.
What we love!
- There’s something to be said about the laidback, eclectic community that makes you feel fully integrated and included in all of the happenings of the village.
- Heading out onto the dusty roads for a cycle or a long walk, surrounded by nature and ever-unfolding farmlands, with the surety of safety and an encompassing sense of tranquility.
- Spending time on the roof terrace – accessed by an external staircase – taking in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the surroundings.
- Sunning yourself beside the pool on the loungers, half-shaded by the parasol, dipping in and out of the pool, as you dive in and out that novel.
What you need to know…
- The town of McGregor is revered for its healing elements and pacifying, silent gardens with denominations of prayer facilities.
- The Ride to Nowhere 3-day cycle event occurs every year where cyclists take to the dusty roads and explore the beautiful terrain.
- It doesn’t matter how many there are of you in your clan, the property accommodates as many as six people comfortably, allowing all of the spaces to be integrated and equally dispersed so that you never feel crowded.
- The village market on Saturdays is a wonderful, fun activity for the whole family to venture to, sourcing all kinds of quirky gems, yummy ingredients and special crafts.
- M n M – Made in McGregor grocery store is definitely worth a visit.
- Fancy a fresh, delicious homemade pizza from Fat Lady’s Arms in the village? For those evenings when you don’t feel like another braai or antipasti around the table.
- Every Tuesday night the local burger van visits the town and park opposite Jimmy’s pub. You can order a pint and have your burger delivered to your table. That’s the kind of community we LOVE.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie