Vredenhof Farm Cottage, Grabouw/Elgin Valley

Vredenhof is close to the N2 highway, in the heart of the Elgin Valley, known for apple-growing, and exceptional wines. You’ll love the comfort and charm of this place. Ideal for couples, looking to escape the city, and relax in quiet, "country" surroundings. Not ideal for children. You could stroll through the orchards, canoe on the dam, enjoy the summer sun in your own pretty, private garden, or curl up, under eiderdowns in front of a crackling fire, in winter. SERVICED DAILY. This little Cape vernacular cottage is adjacent to the main farm homestead, under old Oak trees, with views of a horse paddock and stables, and rows and rows of pear and apple trees along the entrance farm road. This is a working farm, so during the week, there is a bustle of activity, while tractors drone around and about. Inside the cottage, the space has a nostalgic atmosphere, with low reed ceilings, scrubbed furniture, old-fashioned stripe, floral and check fabrics, and old Persian rugs scattered about. Bookshelves are filled with old books, and there is always plenty of firewood in a huge cane basket, provided for the little closed-stove, in the sitting area. This space is not suitable for children. The living area is open plan and double doors on both sides of the dining area open to beautiful views. Guests have their own private, pretty garden to enjoy, have a barbecue in, or simply relax on a chaise longe. There is one charming "vintage-feel" bathroom, with an extra-large shower, and a bath. Please note that the drinking water on the farm is straight from the mountain, so it has brownish colour. Don't be surprised when your bath water is brown. Guests are welcome to stroll around the farm, at their leisure. We do have three, friendly big dogs, so they may very well join you for a walk. Also, feel free to walk to the dam ( a 1 minute stroll), and sit on the glorious jetty, or take a row in a 2-seater Indian canoe. We, the owners, live on the property, full time, so are always willing to assist guests with anything that will make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable. The Elgin Valley is known to be very picturesque. Spring is the best time to come. Roses bloom in abundance and the flush of apple blossom on all the trees is breathtaking. There is an annual garden show in the first two weeks of November, where many farm gardens are open to the public for viewing. Other than the valley being very pretty, it produces the most exceptional "cool climate" wines, like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and planning a day of wine-tasting is a "must do". There are also some renowned restaurants in the valley, providing food made from the fresh produce that the valley has to offer, including organic fruit and vegetables, cheeses, Wagu beef and our famous Elgin "free-range" chickens and ducks. Hermanus, a seaside town, is a 30 minute drive, and every year there is a famous "whale watching" celebration. Our favourite restaurants are below, check their websites. THE POOLROOM, at Oak Valley wine Estate: SALT, at Paul Cluver estate Elgin is a rural town, 45 minutes drive from the city of Cape Town, and 30 minutes from the Cape Town International airport. There is no public transport available in the area. This space is not suitable for children. We provide a large garden umbrella, 2 chaise longs & garden chairs, a weber-braai/barbecue, beach towels for swimming in the dam, and wellington boots for walking in the wet winters. We provide premium DSTV coverage. We also provide a "bluetooth" boom-speaker. Linen is 100% cotton, and the duvets and pillows are filled with down. The kitchen is well-equipped, including a Nespresso machine and capsules. THE COTTAGE IS SERVICED DAILY