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Please enquire via the ENQUIRY button.
It’s rare to find a country retreat as unique and authentic as Penhill. A scenic 90-minute drive away from Cape Town, you’ll spot its towering twin palms long before the outcrop of white-washed buildings set on endless emerald lawns comes into view. It is nothing short of an oasis in the ruggedly beautiful Nuy Valley, so it’s easy to imagine this wonderful historical place as it was some 300 years ago when it was built as a refreshment station on the busy route to Stellenbosch, Swellendam and Graaff Reinet, pre-dating the N1.
Having been lovingly restored, Penhill has literally gone back to its roots, although, rather than a stop for the ox wagons of before, it’s now a private and very special place for groups of up to 24 people to relax and replenish body, mind and soul. And to have a whole lot of fun, too, as it’s perfectly suited for hosting fabulous parties, from formal affairs to outdoorsy bashes that make the most of the glorious natural surrounds.
There are dams and pools for splashing about in, a court for tennis as well as boules and croquet, not to mention trails for gentle walks, more strenuous hikes and runs, and mountainbiking. While there are dozens of lovely, picturesque spots where everyone can gather for meals, teas, sundowners and to be sociable in general, there’s also more than enough space on the 3 500 acre property with its well-tended garden to find quiet time alone with a book. Where better for a nap than propped up under a tree beside the dam?
Similarly, the layout of the various lodgings – Penhill West Grange, Penhill East Grange, Penhill Manor House, Penhill Fruit Barn and Penhill Pepper Tree (all of which can be booked separately or as an exclusive group) – also allows plenty of room to breathe, which is what sets it apart from so many other places.
Situated on the far side of the dam with magnificent views of the Naudesberg in the distance, Penhill Pepper Tree is the most private of the lodgings on the farm. It is also the farm’s original homestead and the oldest dwelling in the Nuy Valley, having been built in 1750 from mud bricks, poplar beams and thatch. Today this sensitively restored, air-conditioned home accommodates four people in two double bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and sitting room, with a wood-burning stove, satellite TV, WiFi and sound system and its own plunge pool.
What we love…
Need to know…
Sleeps 4
See the farm map here
With another 3 cottages on the farm and the Manor House, Penhill sleeps a total of 24 people:
East Grange sleeps 4
West Grange sleeps 4
Fruit Barn sleeps 4
Manor House sleeps 8
Sleeps 4
No pets allowed
Based on 6 reviews
Guest reviews are written by our customers after their stay at Penhill Pepper Tree.
Pepper Tree is an amazing, tranquil cottage and we loved every minute of our stay. It was really a pity it was so short in the end!
It was the most fantastic experience and three days at Penhill. The attention to detail of the room, garden and the actual site was superb and could not be faulted. The management and staff added to our fantastic experience. We went on three amazing hikes where the scenery and view were breath taking / outstanding. I have subsequently recommended Penhill to numerous colleagues and look forward to visiting again. Well done to all!
Thanks very much! We loved our time there. House really well equipped, cottage gorgeous. The walks were stunning. Hosts couldn’t have been lovelier; drove us and our small children up the mountain. Great service from PH also.
We loved pepper tree and had a great time. We would love to return!
Our stay was absolutely fantastic. The house was lovely, the kitchen was fully equipped with everything we could possibly need, relaxing on the pool loungers was heavenly and it felt amazing to have beautiful soft grass beneath our feet. With our water shortages in cape town, grass is something we really appreciate now. Thank you for a wonderful stay :-)
“Thanks so much for the stay at Penhill. The whole group had an amazing time and loved every moment of it. It is a very special property and works so beautifully for a group. I would also love to go back again with just my family on another occasion.”
Activities on Penhill Farm
Activities in the area
Places to eat in the Nuy Valley
Spa treatments
Make the most out of your Hideaway and book the Wellness in the Wild Mobile Spa. For the price list click here
Off-peak – R3750
Peak - R4500
All prices are per night/per property. Please confirm availability/actual rates, and enquire for DISCOUNTS & SPECIAL OFFERS.
The 50% rental deposit and the 50% balance of payment due 30 days prior to arrival are non-refundable. However, in the event of a cancellation management may consider refunds where those days can be rebooked after deducting any costs incurred with respect to the re-booking and preparation of the residence.