Claiming its portion of the Hemel en Aarde valley like a venerable grandparent would their seat at the table, Casa Estrela exposes its age-old limbs with sincerity, and its character with integrity. It has wisdom to share, tales to tell and lots of love to give. It welcomes you in to its farmhouse spaces with an earnest generosity. Letting the landscape of the Overberg have its dramatic impact on the conversation. Where mountains lean in as if to eavesdrop. The fynbos and farm paddocks, the apple orchards and the vineyards embellish the gold and green tones of the scene. As the sea sends an occasional salty whisper from beyond the way.
This beautiful old farmhouse is the sort of place where time politely excuses itself and never returns. A place for you and your clan of ten, to become reacquainted with one another. To swim, to walk, to star gaze, to cook, to feast and play. To recline among the subtle seductions on style. To wander around the estate, along the river bed when it’s dry. Or its banks when its flowing. To treasure hunt for nature’s jewels. To rest and reflect on why it’s revered as heaven on earth.
The property retains its historical essence and unfolds with an easy, open-plan sweep. A lofty kitchen, dining and living space gathered around a lovely open fireplace rests on the ground level. One wing offers a pair of bedrooms – an en-suite double and a twin room with its own shower just across the way. The other wing keeps the master suite in splendid solitude. With a beautiful bathroom and an outdoor shower for that starry romance. Upstairs, a cosy TV nook presides over two double beds.
The indoor living areas spill out onto a spacious verandah that still carries its purpose of long lunches, idle debates, and valley watching. Witnessing the light constantly change its mind. The perfect-sized plunge pool and a sunken fire-pit frame the porch as the essential appendages to the home. It’s likely you’ll be spending lots of your runaway time in these sublime spots.
River walks and valley talks
The land around the farmhouse performs a daily theatre. In the right season, a river meanders past the front of the property, then retreats again when the rains stop. The resident birdlife treat the place as their personal parliament. Blue cranes stalking with a statesmanlike dignity, kingfishers sweeping through the skies with the eagles and the hawks. Owls contributing to the night’s conversations. You’ll spot some small game too, on the hiking and mountain biking trails that surround the property. There’s so much to explore, should you feel the need.
There will of course be the wine tasting at the award-winning estates and feasting from their fancy menus. Trips to Hermanus for a dip in the sea, and a saunter around the market. It’ll all be done at your chosen unhurried pace. Returning for those lazy verandah lunches that carry you into the night. Pizzas flying out of the oven, chops disappearing from the braai, and ice buckets being replenished around the clock that stopped working days ago.
Evenings are best around the fire pit, where those hearty conversations curl upward with the smoke, into the night’s sky. You’ll sit back, gaze up to the stars and make the wish. Poof, there it is, granted! All you ever wanted, around you, in one moment. Casa Estrela gently rearranges you, your stories, and the realisation that joy is easily achieved. Those sage words of the grandparent holding court of our thoughts, and wishes.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie