Few places lead us back to our roots, to our childlike ways of curiously seeking adventures that stem from the ruggedness of nature, quite like the life on a farm does. Where the raw scents of the earth waft through the air from the paddocks, the soothing sounds of the birds, the light landing on the water, bouncing onto the veranda and into our eyes all remind us about the immortality of time.
How we’ve grown to know ourselves on a farm, like the trees and roses and hydrangeas in the gardens have. Making memories and planting them into the soil. For our kids to plant their own alongside. For the next generation and the generation after that. A farm holds a family photo album of sacred moments shared in our lives, and frames them across the landscape.
Tucked under the Kamberg Mountains, with seven kilometres of the Mooi River winding through 195 hectares of farm land, Hemyock reveals a century’s worth of family festivities and frolics around its homestead.
A farmhouse, a pool house and a garden cottage allow for as many as 22 guests to occupy this magical Midlands hideaway all at once. Where multigenerational families can gather and celebrate whatever is on the cards to celebrate. A myriad of entertaining spaces, from long verandas to the semi-exposed living area known as the hide, the summer gin lounge and accompanying formal lounges.
The ample dining space, outdoor braai areas with a pizza oven and fabulous farm-style kitchen make this self-catering holiday accommodation and ideal gathering space for foodies and those who love to entertain.
Hemyock’s spacious ensuite bedrooms, libraries and reading spaces are all beautifully furnished with family heirlooms and antique collectables, complimenting the original 1920’s bones of the build and adding authenticity to this unique holiday home.
The wooden floors and ornate open fireplaces embellish the brass chandeliers and vintage rugs. Every piece in this historical perfect hideaway has been thoughtfully considered and holds its space with intention. Adding a home away from home ambience to that family portrait with a taste that’s timeless.
Make memories at a magical hideaway
Whatever the occasion and celebration of the gathering, you and your large clan are at liberty to carve your own farm family memories into the landscape. Whether you’re up with the early bird or slow to rise, a morning coffee on the sundeck overlooking the dam, followed by a hike or a cycle before breakfast will kickstart the activities for the day.
Badminton, boules, giant jenga and massive pick up sticks will be played across the acres of rolling lawns. Perhaps a bit of clay pigeon shooting or pitch ’n putt onto the chipping green.
Some might like to sit and sip, as the kids zipline from one side of the dam to the other. Fishing from the rubber ducks or along the pacifying banks of the river.
Picnics and afternoon snoozes beside the rapids. Others might prefer wading in and out of the swimming pool in the courtyard.
One last escapade up the hill before dinner, behind moon cottage towards the sundowner spot, where the waterfall flows and the magnificent views unravel with the changing hues of the horizon.
Down to freshen up before the feasting around the dining table. Everyone is together and all of the family banter is flying around the room, out into the fields, the paddocks, down the lanes along the avenue of trees, over the bridge and across the landscape. That everlasting photo album of life on the farm.
If you are planning a South Africa wedding and exploring wedding venue rentals, with its immaculate rolling lawns, stunning mountain views and the gracious Neoclassical veranda Hemyock offers spectacular wedding venue accommodation.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Dawn Kennedy