Flanked by two palms and an old pepper tree, this sensitively restored stone farmhouse is ideal for those seeking some real down time with a group of up to twelve loved ones. As soon as you head out to Sutherland, at the turn off at Matjiesfontein, the ancient Karoo landscape works its magic. The road weaves through harsh but beautiful hills, opening up as you cross the boundary into the Northern Cape and head left on 33kms of dirt road, ending at Blaauwheuwel Farm. Open the gate and follow the white stones downhill, past the quiver tree, until you reach the historic werf, at the heart of this 2,600-hectare Karoo farm.
A surprisingly lush garden of succulents and pistachio-coloured fever trees greet you, and if you arrive at dusk the fire pit will be crackling with a welcoming blaze. This will become your gathering point until late into the night, when the brightest stars flicker above in the blackest skies. The 150-year-old homestead is off-grid, and while solar power keeps things current, as night falls you will find yourselves opting for soft candlelight. In keeping with the farm’s yesteryear ambiance.
Summer evenings are a balmy affair and doors and windows are flung open wide to welcome in the freshest farm air imaginable. On chilly winter evenings, when everyone’s ready to turn in, the old farmhouse has plenty of open fireplaces and thick throws to keep toes toasty ‘til morning. Nights here are punctuated by nature’s sounds. Honking geese, croaking frogs and the odd jackal wailing in the night.
Tankwa River Lodge is an eclectic mix of many beautiful collectables. The owner has been gathering treasures over time, with old cupboards and shelves stacked with vintage kitchenware. Kilims and antique rugs covering the stone floor, and Nguni hides over the simple screed. Life has stood still here for certain, but not the lifestyle! You’ll find all modern comforts and want for nothing, as it’s a much-loved hideaway.
Silence, stars and succulents
Summers are properly baking hot – swimwear, a kikoi and a sun hat is all you’ll need. There’s a welcoming plunge pool to cool off in, where the kids can splash and play. Plenty of shade and heaps of comfy, laid-back couches for reading and playing board games.
Pack your cosiest nightwear if visiting in winter as at nighttime it can get freezing cold – this is one of the coldest areas in the country, with snow frequently spotted on the mountains.
Even in the middle of winter though you may experience the hottest Karoo days – be ready for anything!
While at Tankwa the super farm managers will take your party for a daily nature drive. Early evening drives are particularly loved by guests; watching the sun set over the vast Karoo landscape is spectacular. Expect to see plenty of game on the farm, it is well stocked with springbok and gemsbok. You may also be lucky enough to see some less common game, such as kudu, common duiker, aardvark, jackal, rooikat, aardwolf, African wildcat, scrub hare, bat-eared fox and mongoose, although these animals are far more elusive.
The Tankwa region is known for great birding and there are approximately 180 bird species in the area. An extra bonus is Lady, the resident horse. She roams free and often comes visiting for carrots and apples, delighting your little people!
Tankwa River lodge was one of the first hideaways to be featured in our Perfect Hideaways in South Africa coffee table book (Book 1), a collector’s item now as it is out of print! Copies of Book 2 and our new Book 3 are available now in our online shop.
Book 1 celebrates our most treasured hideaways, each one embodying what it is that makes a holiday home ‘perfect’.
From bush to beach, from city to wilderness, PERFECT HIDEAWAYS IN SOUTH AFRICA is a collection of the most extraordinary havens offering unique experiences, architecture and interiors in exceptional destinations. Travellers today are embracing a new narrative for regenerative travel: how and why we travel, and how much time we choose to be surrounded by our family and closest friends, has become ever more important. But over the years, like that proverbial leopard, our Perfect Hideaways has not changed many of its spots.
PERFECT HIDEAWAYS IN SOUTH AFRICA is a tangible journey into the evolving landscape of our homes, mapping our ways back to the soul. Evoking a renewed vigour with the ways we wish to travel, yet retaining a nostalgic sentiment to simplicity.
Edited by Michelle Snaddon & Colleen Ogilvie