The start of a new year can be a little weird, you’re feeling a little deflated and maybe a little guilty for already being tired, and you might even be counting down to the next holiday, ALREADY
Here’s a a cure : an escape to places that celebrate simplicity and nature.
Just a short drive from Cape Town, you’ll find Fairfield Cottages outside of Ceres and Aloe Canyons outside of Swellendam. These are rustic, unfussy hideaways perfect for a refuel, time in nature, digital detox or family time without distractions.
Fairfield Cottages is a quick drive from Cape Town, some work is being done on the main road that goes through the town and we had to take care not to miss the turn off to the farm. It isn’t close to any supermarkets, be sure to come fully prepared. The host, Riana, does offer fire starters and wood for sale.
I probably enjoyed the drive to Aloe Canyons a little more, the Overberg is such a beautiful region, especially in springtime. Even with a few stop and go disruptions between Houw Hoek and Caledon the drive was quick and easy.
Fairfield Cottages, Ceres
When we first arrived we were taken by the backdrop and how the cottage stood at the bottom of a hill, with leftover rain water rushing by. There was also this massive tree that has been lying on its side for several years and now offers wind coverage while enjoying the fire pit. Oh, and my favourite feature: an outdoor bath.
The cottage has everything you may need, oven and stove, kettle and toaster, teapot and coffee press for breakfast bevvies on the stoep. There isn’t very much to do except take in and thoroughly enjoy all of the surroundings – the waterfalls and streams, the mountain paths, the birdlife and the open skies.
Riana has a few books and magazines in the cottage as well as some puzzles and games. I brought my own and spent hours reading in a nook with the perfect view.
I’m not absolutely certain if visitors are able to join in on farm activities as we didn’t stay during harvest season. But the grounds are endless and inviting you to explore, the space is enough for games and fun and outdoor activities and there’s a pool shared between two of the cottages as well.
We had a storm on one of the evenings causing the waterfall behind the cottage to burst and all the streams to overflow. Hiking up and around was a highlight for all of us – Bailey the Bush Dog included.
Aloe Canyons, Swellendam
If it’s golden hues, stunning sunsets, complete darkness, and extraordinary birdlife you’re looking for, give Aloe Canyons a visit. These fourth generation farmers have opened a part of their home to offer visitors a break immersed in nature with eland at their doorstep.
There are two cottages on this part of the land. We stayed in the Canyon Cottage which sits right on the edge of a canyon where you can watch and delight in the movements and routines of these gorgeous animals.
As with Fairfield, there isn’t much to do here and that’s the point. Sit back, read, relax, eat, chat, walk, watch and wait. Wait for sunset – the sky is set alight and you’re surrounded by beauty we’re not always treated to in the middle of the city.
And the next day…do it all over again.
These are just two of the places we were able to enjoy recently and after each trip we returned refreshed, refuelled, ready for new challenges and tasks.
You’ve made it through January, why not celebrate with a quick trip down the highway, a good gulp of fresh air, a walk without a destination and a rest under a clear sky.
Until then,
