How does a relaxing weekend away in the country sound to you? A chance to break away from routine and city life for a few days, taking some time out to rest, recharge and enjoy yourself in peaceful surroundings? Does waking up to the sweet sounds of birdsong and beautiful mountain views set your soul on fire? If you enjoy the simple things in life with a touch of country elegance, then I have the perfect getaway for you.

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About 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town via the N2 and R43 through the seaside town of Hermanus, you’ll find a little slice of heaven on earth called Stanford Hills Estate. This boutique wine estate is situated on the beautiful Weltevrede Farm and not only produces world-class wines, but also exports the unique species of Leucospermum (also known as a pincushion) to various markets around the world, such as Germany and Holland. They also produce smaller quantities of other Leucospermum and Proteas for export. Delicious Black Mission olives, grown from 15 year old olive groves, can be bought directly from the farm between March and May.

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The relaxed environment is child and pet friendly and there are a number of comfortable and well-equipped accommodation options available at Stanford Hills. We previously stayed in one of the former historic labourers cottage called Sylvia (sleeps four). This time, we were a large group of friends so we stayed in the historic and beautifully appointed Manor House (sleeps eleven).

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It took quite a while to do a “tour” of the farmhouse as it is huge with an East and West Wing. It is fully equipped for self-catering and casually elegant with all the mod cons you could possibly want, including a lovely outside idea with barbeque facilities and your own private swimming pool – yes! Just keep an eye out for Stew-it, the resident sheep, that may or may not be in the mood for charging at full speed!

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Even though not much time was spent here, the large lounge has a fireplace for those cold, winter nights. A door leading to the front stoep (patio) divides the two living areas of the main house. It is comfortably furnished with large leather couches with a television and full DSTV, always a hit with sports fanatics.  The men especially enjoyed watching South Africa beat New Zealand in the ODI cricket.

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A stay at Stanford Hills would not be complete without a visit to The Tasting Room, a casual and very popular breakfast and lunch venue with locals and visitors alike. The country setting couldn’t be more charming. There is nothing better than a lazy, lingering lunch with sweeping views over the dam and Stanford valley, as well as breathtaking vineyard and mountain views.  And we did just that. Twice. It was that good. Plus, who really wants to cook while they’re away on a relaxing getaway? But if you did fancy a home-cooked slap-up meal, you could easily do so in the fully equipped country kitchen.

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Being a child friendly establishment, there is plenty to keep kids entertained while adults relax with some of Stanford Hill’s finest wines.

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Soft drinks, coffees, decadent milkshakes and beers are available for the non-wine drinkers. The vast lawns, jungle gym and trampoline provide hours of fun for little ones, as well as the dam which has little rowing boats dotted around it for kids to hop in and paddle around.

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Wine tastings are complimentary if you are staying on the farm so keep that in mind if you book to stay there. I don’t usually drink white wine, but the Sauvignon Blanc was delicious with lovely tropical fruit notes balanced by a citrus finish. My favourite had to be the well balanced Jacksons Pinotage, the perfect red wine for winter, but great to have anytime really! The Veldfire Shiraz Rosé, a very easy drinking and dry rosé, is what I sipped on at lunchtime.

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The creative chalkboard menu changes daily, with a few firm favourites that remain. Along with a rather extensive mezze/tapas menu that you can pick and choose from, you will no doubt find something delicious to satisfy your taste buds.  One of the standout menu items is the sublime Pork Belly on a bed of Asian-style noodles – a must have if it’s on the menu! What I love is that they use as many organic and free-range products as possible.

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Besides the great views, yummy food and delicious wines, I adore the fun and vivacious Leanne that runs The Tasting Room, seemingly effortlessly.  Along with Nicole, who has a dry sense of humour (love it!), the delightful duo make sure that you have a fantastic experience and will want to return time and again. We were already planning our next visit after our first lunch! Bookings are recommended as they get very busy. Remember to buy some wine to take home with you so you can relive your time at The Tasting Room.

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So what else is there to do on the farm besides quaffing fab wines and eating delish food? You can do as little or as much as you like. There is a well-stocked library at The Manor House and is free for you to read. They just ask that if you take one of the books, you replace it with one of yours. If you’re there in summer, then the private pool is great for relaxing and taking a dip. Not a fan of lazing around? Then try the various sign-posted hiking trails that take you past the vineyards towards the mountains, go horse-riding, fish in one of the farm’s dams or even whale-watching in a small airplane that takes off from the farm’s private landing strip.

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We stayed for three nights but I could easily have stayed for another three.  It is a magical and enchanting place to visit. It is a place where you are welcomed back with wide smiles and warm greetings, almost as if you’d never left.  Genuine country hospitality in a super relaxed environment surrounded by the beauty of nature. A place to unwind from the fast pace of city living, reconnect with loved ones and create special memories. A friend of mine calls Stanford Hills her happy place and I understand why. It’s become my happy place too. I can’t wait to return. Stanford Hills really is the perfect country escape.

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Stanford Hills caters for large groups and special events such as weddings so contact them for more info. Fancy exploring the quaint village of Stanford and the surrounding area? Then check out http://www.stanfordhills.co.za/surrounding-area/ for more info. Another great source of information is the Stanford Tourism Bureau’s website.

I’d love you to share your memories of your time at Stanford Hills, or if you’re planning a trip there soon.

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