Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse
Overview
Box 36, Hermon 7308 Wine Lands, Cape Townphone: view phone+27 22 448-1820
fax: view fax+27 22 448-1829
website: http://www.bartholomeusklip.com
e-mail: send an e-mail
Description
Bartholomeus Klip is unique. There are only five bedrooms in this small hotel, the original homestead on a large private estate which is both a working wheat and sheep farm and a nature reserve with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Here, in this unexplored region only an hour by car from Cape Town's international airport, you can feel part of the peaceful life of rural South Africa and its clean crisp air and star-filled night skies. The 10 000 acre fynbos nature reserve is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the world's smallest, but the richest in species for its size. It has been declared a National Heritage Site in recognition of its importance as the last major habitat of the geometric tortoise, one of the world's rarest reptiles. The Victorian homestead has been meticulously renovated, and the fine fabrics and family antiques make you feel as if you are a guest in someone's much-loved home. Rose-filled gardens and ancient oaks surround the house, with benches tucked away in quiet places perfect for absorbing the peace and relaxed atmosphere. Nearby, the deck of the salt-water swimming pool is ideal for sunbathing or sundowners, and the boathouse, where the wonderful brunches are served, has a spectacular view over the dam. Comfort is the keynote in the bedrooms: specially made pure cotton bedding, luxurious toiletries, towelling gowns. No TVs to spoil the country feeling (although there are two in the main rooms for essential viewing). The food, in the French tradition but with a local flavour, is one of the highlights of a stay at the farm. Tea is a serious affair, served daily and the selection changes daily. Brunch is at the boathouse, fill your plate and take it outside to the deck overlooking the dam, then drink in the view of the mountains opposite with your coffee. The farm is surrounded by the famous winelands so the wine list reflects the achievements of our neighbours. A stay at here is a wonderful opportunity for the energetic, who can walk or hike in the reserve, ride mountain bikes through the wheatfields, go windsurfing, birdwatching, boating on the dam or inspect the farming operations. For the more laid-back, there are loungers in the extensive gardens, at the edge of the dam or on the deck of the salt water swimming pool: read, relax, or even fall asleep. Afternoon game drives end with sundowners in the veld, the animals are easy to spot in the low-growing fynbos, especially since there are more than 500 head of game. The reserve in the springtime: 'flower heaven', as one guest called it, with sheets of colour and a myriad of different bulbs, orchids and daisies. More than 160 species of birds have been identified at Bartholomeus Klip, among them the endangered blue crane and the African fish eagle. Among the animal species at Bartholomeus Klip are eland, springbuck, bontebok, wildebeest, both blue and black gemsbok, red hartebeest, baboon, bat-eared fox, jackal, lynx, Cape fox and leopard.
