South Africa, Franschhoek, 12 October 2021; JUST in time for what promises to be a bumper summer season in the Cape, Boschendal Farm is ready to welcome visitors from far and wide to enjoy their much-loved offering in true home away from home style. The working farm offers an array of affordable and accessible overnight experiences, but for travellers seeking the cachet of perfect privacy and bespoke service, this historic estate’s two exclusive-use villas promise an unforgettable summer escape.

Set beneath the sheltering boughs of mature oak trees, Cottage 1685 rests amid large manicured gardens, and speaks to the rich history of the farm. Set two kilometres from the Werf precinct, this notable private house sleeps up to six guests in the historic homestead, and an additional four in the garden annex.

Guests here enjoy idyllic outdoor dining areas beneath the oak trees, complete with panoramic views of the Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountains. Two swimming pools – chlorinated and natural – are available for the exclusive use of Cottage 1685 guests.

For a more contemporary country escape, with double-volume ceilings, modern décor and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the striking Mountain Villa is set high on the slopes of the Simonsberg; the perfect bolthole for a luxurious summertime sojourn. Situated in a quiet corner of Boschendal Farm, it offers perfect privacy as well as convenient access to the farm’s network of mountain bike trails.

Sleeping 12 guests across six modern suites, the Mountain Villa is ideal for small groups or multi-generational travellers, with spacious living and entertainment areas both in the villa and out on the sheltered terrace. An outdoor bar and wood-burning pizza oven creates a convivial space for family get-togethers and celebratory escapes. The large swimming pool and manicured gardens boast superlative views out over Boschendal Farm, with a private swimming lake available for the exclusive use of Mountain Villa guests.

While the Werf Restaurant offers an impressive menu of seasonal farm-to-fork cuisine, guests can also order hampers of fresh produce, preserves, wine and meat from our farm butchery to be delivered. A private chef is also available on request, and a dedicated villa host will ensure that the generous breakfast spread is prepared each morning.

Guests at both the Mountain Villa and Cottage 1685 also enjoy preferential access to Boschendal wide array of activities, including the acclaimed Treehouse kids’ club.

Freshen up for summer

Both Cottage 1685 and the Mountain Villa have recently enjoyed a soft refurbishment, celebrating and enriching the unique character of each property.

For Leandra de Zwart Kriel, interior designer and owner of Stellenbosch-based Las Cortinas Interiors, the starting point for the décor refurbishment was all about enhancing character and colour: “They are both such beautiful properties, but I wanted to include additional elements that gave them a true sense of place. It was important to incorporate the natural beauty of the estate into the interior experience for guests, to make that connection between the farm’s natural beauty and these incredible private villas.”

Throughout both the Mountain Villa and Cottage 1685, natural tones and textures take centre stage, from wood cladding and signature textiles to textured wallpaper with tones that reflect the pristine beauty of the farm.

In keeping with the sustainable ethos of Boschendal Farm, a firm focus was given to recycling and upcycling. Organic natural cane was added to existing architectural elements to provide texture, furniture was restored and rejuvenated, and plush existing fabric elements were reimagined and refreshed. Wood cladding and detailing was all completed on the estate by the talented artisans in Boschendal’s on-site carpentry workshops.

“With this refurbishment I really wanted people to feel the calmness of nature, and to make a connection with this incredible estate,” adds De Zwart Kriel. “We took inspiration from all the natural elements on Boschendal Farm to create a space where people would feel comfortable, and able to truly appreciate the beauty of Boschendal.” 

“Boschendal’s passion and commitment to its guests is firmly rooted in a deep sense of generosity of spirit. We are thrilled that the new elements that celebrate this historic working farm has been brought to the fore with the recent changes to both Cottage 1685 and Mountain Villa . We look forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to enjoy everything the working farm has to offer”, comments Elizma Stone, General Manager of Hospitality.

For more information and booking enquiries about Boschendal Farm’s Mountain Villa, Cottage 1685 as well as the Werf andf Orchard Cottages visit https://www.boschendal.com/accommodation/.

For Press and Media assistance, contact Ian Hamilton Manley of ManleySocial via email ian@publicity.co.za or +27 (0)82 826 0456.

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