One of the best winter treats in South Africa, staying at Boschendal in Franschhoek. And here is why. Imagine, while you sit by the crackling fire looking through the windows at the winter landscape, the sun slowly begins to rise over the mountain peaks. The wind gently swaying the trees, lulling you into a state of bliss. We simply stayed in our warm robes the whole morning as breakfast was delivered right to our doorstep. Perfect relaxation. This is the reason we keep coming back.
gazing through the window at this winter magic land
Boschendal
It isn’t easy to choose just one of the many wine farms in the Winelands region, but something about Boschendal keeps us coming back. Each time is unique. We have stayed there multiple times, eaten lunch at their Deli, indulged in a feast for dinner at Die Werf, gone for a musical night picnic, and still, I can’t get enough.
When we were on holiday in Cape Town during the winter, I absolutely had to stay at Boschendal in one of their cottages again. Cape Town is amazing during the winter, but summer vacations around Cape Town are equally awesome with its incredible beaches and outdoor activities. However, winter in Cape Town is just magical. Especially in the Franschhoek region, where the vineyards are engulfed in autumn colours, the region’s jaw-droppingly scenic mountains are enthralling, not to mention the delicious winter cuisine and hospitality, wine, and having all four seasons at one time.
Set in History
In 1685, Boschendal was established as a wine farm on the land granted by the VOC to its first owner, Jean le Long, one of 200 Huguenots who fled religious persecution in France. The name Boschendal stems from combining Bosh and Dale, two Dutch words.
Die werf cottage, lost in nostalgia
We have stayed in Die Werf Garden Suites twice. I love the light and bright, charming French-style cottage that lets the stunning natural artwork of the outdoors be the focus. With mountains rising high above the kitchen windows and the front porch looking down into the valley, the cottage is nestled at the bottom of a slight slope.
Mini farm kitchen
Die Werf cottage has a fully equipped kitchen with pots and pans made by Le Creuset if you wish to prepare your own meals using fresh produce from the deli. Those who enjoy coffee won’t have to worry since they provide a french press, ground coffee, and fresh milk, none of that powder milk stuff. I enjoyed using this dream kitchen.
Classical bathroom
This small cosy cottage will make you feel right at home on a cold evening, featuring an indoor fireplace and a claw foot tub with locally made bath products from the lavender fields on the farm. Imagine running a hot bath, fire in the background and glass of wine in hand. Perfect!
What is the worst thing to do in winter? To get out of bed and get changed to go out. No need here. The best part about staying here is that a quint picnic box gets delivered to your cottage with all your breakfast necessities. Fruit, muesli, pastries, juice, cheeses, and more are offered in a sustainable package. After collecting the box for the doorstep and preparing coffee while my hubby started the fire, the cosy cottage was where we spent most of our morning lounging and reading as it was way too cold to go outside and why would you with a setting like this?
Other cottages to choose from are Cottage 1685 that can sleep up to 10 pax, Mountain Villa at the foothill of Simonsberg Mountain can accommodate up to 12 pax, Orchard cottages sleep two pax similar to Die Werf Garden suites. The Trout cottage is a perfect hideout for six guests. Tucked away far in the corner of the farm is the Retreat sleeping four pax.
Also see: Spending a night in a luxury ‘cave’ in the Cradle of Humankind
The facilities and activities
Food
Boschendal is proud of its sustainability, noting that the food it produces has not travelled further than 30 km; the majority is produced sustainably on the farm itself, and its ethos revolves around the soil-to-fork concept.
At their restaurant, Deli and farm shop on the estate, they have an extensive food selection.
If the weather permits, take advantage of the Deli’s outdoor seating under the trees; the little chickens might just wander under your table. Enjoy a mouth-watering farm-style breakfast or wood-fired pizza; the soup I had was fantastic for a winters’ afternoon, proper hearty farm meals.
Nothing better than an evening of great hospitality and an exquisite meal at Die Werf, located in the original cellar of the Manor House. They know how to set the mood with their table settings, arranged to take advantage of the fire while enjoying ethically sourced seasonal produce. We ordered a whole salmon baked in a layer of salt. Stunning!
Also see: Die Strandloper – The best seafood on the West Coast
Other Facilities & activities
In addition to the delicious brunch and lunch served at the deli, be sure to visit the farm shop next door. I bought some lavender bath products (after trying them, I could not resist), wine, and some produce for our dinner that evening.
Another favourite is to picnic under the trees on the Pavilion lawn. Choose between their regular and vegetarian menus, bring your favourite picnic blanket, stretch out under the dappled shade of the trees and relax. There is a play area for children, but they need to have parental supervision at all times. During our December visit, they had summer evening picnics with live music, nothing better than to laze around listening to local music.
And my top thing to do at Boschendal is, well, it is a wine estate, so wine tasting and wine pairing of course. The Cellar Door is set close to the Heritage Rose Garden, a perfect location. They have the option of preparing a platter to go with your wine tasting. We were shown around the cellar after our private chocolate and wine pairing.
Where is Boschendal & how to get there
From Stellenboch, the drive to Boschendal is breathtaking; as you wiggle your way through the mountains on Hells Hoogte, the vineyards not only rise up against them but drop down into valleys for a scenic picture. In Stellenbosch, take the R310, Hells Hoogte Road for about 12km; Boschendal would be on your right.
From Cape Town, take the N1; after about 44km, take exit 47, turn right on to the R44 towards Klapsmuts, in about 1km, turn left onto the Klapmuts – Simondium Road. After 8.6km at the T-junction, turn right towards Franschhoek on the R45. In about 3.8km, turn right onto Helshoogte Road, the R310, after 1.6km Boschendal would be on your left.
Other activities at Boschendal
Nature and outdoors
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- Boschendal has numerous MTB trails; remember to get your permit at the Trail Centre.
- If you are more into running or hiking, make sure to visit the Trail centre for more info on the 5 or 10 km routes.
- A morning guided hike is ideal if you want to learn more about the farm. Book in advance.
- Another way to see the farm is by horseback. They have different times depending on whether you are a novice or an experienced rider.
Spa, market & recreation
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- If you are looking for something a bit more relaxing than hiking, how about a day at the farm spa. I booked a spa treatment with some hesitation, as it was in the midst of winter and lying on a massage bed in the cold doesn’t sound too appealing. But they are well prepared; it is toasty from the roaring fire as you enter the room, also setting the mood. Second bonus: the heated massage bed added to the relaxing process.
- Their Friday night markets are happening again, with various stalls selling farm produce, handmade product and live music. You can bring even your doggy as long as they are on a leash. *The market is weather dependent.
- Every Saturday night, weather permitting, they have a drive-in cinema. You can pre-book a picnic basket or delight in the snacks from the food stalls on the day.
- Lastly, make sure to stop at the Boschendal Norval Art Gallery in the Manor house; here on a rotary base, various South African and African artists work are on display.
*Costs of the above activities can be found on their website
More Photos to inspire you
So next time you find yourself in Cape town region, why not spend a night in the Winelands, and why not stay night at Boschendal in Franschhoek. Here are a few more photos of the area to inspire you!
*Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are my own
Stayed in 2016 & 2017, visited 2018 & 2019.
Blog posted Dec 2016, updated Feb 2022
BTW: I did not only visit for winter but for my little one too, my Dachshund Zoya. She has been living with my mom since I moved abroad nine years ago.
Great post! Isn’t Franschoek just heaven on earth? LOVE that whole area – your little cottage looks darling! Good to know for future reference. 😉