Jan Harmsgat Country House, Swellendam, Western Cape
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Telephone: +27 (0)23 616-3407, Facsimile: +27 (0)86 523-9284, Mobile: +27 (0)72 279-3138
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CATEGORIES: Accommodation in South Africa » South Africa Bed & Breakfast » South Africa Guest Houses » South Africa Honeymoons » South Africa Hotels » DESCRIPTION: This historic Cape Dutch farmstead near Swellendam offers a unique experience on the R62, a mere 2-hour drive from Cape Town towards the Garden Route and Little Karoo. The original slave quarters and wine cellar (ca. 1723) lie at the heart of this delightful oasis of exceptional food, ambience and service, set amidst rolling fruit and nut orchards along the and popular Robertson Wine Route. ACCOMMODATIONGuests are treated to understated elegance and comfort in four voluminous en-suite rooms, replete with authentic yellowwood detail and 1-metre thick walls. The adjoining original wine cellar now provides the setting for lounge, dining area and library, and offers unashamed relaxation and comfort with great views of the majestic Langeberg Mountains. DININGFine food is an integral part of the Jan Harmsgat experience, complemented by their award-winning cheeses, organic vegetables and preserves grown on the farm. The owners take great pride in their many community-based achievements: Fair Trade accreditation, proven skills development programmes for the local community, empowerment of staff-shareholders at the Old Gaol Coffee shop in Swellendam and regular charity music events, to mention just a few. ATTRACTIONSJan Harmgat Country House is the perfect setting from which to explore the abundant delights offered by nearby Montagu (with hot mineral springs), the Breede River, Bontebok Park, Cape Agulhas, the De Hoop Nature Reserve (offering exceptional whale watching in season), and the delightful town of Swellendam itself, the third oldest town in South Africa, and well worth exploring. The nearby Robertson wine route is renowned for several festivals: Wacky Wine Weekend in June, Roberstson Slow Food weekend mid August, and the Wine & Food on the river event at the end of October. For less adventurous souls, or those intent on just a gentle stay-over, there are easy strolls and walks among the orchards - or simply relaxing by the lavender-surrounded pool. Indigenous wildlife such as springbuck, grey rheebuck and ostriches can be seen from an open-vehicle drive on the 680-hectare farm, along with many smaller creatures and birds. Fine wines have been a tradition here almost for three centuries, and the impressively-stocked wine cellar is nestled in the farm’s original fermentation tank. Neighboring wine estates on the Robertson Wine Route welcome you to sample their acclaimed wares. Granted as a “freehold farm” in 1723, the historically significant Jan Harmans’ schat (“Jan Harmans Treasure”) has been at the heart of the regions rich history, and featured in the writings of Lady Anne Barnard. Today, owner / managers Brin and Judi Rebstein invite you to join them in savouring one of the true gems of this wonderful region. |
| CURRENT RATES / BOOKING FORM: Available at: http://www.sa-venues.com/visit/janharmsgat/rates.php |
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DIRECTIONS: From Cape Town via N2 Driving up the Garden Route from Cape Town, continue for approximately 180 kilometers, past Caledon and through the town of Riviersonderend. After Riviersonderend, continue for about 20 kilometers on the N2 until the town of Stormsvlei. Turn Lef onto the R317 (sign posted Stormsvlei / Bonnievale). Set the trip counter to zero at this point and at 16 kilometers turn Right (sign posted Gelukshoop Pad / Drew). At 14 kilometers, turn Left (sign posted Drew / Swellendam) and cross the low level bridge over the Breede River. Continue straight until you reach a T-junction (6.5 kilometers, sign posted R60 Ashton / Swellendam). Turn Left onto the R60 to Ashton. At 3 kilometers turn Right into our farm gate - sign posted Jan Harmsgat Country House. The farm is just over the hill on the right; you will notice the two Cape Dutch houses with thatched roofs, surrounded by a lot of trees as you come down the hill. From Cape Town via N1 Take the N-1 Motorway from Cape Town in the direction of Paarl and continue as far as Worcester (100 kilometers). Turn right off the N-1 at the second Worcester signboard, you will have passed a large shopping mall on your right and follow the signs for Robertson R-60. Follow the R-60 through the towns of Robertson and Ashton. On leaving Ashton turn right at sign post to Swellendam, the R-60. After approximately 20 kilometers the Cape Dutch Farmstead will be visible on your left, surrounded by an orchard of fruit and nut trees. From Swellendam via N2 On your way from Port Elizabeth, Plettenberg, Knysna, or George take the N2 towards Cape Town. Take the turn off for Swellendam East (first entrance), you drive through the long main road until you get to a four way stop. Turn right onto the R60 in the direction of Robertson and Ashton. After 24 kms, you will be at the entrance to our farm on the right. You will notice the two Cape Dutch houses with thatched roofs, surrounded by a lot of trees as you come down the hill. |
South Africa Accommodation, Western Cape Accommodation, Cape Town Accommodation
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