Gluckingham Palace panders to those playful hearts that yearn for family bonding getaways in the Greyton countryside, where whimsical adventures unfold at the foot of the mountain.
It’s a wonderful notion to consider a laidback life, residing in the bountiful Overberg countryside. Reverting to the simple ways of bonny, barefoot days, frolicking around lush gardens, tending to the chickens, the bunny rabbits, the fish ponds and the vegetable gardens. Witnessing the Cape weavers mirroring your practices of tending to your own nests. Layering twig after twig, adding every essence of a family home. One of nature’s many marvels.
Taking long walks along the river beds. Wading through the cool, revitalising currents as they flow around the pebbles, forming little rock pools that you’ll dip into and bob about in. Stroking the occasional wild horse that freely-roams the farm lanes. Dodging the cows’ droppings that they lazily leave behind for the dogs to get all excited about.
Breathing in that fresh mountain air, and then standing still as you absorb their indomitable presence. A myriad of green and gold, burnt orange and beige canvas the landscape like a Constable painting. Cue the wagon and the quaint country cottages and we’re back in the late sixteenth century. That’s what Greyton has a way of doing to every resident and visitor that frequents this beautiful Overberg village. It escorts you back to a romantic era when all you can hear are birds and farm animals, all you can see are mountains and paddocks, and all you need to think about is what meal you’ll be feasting over next.
This is, at the very least, what happens when you arrive at Gluckingham Palace. A mother and her foal affectionately nod in recognition of your arrival from the side of the dirt road. Framing the romance of the image that stands before you. An old cottage converted into a contemporary farmhouse that comprises of three abiding elements; live, breathe and air. A mammoth Oggie door beckons you in to a voluminous open-plan living, dining, cooking and entertaining space, divided by a cobbled corridor.
It’s apex ceiling with exposed timber and steel rafters open out across the rolling green lawn, over the white-walled swimming pool, the pond, the timber office and its wrap-around deck, the secret garden and vegetable patches, and all the way up to those magnificent Riviersonderend Mountain peaks.
A scullery to make those friend and family getaways easy, a playroom and work station, a lovely long verandah, four wonderful ensuite bedrooms (all with their own TVs and aircon, and one being a great dorm for the kids with large bunkbeds), and an upstairs sun-lounging deck, all come together in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings.
Mellow country magic
After a sublime night’s sleep, you’ll rise from the glorious beds with the morning mist cloaking the valley like a veil. A delicious coffee in hand, you’ll greet the Brahma chickens as you saunter around the tranquil gardens together. Allowing the sun to burn off the veil, revealing a blue that mimics the pool. Time for that first dip of the day before breakfast. A slow walk into the village for another coffee and warm croissant.
A visit to the local market if it’s Saturday, sourcing a curious mix of things. Perhaps a little horse ride or for those that prefer, a hike or mountain bike on the many nature trails in the mountains. So many sights to enjoy around the town, stopping off at the boutiques, art galleries and quaint little cafés. Back for another dip in the pool before preparing a late lunch on the lawn. Tables set and pizza oven alight. Some might prefer a crispy chop off the braai whilst others go all Italian.
Croquet, cricket, jungle gym escapades and lilo lounging aplenty. Reading in the shade beside the pond or even taking the time to put finger to keyboard and drift off with your own memoir from the garden office. If inspiration from Gluckingham Palace doesn’t get you published, nothing will! Every element of this home binds together the bonding of those sacred family moments, that only come about when you’re immersed in that simple serenity.
Letting the day gradually turn into night, the fireplaces warming the ambience, the SONOS sound system wafting through the open air, signalling to the stars to dance with your happy bare feet. Rooted to the rich African soil that sings in rhythm with your holiday hearts. Being reminded of all of the things that matter most.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie