Farm 215 Nature Retreat, Gansbaai | Quick Reference Fact Sheet

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DESCRIPTION:

The reserve of Farm 215 is located mid-way on the gravel-road from Gansbaai to Baardskeerdersbos, Elim and onwards to Cape Agulhas.

The Reserve

The reserve is covered with unspoilt natural vegetation of the Cape Floristic Region. The 800 hectares of the fynbos-reserve roll up to the highest mountain-peak in the area and down into deep and steep gorges. Several different different vegetation types (fynbos, mountain swamps, lowland-wetlands, riverine scrub, scree-covered slopes, ancient indigenous forest-remnants) attract all kinds of living creatures and a multitude of bird-species.

Guided walks can be arranged. Enjoy splendid isolation, an overpowering sense of space and the special nature of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Accommodation

The original residence is surrounded by indigenous gardens, has two spacious rooms en-suite upstairs and a suite with private garden downstairs. Three modern and private freestanding fynbos-suites, spaced out along a meandering footpath, stand in the middle of pristine nature of the “Cape Floristic Kingdom”. These large suites have a lounge with fireplace, bedroom, bathroom and –over the whole lenght- a covered deck as well as a sun-deck. Fans and under-floor-heating. State of the art solar heating is the only energy source of these suites.

Homestead rooms (x2):
Spacious rooms on first floor of villa with bathroom en-suite with bath and separate shower. King size bed / study table / comfortable chairs / woodstoves / ceiling-fan / cd-player.

Homestead Suite (X1)
Groundfloor suite with king size bed, lunge with fireplace, en suite bathroom, separate toilet. Covered deck and private garden.

Fynbos suites (x3):
Large (70m²) freestanding units connected with board-walk to the villa (75 m apart). Three spaces (lounge / sleeping / bathing) in open connection (but separated by walls). Fire-place / underfloor-heating / ceiling-fan / bath and separate shower. Study table / comfortable chairs / cd-player. Large covered deck. These unit are purely electrified by solar power resulting in one minor concession to the level of luxury and comfort (you cannot use a hair dryer )

Dining

Meals, made from local ingredients and with an eye to detail, are served in the spacious dining area. Sweeping views from all rooms and suites in all directions: over the Agulhas Plains towards the coastline, over the lake of Kraaiboschdam and surrounding vineyards and over endless fynbos and rows of Overberg mountains.

Farm 215 Facilities

Communal areas are heated by open fire places and chilled by thick walls and fans. Extensive library (with a certain bias towards the nature of the Western Cape) and cd-collection. Terraces overlooking Kraaiboschdam and surrounding vineyards, ocean beyond the Agulhas Plains, the Overberg-Mountains. Closed courtyard with covered terrace.

25 m lap pool:

On a short distance from the house there is a lap pool of 25 m long with a wind-protected deck. The pool (surrounded by a succulent garden) is connected to the buildings with a board-walk and is heated by solar power.

Attractions & Activities

Farm 215 is clearly off the beaten track in a very natural area and its houses are in an isolated position. Nature rules supreme. Where all attention is given to the comfort and quality of the accommodation and its amenities, Farm 215 is not a resort, but a place where people can retire in rural and natural surroundings. We claim to cater for a niche: people that want to enjoy space, undisturbed views, tranquillity and the special nature of the “Cape Floral Kingdom”.

Horse riding:
Several one- to more-day guided horse trails from beach to mountain are organised by the African Horse Company. Please contact us if you want to book for horse-riding or if you want to know more.

Fynbos trails:
The 800 hectares of Farm 215 have an extensive infrastructure of gravel-roads and trails winding through the indigenous vegetation and up to mountains with stunning viewpoints. Detailed map is available, and you can book an experienced botanical guide.

Bird-watching and guides in the area:
Birdlife Africa has selected Farm 215 as a “birder friendly establishment” . Due to its combination of shoreline, estuaries, swamps, forests, agricultural fields, lowland- and mountain-fynbos, there is a surprising abundance of birds in this area of the Dangerpoint Peninsula and on farm 215 itself. We will gladly make contact for you with a specialised bird guide.

Massage:
Treatment / massage by trained and experienced shiatsu masseur can be arranged in the privacy of your private quarters.

Shark Cage Diving:
Danger Point Peninsula is considered to be one of the best places in the world to observe Great White Sharks from the safety of cages lowered from boats.

Whale watching:
Danger Point Peninsula is also reputed to offer the finest land- and boat-based whale watching in the world (southern right whales). Boat-trips can be arranged.

Farm 215 Nature Retreat, Gansbaai, Western Cape

The Reserve

Accommodation

Dining

Farm 215 Facilities

25 m lap pool:

Attractions & Activities