The crisp country air, expansive views and slow rhythm of rural life makes this spot a family-favourite destination. Greyton Mountain House paints a picture of what family life is like in the Overberg countryside, where the community, the mountain air and the greenery somehow reshape and rewire our ways of living.

True to tradition, every time the owners of Greyton Mountain 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 countryside, 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 whicker 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.

Serene country charm

The owners collaborated with Urbanest’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.

Written by Colleen Ogilvie