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It didn’t take much to persuade the owners of this charming Koringberg hideaway to put down roots here. Deep in the heart of the Swartland, home to several maverick winemakers (whose limited quantities are some of the most sought after by sommeliers-in-the-know at exclusive safari lodges in Africa) and the Cape’s wheat basket, Koringberg literally means ‘Wheat Mountain’. Blink and you could miss the turn-off to this sleepy little ‘one-horse’ town, just before Picketberg. We arrive on a weekend when the wheat harvest is in full swing.
The Old Barn, previously a much-loved restaurant at the entrance to the village (the sun room was the original bar), is next door to the boutique vineyards of Wildehurst Winery and right on the main road. There’s a real sense of community here, from the moment the resident peacock sounds out a welcome cry as the gate opens. By sunrise, neighbouring cocks crow on cue and your country clock is set! But waking at dawn is the best time to experience this little village and breakfast outside as the sun slowly lights up the private stoep is slow and lazy. Just the way it should be.
As the heat of the day picks up, it’s time to dip into the plunge pool before retreating inside in search of a good book in its tempting bookshelves. The talented Salome Gunter (who decorated the original Perfect Hideaways cottage in Churchhaven all those years ago!) was invited to add her signature interior style to this calming, double-volume loft space. Layered with embroidered French linens, classic stripes and blousy florals offset against a calming palette of whites, and beautifully styled with an eye for quirky finds, The Old Barn is a now a gorgeous light-filled weekend retreat. Warmed by a central fireplace in winter and cooled by high ceilings and concrete floors in summer, it’s the country cocoon we all need more often than we think!
What we love!
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Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon
Sleeps 8
Pets allowed
R2 500 - R4 000 per night