Climbing the ladder into a tree house is one of those wistful memories we have of our childhood. Gleefully frolicking through enchanted forests, curiously exploring the marvels of nature, we’d scale each rung and scramble along the branches. Something about settling upon your little timber hideout and looking out over the canopy of leaves that harnesses a tangible tale of retreat. Where it was just us, and the breathing, beating pulse of the woods. A treehouse was where treasures were kept, secrets were shared and the stories we read, mystically jumped from the pages of their books into life.
Arriving at The Tree House @ Las Faldas is like revisiting a far, far away place of a time long, long ago. Our younger selves are tickled with nostalgia as our current stride glides through the space with finesse. In harmony with the tempo of this hideaway’s ambience. Set on two levels of deeply calming ethereal sleeping rooms, ethereal open-plan living, dining and reclining spaces, tranquil reading nooks and pacifying lookout spots from long floating terraces and shaded decks, this hideaway evokes an earnest affection for the sublime subtleties of time spent in the forest. With its thick glass doors and windows, solar energy system, wood-burning stoves, birch ply panelling, ageing maritime pine and gum timber flooring – all removed and repurposed from harvested from the surrounding Afro-montane forest as a means of regenerating its growth – The Tree House is overtly doing its duties on sustainability. Mountain springs run through the indigenous forest, out of the taps, the shower heads and into the basins, the natural eco swimming pool and the Japanese-style ofuro hot tub. As a thoughtful gesture to the landscape, the interiors are soothing and intimate with its vintage furnishings and treasured collectables, bespoke cabinetry and contemporary artisanal pottery. Its library of South African literature, Japanese graphics, local and international cookbooks and wine guides tucked amongst the layers of comfort and texture. With the ongoing sentiment of sustainability being at the helm, and lauding everything local.
Venturing into the forest for a long weekend or week’s escape yields an entirely unique existence in the Cape. The Las Faldas, meaning the foothills or ‘the skirts’ offers magnificent views of the vineyards, the mountains and the ocean in the distance, beckoning exploration. are there. The neighbouring wine estates and their revered restaurants are down some winding roads. The Constantiaberg and Silvermine mountain trails that lead to more rivers and waterfalls, craggy cliff walks and valleys are on the doorstep. The city’s a swift drive away, as are the beaches, the cultural excursions and art jaunts. If you feel obliged. But for those that long to climb that ladder once again, and sit atop your treehouse, you’ll find yourself perfectly satiated in the mystique of the land at Lasat Las Faldas. You’ll sip hot brews or bubbles around the clock, drifting from garden bench to lounger to sofa to tub. You’ll cook a little then maybe head south to the vines for a tasting. You’ll swim and stretch and meditate, walk and rest and retreat. Collecting treasures, sharing secrets and bringing your treehouse memoir to life.
What we love!
- Looking out through the canopy of trees that appear to put on a performance of colour and light throughout the hours of the day. Whatever the weather, or the season, the views are always magnificent from the comfort of the cozy living room, cocooned beside the fireplace, or the lovely outdoor seating areas.
- The utter tranquility of the entire property. Meandering through the gardens down to the natural eco swimming pool, listening to the birdlife as you walk through their territory, courteously escorting you onwards.
- The trees and their branches passing through the building of the home, as if it were the trees that came last, imposing upon the earlier construct of the home.
What you need to know…
- The two bedrooms are completely separate from one another. One upstairs and one downstairs tucked into the earth, secluded and private, flanking the home with their own space.
- Upon arrival, you will need to traverse a number of rustic stairs, through the gardens, to get to The Tree House that’s built into the cliffs steep slope of the mountain. A little stamina required. Views are of course worth it. Parking is located at the main dwelling at Las Faldas.
- A number of wonderful wineries and world-renowned restaurants are a short drive away. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a 10-minute drive from the property and La Parada at Constantia Nek is a 20-minute brisk walk through nature away.
- The property’s owner is an active Bee Keeper so there are a couple of wild hives and a wild colony that resides in the trees. There’s also a burgeoning abundant vegetable and herb garden.
- There is no television on the property. There is, however, ample firewood for the wood-burning stove. The kitchen is also fully-equipped with all that you’ll need to prepare a feasting in the trees.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
