A couple of weeks ago my husband and I had the pleasure of staying at Blue Gum Country Estate. It was heavenly. We only stayed for one night, but we left feeling rested and renewed. It’s amazing what fresh air and beautiful scenery can do for the soul.

Our perfect country getaway

I can’t remember the last time my husband and I had a little time to ourselves, and when we got the chance to go away for a night, we couldn’t let the opportunity pass us by. Everything was just perfect… the accommodation, the food, the people. Even the weather was on our side.

Blue Gum Country Estate

Blue Gum Country Estate is a slice of paradise nestled in a picturesque valley close to Stanford. Overlooking the leafy banks of the Klein Rivier, the estate is a 130 acre working wine farm and developing vineyard (wines coming soon!), that offers a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle. If it’s peace and tranquillity you’re looking for, Blue Gum Country Estate is absolute perfection.

On arrival, we were welcomed by the sound of rustling leaves of ancient Blue Gum trees and friendly tail wags from Skye, the beautiful resident Border Collie.

Booking in was a breeze and the lovely lady at reception made us feel at home from the get-go. Everyone we encountered at the estate was an absolute delight.

We stayed in a Mountain View Room and let me tell you, it’s gorgeous. We had a standard room, but Blue Gum also offers a double room for families.

Our charming Mountain View Room is decorated in a English-Country style with comfy furniture (including a king size bed!), stunning wooden floors and a daybed that can accommodate two extra people. The lovely en-suite bathroom has both a shower and a bath, and the fully equipped kitchenette includes a gas stove top, microwave, fridge, kettle, and everything else you may need. The room also has a fabulous inside fireplace.

My husband and I prefer self catering when we go away and if there is a braai, it gets two thumbs up. We had a lovely braai and enjoyed our meal by candlelight on the verandah facing the majestic Overberg mountains. Later that night we enjoyed a cup of coffee underneath a blanket of stars. I haven’t seen a dazzling night sky like that in years. Pure bliss.

The next morning, we had a stroll around the estate to soak up the views and to see what more Blue Gum Country Estate has to offer.

Activities include swimming in the sparkling pool, tennis, boules, hiking and even a bit of shopping (the gift shop and deli is amazing!).

Campbells Café serves breakfast and light lunches daily and autumn and winter introduces buffet Sunday roast lunches. Each month also features a ‘Wine of the Month’ with a free wine tasting available at the Blue Gum Bar.

This stunning eatery offers seating inside and outside as well as comfortable sofas to enjoy a warm drink (or a glass of one of the spectacular wines on the menu) and the local newspaper.

The rustic seating outside leads to the curated lawn where one can enjoy a deli picnic whilst soaking up the sun. There you’ll also find a kiddies play area with both a sand pit and jungle gym. Blue Gum Country Estate is super kid and pet friendly and truly a fantastic getaway for both couples and families alike.

The inside of the Café is serene and cosy and it’s there that we enjoyed a fabulous breakfast.

My husband had a warm breakfast and I opted for the continental buffet breakfast (uhm… pastries!).

With full bellies, it was time to hit the road and enjoy the scenic drive back to Cape Town.

We left Blue Gum Country Estate feeling relaxed and refreshed and eager to visit again soon.

Whether you visit Blue Gum Country Estate for a romantic getaway or family holiday (the Villa is spectacular), a sumptuous meal at Campbells Café or to celebrate a special event, I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Thank you for a wonderful stay Blue Gum!

xoxo

Disclosure: Accommodation sponsored by Blue Gum Country Estate.

My husband recently surprised me with a weekend away. My, oh, my, he got it so right! Our friends have a picture in their home of them at The River Siding Rondawel taken years ago and I’ve been dreaming of a River Siding weekend for the longest time. Dreams do come true…

The River Siding – Tranquil Riverside Accommodation

Set amongst the towering mountains of Wolseley and nestling on the banks of the Breede River, you will find the River Siding’s variety of tranquil accommodation options. The boutique cottages and cabins are located a mere 90 minutes drive from Cape Town, on the charming rural produce farm, Ou Stasie. Ou Stasie, renowned for its picturesque scenery, offers a tranquil retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle of city life.

The River Siding Rondawel

The River Siding offers a serene riverside sanctuary along the foothills of the Wolseley mountains and we had the pleasure of enjoying a magical getaway that we will never forget.

The River Siding Rondawel

The River Siding Rondawel is a quaint chalet perfect for an intimate and romantic getaway. It is shaded by mighty trees with a magnificent view of the mountains and the flowing river.

The River Siding Rondawel

The Rondawel has an open-plan layout with a double bed, two bunk beds, a fully equipped kitchenette and a fireplace.

The River Siding Rondawel

It is beautifully decorated, comfortable and oh-so cosy. The Rondawel is equipped with fresh linen and towels, tea, coffee and fresh milk. And they have free wifi.

The River Siding Rondawel

The little kitchenette has everything you need, including fresh herbs. We were also spoiled with a bowl of fresh fruit.

The River Siding Rondawel

The bathroom is situated outside of the chalet about 7 metres from the Rondawel. The bathroom has two toilets and showers and is for the exclusive use of the Rondawel guests. This makes it ideal to transform the area next to the Rondawel into a small camping site. Huge trees create large shaded areas perfect for putting up a tent or two.

We were blessed with wonderful weather on the Friday that we arrived and (of course) my husband immediately started building the fire for our braai that evening. Sitting by the fire pit was absolute bliss. Soaking up the beautiful scenery next to the braai was a surefire way to forget about the worries and woes of every day life. The River Siding also provides two crates of wood and firelighters which meant that all our meals were cooked and enjoyed al fresco.

The River Siding Rondawel

The Rondawel has an amazing stoep which wraps part way around the chalet. One can while away the hours on that stoep simply soaking in the scenery and the sound of the breeze rustling the leaves of the enormous trees surrounding the chalet.

The River Siding Rondawel

A few steps from the chalet led to my idea of Heaven. Months of glorious rain created a steady current of burbling bliss. The part of the river that runs past the Rondawel is quite shallow which meant that I could firmly plant my behind on a rock and feel the water rushing over my shoulders. The water was so crystal clear that I could see the grains of sand underneath. Swimming in the chilly river, listening to the water cascade over the rocks and the birds singing in the trees, made me feel whole. Water truly is a healing force and the River Siding is an ideal place to experience it.

The River Siding Rondawel

The river, the quiet, the solitude… we couldn’t have asked for more.

We spent two nights at The River Siding Rondawel, but it felt like so much longer. We had the opportunity to spend quality with each other and in nature. This getaway was the best weekend we’ve had in years. We long to go back.

Our next visit to The River Siding will hopefully be soon and we hope to book the Cottage. Our daughter and best friends will be joining us and I am dreaming about another unforgettable weekend.

Hopefully I can tell you about it soon!

xoxo

Category: Travel