There’s something undeniably invigorating about the mountain air in Tulbagh. It does something to you, that encourages you to breathe a little slower, see a little clearer and feel a little lighter. Arriving at De Kleine does just that. It adjusts the rhythm of one’s busy mind, and lets the Witzenberg mountains, the rivers and the natural dams, the vines and the views of the farm’s landscape be the only contemplations.
Set on 180-hectares, operating as a mountain wine farm in the Tulbagh Valley, De Kleine Drie Fonetiene is an ideal destination for multigenerational family gatherings in the Cape Winelands. With a collection of six farmhouses and cottages scattered across the farm, there’s ample space to accommodate as many as thirty of your favourite people, should you wish to rent it exclusively .
Alternatively, each hideaway – aside from the two ‘Opstal’ farmhouses (best booked together) – can be rented independently, depending on the size of the clan. Opstal 1 is a spacious farmhouse, ideal for families and groups with its three ensuite bedrooms, and a large bunk room for children. Opstal 2 rests close-by, offering an additional two ensuite bedrooms. Stalle and Waenhuis are both two-bedroomed hideaways that are fully-equipped, stylishly-fitted and offer more magnificent views of the surroundings. And then there are the two Voorstoep cottages – a three-bedroomed home, and a two-bedroomed cottage.
They’re all beautifully furnished with a neutral, earthy palette. Reflecting the colours of the landscape. The timber sourced from the farm and the stone sourced from the riverbeds. The glass doors and windows open out onto the little patios or long verandahs, letting the mountain air accompany you wherever you plant yourself. Outdoor braai areas, and lazy morning, afternoon and evening seating spots perfectly position themselves for the views.
Antiques, artisanal pieces from local craftsmen, and a unique portfolio of art adds to the romance of each contemporary cottage. All earnestly telling an authentic tale about Tulbagh.
Early mountain walks, late fireside talks
The farm is a wonderfully tranquil and secluded base from which to explore the old town of Tulbagh. Tapping into the culture of this historical place, that’s the fourth oldest town in the country. Visiting farm stalls, art galleries and the other reputable wine farms. But there’s enough tasting to be done at De Kleine, itself. A beautiful tasting room, and a restaurant should you decide to remove the apron for the day.
If you fancy a special feasting, between the months of October and March, a Michelin-starred chef from Amsterdam prepares and serves an 8-course wine-pairing menu for those that have reserved a table in advance. There is also a casual blackboard menu for an easy lunch at the farm’s restaurant. Only a 2-minute walk from whichever cottage you’re residing at. If you’re only after the wine tasting, there is the option of enjoying a smorgasbord of treats from their charcuterie boards. It all depends on the demands of your palates.
Before or after all of the tasting and feasting, there are three marked hiking routes on the farm for you to explore. 5–7 kilometres of wandering through the Tulbagh Valley. Walking with a rich variety of birdlife, crossing rivers and waterfalls, depending on the season. The fynbos vegetation accompanies you on a fragrant voyage through the wilderness of the farmlands. You’ll swim in three natural dams or smaller pools that are fed by the mountain’s springs.
Gather around the bomas for a braai beside the water. Or beneath the canopy of the trees in the forest. Picnics can be arranged on the banks beside the water, or beside the vineyards. There are plenty of simple activities you and the clan can dip in and out of, depending on your appetite for adventure. But as it is with Tulbagh and her mountains, the rhythm that you’re used to will be rearranged. To something simpler, slower, calmer and much clearer. As you get to live out the real farm life with family and friends.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie