PENHILL MANOR HOUSE TOON TJ I E SR I V I E R , N U Y VA L L E Y, C A PE W I N E L A N DS
Relax
and Replenish It’s rare to find a country retreat as unique and authentic as Penhill. A scenic 90-minute drive away from Cape Town, you’ll spot its towering twin palms long before the outcrop of whitewashed buildings set on endless emerald lawns comes into view. It is nothing short of an oasis in the ruggedly beautiful Nuy Valley, so it’s easy to imagine this wonderful historical place as it was some 300 years ago when it was built as a refreshment station on the busy route to Stellenbosch, Swellendam and Graaff Reinet, pre-dating the N1.
Having been lovingly restored, Penhill has literally gone back to its roots, although, rather than a stop for the ox wagons of before, it’s now a private and very special place for groups of up to 24 people to relax and replenish body, mind and soul. And to have a whole lot of fun, too, as it’s perfectly suited for hosting fabulous parties, from formal affairs to outdoorsy bashes that make the most of the glorious natural surrounds. There are dams and pools for splashing about in, a court for tennis as well as boules and croquet, not to mention trails for gentle walks, more strenuous hikes and runs, and mountainbiking. While there are dozens of lovely, picturesque spots where everyone can gather for meals, teas, sundowners and to be sociable in general, there’s also more than enough space on the 3 500 acre property with its welltended garden to find quiet time alone with a book. Where better for a nap than propped up under a tree beside the dam?
Similarly, the layout of the various lodgings – Penhill West Grange, Penhill East Grange, Penhill Manor House, Penhill Fruit Barn and Penhill Pepper Tree (all of which can be booked separately or as an exclusive group) – also allows plenty of room to breathe, which is what sets it apart from so many other places. The gorgeous Penhill Manor House oozes country charm and history. Built in 1840, it is an outstanding example of Cape Dutch architecture. Today, the fully renovated, air-conditioned Manor House accommodates eight people in four bedrooms, with three bathrooms. The living spaces include a comfortable sitting room, kitchen and dining room, and thoughtful little extras include excellent WiFi as well as DSTV and a sound system. When you are not making the most of the extensive activities on the farm – think mountainbike rides, hikes and walks, canoeing in the dam, getting competitive on the tennis court or with a game of croquet or boules – you can simply relax on a lounger beside your own swimming pool.
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