Taking a Well-Deserved Break
Feel at peace in the stunning Slanghoek Valley
With the city of Cape Town, moving further away in the rearview mirror, I happily left my stresses behind and carried on towards the Breede Valley. The scenic route is more than long enough to feel like a road-trip, although distance-wise 70km is pretty relaxed. We headed towards the Huguenot Tunnel, driving around the edges of the mountain range that boasted breath-taking views. We had little idea that our ultimate destination would put this scenery to shame.
It was not long after leaving the tunnel that we took a turn towards our destination home for the weekend: Opstal Stay. A newly-built extension of the Opstal Estate, which is home to a working wine farm and restaurant, Opstal Stay is a slice of heaven. The drive up towards the chalet was slow, as we wanted to savour the dramatic backdrop of the mountains, which seemed to begin their steep ascent right at the back door of our homestay.
We were first welcomed onto the deck, where we spied the spot we would find ourselves in for extended hours over the next couple of days: a hot tub which overlooks the encompassing valley and Slanghoek Mountains in a vista that will leave you awestruck. Being in the midst of nature, surrounded by trees, grass, rocks, and soil, you feel almost part of the scenery when you fire up the hot tub, which is heated by burning firewood.
On one end of the deck is a fireplace, where having a braai is a fully-encouraged decision. Through adjoining glass doors there is a spacious, open-plan living area. Opstal Stay boasts wooden floors and a matching slanted ceiling, which is high enough to provide a cool respite in summer – it can get warm in this area! The lounge has ample, comfortable seating
The bed is perfectly situated in front of the hot tub on the deck, making your choice of where to unwind all the more difficult.
with a Dovre fireplace and coffee table, making for the perfect spot to recline and relax with a good book or a glass of wine. The dining table is alongside, with a modern light feature of exposed-filament light bulbs draped from a plank of wood on chains, which perfectly matches the light grey kitchen cabinets and walls. The space feels contemporary and minimal, yet warm and very much connected to the outside.
The units here are self-catering and provide you with all of the utensils and equipment needed for a short stay in the valley. Come prepared with food and snacks that you can whip up. As stated previously, having a braai is the obvious choice and will perfectly complement the freshly-baked bread which is delivered upon check-in.
The bedroom is also open-plan, with a bathroom and bed that are orientated towards the stunning views, with no shortage of light pouring in from all angles. There is more than one massive shower to step into – one indoors and one in the great outdoors. The bed is spacious and covered in crisp white linen, and the cushions are tempting to dive straight into. The bed is perfectly situated in front of the hot tub on the deck, making your choice of where to unwind all the more difficult.
There are five units in total, situated within close range of each other, yet there is still a distinct feeling of privacy and seclusion. There are two- and four-sleeper options available. Each of the units has been inspired by similar designs, all with a sense of nature’s colour palette. Adding to this are the perfectly placed (and well maintained) leafy green plants within.
All of the furnishings suit the style of a sophisticated farm-stay suite, while still keeping a familiar sense of relaxed luxury.
All of the units have views of the vineyards, fynbos, and mountains beyond, and have been inspired by the history and legacy of the estate. Guests can enjoy board games, the delicious fare at the restaurant and wine tastings on the estate, or adventure out on the hiking trails for a day of exploring. There are also nearby hiking trails and mountain biking routes at the Slanghoek Cellar, as well as gin pairings at Ou Stokery, cooking classes at Picardi Place, bird watching at Bergsig Estate and fly-fishing at Dwarsberg
Trout Hideaway.
This is a 7th generation family-run Estate, with a history dating back to 1847, when JC Rossouw acquired the farm De Opstal bij de Fonteine. Just over a century later, in 1950, 4th generation Carl Everson decided to continue making his own wine instead of joining the local co-operative winery like many other producers. Today, the family is still what makes Opstal a success, and there are currently thirty families who permanently live and work at Opstal.
For more info, visit www.opstal.co.za.