DO THE BART WALK

LOCATION

One of the oldest working farms in the Cape, Bartholomeus Klip is historically fascinating with a dark twist. It’s part of the Elandsberg Private Nature Reserve, just 15 minutes from the sweet village of Riebeek Kasteel.

STYLE

Driving up to the Victorian farmhouse, which accommodates a maximum of 10 guests at a time, fans of Netflix’s The Crown may respond with a shiver of déjà vu. Scenes for the first season were shot here and you can see why. This is where a prospective queen would want to get away from it all. A subtle, understated, old-school decorative hand is at play — farmhouse chic executed with finesse, charm and comfort.

SERVICE

The lovely team who work here would make even the grandest of folks feel at home and spoilt. It’s a non-invasive but thoroughly welcomed spoiling.

HOW’S THE GRUB?

Chef Louis Gillet is such a dab hand that even an avowed non-carb eater might succumb to the ridiculously good baking. The breakfast is robust and outrageously good — so much so that lunch is skipped for the fabulous high tea, which is rapidly followed by a delicious multi-course dinner and wines from local vineyards.

ACTIVITIES

I love to run in the reserve — it’s possibly one of the most sublime settings for exertion possible. Game drives with a strong botanical bent provide a master class in the minutiae of one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. They also run a geometric tortoise headstart project and do work on the quagga revival project. It’s brilliant for birdwatching; you could also just doze off or read in the boathouse or next to the pool. Mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and hiking are all on offer. Some might be tempted by the croquet lawn, as one is in these bucolic environs.

BEST TIME TO GO

Each season has its own charms: roaring fireplaces in winter, surround-sound stoep and lawns in the summer.

RATES

R4 375 per person, all inclusive.

CONTACT

info@bartholomeusklip.com Karras was a guest of Bartholomeus Klip