In the hopes of finding the idyllic spot for their family to retreat to, where nature would be the ongoing narrative, this enchanting hideaway ticked all of the boxes.
What was once an old farmhouse, settled above the Moutons Valley in Piketburg, is now a bonny country cottage resting on just under a hectare of flourishing fruit and nut trees, rock gardens with proteas, herbs and wild flowers, a geese pond and swimming pool, and, just a short drive away, you can access endless walking trails through the surrounding mountains and neighbouring orchards and vineyards.
No more than 20km from the quaint little town of Piketberg, famous for its fruit farms and Rooibos tea plantations high up in the mountains, Le Piquet is the perfect antidote to the fuss and frenzy of city life. As you drive through the mountains, along the beautiful Fashveld Pass and arrive at Le Piquet, an immediate sense of stillness and wonderment engulfs you.
The old farmhouse has been lovingly restored to reveal an open-plan three-bedroomed cottage that’s doused in authenticity and a familial sincerity. The use of cemcrete in the floors and the walls adds to the rustic, country theme of the home that’s layered in textures from the original pine roofing, the wooden sash windows, the oak cabinetry and beautiful reclaimed Balinese tables, the whicker furniture and light fixtures, and the abundance of foliage featuring in every space.
It’s apparent that you and your clan will be gathered around the open-plan living, cooking and dining space, prepping pizzas and concocting fancy cocktails for many a hours of the day. In season the fun comes from the farm, plucking fruit from the pomegranate and prickly pear trees, foraging for herbs and little treats to go onto the pizza dough or squeezed into the cocktails. A farm-to-fork philosophy that’s been prevalent at Le Piquet since its olive-green doors were reopened.
When you’re not swimming in the pool you’ll be hanging out on the long stoep beside the massive fireplace, around the generous 10-seater dining table. Or spending time in the library, letting the pages do all the talking. As dusk falls you’ll be lighting the fires again and settling around the long table beneath the giant wild old olive tree, that’s all lit up in fairy lights. The air is still and peaceful, with the odd interruption from the resident nightjar or barn owls, that are dutifully reminding you about the following day’s adventures ahead. Time to settle in with the night, and nature’s pacifying, resounding clock.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie