When we revert to those instinctual habits that move in alignment with nature, we tap into that inherent harmony within ourselves. Turning off the digi-distractions, succumbing to the landscape and its surroundings that induce calm, clarity and a cohesion with simplicity.
That’s what happens when you arrive at Stonehaven House. An eco estate in a region that’s revered as heaven on earth. Indeed, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley is just that. A boundless terrain of beauty, where the green and golden hills of rolling vineyards and farm pastures nod towards a poem by Yeats.
You’ll drive a winding dirt road that immediately sets the tone of your outlandish escape. Passing the neighbouring wine estates and burgeoning fynbos farms, equestrian paddocks, and dams, rivers and giant old oaks. The consciously built home welcomes you in with a whiff of easy-breezy, laissez-faire loveliness. Imploring you to kick-off those shoes and kick-start your reacquaintance with the simple life. The views of the valley draw you out, over the deck, the eco swimming pool, the KolKol, and into nature’s abyss.
The interiors tell a slightly more refined tale about subtle luxuries and considered layouts. Tying in the sentiment of symbiosis. A wholesome approach to nurturing the land that fosters our lavish living habits. Stone, timber, screed, glass and an abundance of natural light scatter around the open-plan living, dining, entertaining and cooking areas of the home.
Four ensuite bedrooms open out into the indigenous gardens with their own little patios positioned around the frame of the home. Ensuring every room has a view. A long 12-seater dining table around the braai area and pizza oven for those balmy al fresco gatherings. A TV lounge and yoga studio for those that would like to take their holistic holiday to the max. You can even have the local yoga instructor drop in for a guided session of bliss!
Serenity in the valley
Of course, most of your time will be spent exploring the magnificent grounds of the farm. Swimming in the pool or the dam. Plenty of moments in the hot tub, especially at night with the valley’s sparkling skies. Slow meanders through the labyrinth, around the incredible vegetable gardens and along all of the trails that are beautifully mapped out for you. Kayaking and mountain biking on all of the valley trails. Wine tasting at the award-winning wine estates and feasting from their fancy menus.
For those evenings that you would like to stay on the farm, but don’t fancy cooking, a local chef can be arranged, serving you some deliciously wholesome dishes with seasonal, locally-sourced produce. You can sit back, gaze up to the blanket of stars that intermittently shoot through the dark night’s sky. Marking out verses of that poem again. Of night, and light and the half light.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie