Review: Spanish Farm – Fynbos heaven in the heart of the Helderberg

Spanish Farm: Fynbos heaven in the heart of the Helderberg

On a clear day, the countertop silhouette of Table Mountain is visible from the high west peak of the Helderberg Mountains on the outskirts of Somerset West, some 50km away. Here, the lavish Spanish Farm Guest Lodge sits nestled on the flanks of the mountain, creating the perfect nook from where to explore the surrounding winelands, beaches and nature reserves... or just relax and soak in the surrounds.

By Louzel Lombard Steyn

Cape Summer Villas’ Spanish Farm lies right on the edge of the Helderberg Mountain Reserve with its sprawling views over the entire False Bay. It's a well-known sight, optimally enjoyed from beneath a thick, fluffy duvet with a cup of freshly brewed coffee in bed. On a quiet morning, the giant bay windows can be thrown open to let in the Helderberg's natural fynbos gardens... and some other fauna.

This was just the case on a visit here in early autumn when a relaxed Springbok came wandering along the private deck of my bedroom. For a group of friends travelling in the first throes of lockdown, the lodge was a saving grace of peace and tranquillity. The resident springbok – I named him George – was our only other company (or at least that we knew of). Every morning, George and I enjoyed each other’s company, neither disturbed by the others' chewing and sipping. Me, on some homemade rusks and coffee and he, on a scrub of

succulent grass and water from a garden puddle.

Both bedrooms in each of the private villas are located below deck with private gardens while upstairs, an open-plan kitchen and living area overlook a sprawling stoep to one side and secluded private pool to the other. Hummingbirds and dragonflies abound, sipping nectar from the pincushions or bouncing off the surface of the pool, undeterred by swimmers and sunbathers. Thanks to the natural slope of the mountain creating different 'levels' on the property, the natural pools are tucked beneath an upper-level garden where guests can sunbathe in utter privacy – save for the company of the birds and bokkies, like George.

As the sun set over False Bay on our first night, we sought shelter from the snippy autumn air around the wooden dining table in the glass-walled dining room. It's the best hang-out spot for friends and family to linger with a bottle of red wine and a hearty dinner, without losing sight of the False Bay lights flickering below in the distance.

Apart from the dining room and entertainment spaces with the private pool, each villa also has its own lounge with a wood-burning fireplace, DSTV and a fully-equipped, modern kitchen which makes the laid-back Winelands lifestyle accessible to visitors.

Perfect breakaway spot that naturally lends itself to social distancing

The 4-hectare estate is an especially perfect breakaway spot that naturally lends itself to social distancing. For those eager to explore as lockdown levels ease up, however, it's a most central hub.

A short drive down the R44 lies the famous Root 44 Emporium farmers market, which has just been renovated. Stalls with local crafts, delicious food and live music over the weekends is a must. When the ‘Cape Doctor’ is asleep, beaches dotted along the Cape Whale Coast are great for quick swims or a paddle-ski adventure. Lucky paddlers have encountered some of the iconic Southern Right whales up close in the bay. For day drivers, the iconic Clarence Drive on the edge of the False Bay coastline offers a breathtakingly beautiful view from Gordon's Bay all along the Sir Lowry Mountain slopes.

Spanish Farm is also a hit with the many outstanding golf courses of the Winelands, including the nearby De Zalze golf course with its sweeping views of the mountains and Blaauwklippen River. For our group, the most strenuous activity of the trip was mixing a couple of G&Ts and hiking up a quaintly clad wooden walkway behind the estate to enjoy that world-renowned sun set from our own private deck. In the midst of a global catastrophe, we could all breathe a sigh of relief and regain perspective on how privileged we are to live so close to nature in South Africa. Nature thrives in this haven on the outskirts of a busy winelands’ town, which is just as well when restaurants and other tourist attractions are forced to close. When they're open, however, it's the centre of the most sought-after eateries in the winelands. It's also an easy 20-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport and a 45-minute drive from Cape Town.

The mountain and fynbos landscape provides a cherished space for both rest and adventure – whatever you choose.

Special offer

Spanish Farm is offering 15% off listed winter rates from 1 June to 31 August 2021. Please use the promo code SFGLWIN21 as a reference when booking. This can be entered on the website booking page and the discounted amount will be calculated automatically.

The Helderberg Mountain Reserve is open daily from 07:30. Entrance is R25 for adults and R15 for children under 18.

www.capesummervillas.co.za

win!

a getaway valued at R7 100

Two night, midweek breakaway, for four people sharing a two bedroom villa, plus breakfast on both mornings at Spanish Farm.

TO ENTER:

Scan the QR code with your phone or fill in the entry form for Spanish Farm at mediaxpose.co.za/6-rove-sa-competitions

Entries close on 25 August 2021. T's &C's apply

Cell World 067 725 9786

Computer Mania

028 312 3333 Galaxy Cellular 067 164 7278 Incredible Connection 028 312 2989 MTN 083 869 1459 Vodacom 028 312 3999

ABSA Capitec Bank FNB Nedbank Standard Bank ATM 028 312 2990 ATM 028 313 8800 028 313 7865 Woolworths 028 313 6240

Whale Coast Theatre 028 312 1396

Bierman & Britz Optometrist 028 312 3075 Mellins I-Style 028 313 1101 Spec-Savers 028 312 2943 Sunglass Hut 021 276 2837 Home ETC Mr Price Home Ouhout Meubels Sheet Street Tirmah Exclusive 028 312 3111 028 313 0590 028 312 3200 028 313 0159 028 312 3191

Arabella Diamonds 028 312 4114 Sterns 028 313 6323 / 24

Checkers Liquor Market Liquor 028 313 4600 028 312 4475

Bargain Books CNA PNA 028 313 0303 087 086 7658 028 312 2936

Ackermans Exact Foschini Franco Ceccato Identity Keedo Kids Markham Milady’s Mr Price Clothing Old Khaki

028 312 3071 028 313 6306 028 313 6300 028 312 1195 028 312 2945 021 003 2777 028 313 6319 028 312 2509 028 312 3153 021 003 2778 Pep 028 312 2330 Pick ‘n Pay Clothing 028 312 3057 Queenspark 028 312 1677 SKA Clothing 028 312 1626 Sneaker Factory 028 312 4486 Tekkie Town 087 150 4004 The Fix 028 312 1419 Truworths 081 171 1380 Best of Asia Hartlief Deli King Pie McDonalds 028 316 4120 028 312 3068 065 627 3077 028 312 3661

Mugg & Bean Spur

028 312 1916 028 312 3095 Steers 028 312 3175 The Deli Coffee Co 028 312 2980 The Fish Basket TBC Wimpy 028 312 2038

Checkers 028 313 6400 Food Lovers Market 028 312 4475

Clicks Dis-Chem Sorbet Style Bar The Barber Shop The Body Shop

Appliance World 028 312 3140 028 050 2189 028 312 2260 065 833 0667 083 288 5341 028 312 3141

028 426 0014 3@1 Smart Tailor Telkom Direct 028 312 2715 067 001 2734 028 313 0080

Absolute Pets Cash Crusaders Eber Vet 028 312 3125 028 312 3576 028 312 3028

Gadget Paradise

081 723 6005 JJ Cale 010 021 0209 Montagu Dried Fruit & Nuts 028 312 3099 The Crazy Store 087 135 8368 Twisp 081 269 9435 Verimark 028 312 2940 Visfabriek 066 018 9521 Vrystaat Biltong 076 740 7080

Cape Union Mart Mr Price Sport Senqu Sport Scene Surf Zone Totalsports 021 003 2777 028 312 1435 028 312 3553 028 313 6315 076 245 5987 028 313 6313