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True to tradition, every time the owners of Greyton Forest House turn off the eastern motorway and drive the scenic road that winds and glides towards the quaint little village of Greyton, their favourite family song blasts out of the windows. Emphatic pitches of “Ah, home, let me go home. Home is wherever I’m with you”, pierce the crisp valley air and catch onto the breeze that’s travelling up to the Riviersonderend mountains ahead. After a slow cruise through the town – down the old farm lanes flanked by old oaks – the singing stops with the engine, and the car keys flung away for the duration of their stay. Another customary policy in place – they’re only ever on foot or on saddle when they venture off the premises. A quintessential trait of the town where laissez-faire living is as inherent as the abundance of charisma and nature that prevails in this little hamlet.

At the foot of the mountain range and sitting adjacent a wild forest, this gorgeous Greyton hideaway embodies family holiday living from the inside out. Vice versa as the mountain air permeates the open living spaces, warmth from the sun smothers itself across the polished concrete floors, and fresh fruit from the giant lemon and guava trees make their way into the kitchen. Nature coolly comes inside and sits beside you on the sofa, the wicker chairs, and the barstools. At the long table, in the bath or at the foot of your bed. A quiet reassurance of spending slow, simple days.

The owners collaborated with Urban Nest’s architect, Minette Bell, to achieve the seamless flow of light, continuity and style from the pine beams of the high A-frame ceilings to the black-framed glass doors and windows. Dollops of mustard is lathered onto walls and sliding doors, and dotted about the furniture breaking the signature white-washed cottage walls and concrete floors. The undisputed heart of the home is the “splinter-blue” and Spanish-tiled kitchen. Coming from an accomplished culinary background, the matriarch of the home knew where she’d enjoy spending a lot of her time. Hovering above her Smeg oven or reclaimed oak island – slicing and dicing the mise en place. With the vantage point of looking out beyond her station to where the party’s happening on the verandah, in the pool and all over the garden wall.

Before the evening feasting begins, it’s time for the next family ritual of cycling through the village alongside the free-roaming farm animals. They seem to be in tune with tradition, just like the family, as they eagerly accompany them on their journey.

What we love!

• The peace and tranquility of the property that sits at the end of a quiet road, looking directly up to the magnificent mountain range.
• For cooking sessions that involve everyone, the pizza oven on the verandah churns out the best crust no matter what the choice of toppings.
• The exquisite little town of Greyton is only a 10-minute walk away from the house.
• Nature trails for mountain biking and scenic hikes start at the bottom of the lane where the river flows. For the more adventurous routes, the mountain range above the town has a number of challenging trails with break-taking views.
• The famous Saturday market where the kids can take pony rides or paint their faces, while the art, the coffee, the craft beer and fresh berry cocktails entertain the others.

What you need to know…

• The multi-talented and very knowledgeable property manager, Erith, and his lovely wife Sally are available to assist you with any information you need about the property or the area.
• Whatever the time of year, Greyton is always a wonderful place to visit as it suits every season, and unlike other places in the Western Cape, it is wind-free!
• For those Saturday brunches when you don’t feel like cooking, visit Heart & Soul – a vegetarian café that dishes up a harvest table from a quirky, renovated garage to your picnic blanket on the lawn.
• When in need of a perfectly poured cup of coffee, go on a hunt through the town for Soa, who’s cruising around with her coffee trailer, mastering the art of a mobile barista.
• The Hub & Spoke Café is a fun meeting ground for all of the active cycling enthusiasts, local or not, to gather and feast on some good, healthy, seasonal flavours.

Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie