The journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg is often brutal. The scenery is breath-taking, but the road is ruler-straight and endless... mirages form in the distance and the landscape blurs on the periphery. Big sky country. Destinations become apparitions until finally... a welcome sign emerges - Kuilfontein.
A family farm since 1876, the converted stables provide the beautifully appointed accommodation with every amenity and comfort (each named after a champion racehorse, bred on the farm).
The Cape Dutch farm house is magnificent, and a swim in the white-washed springwater pool is a welcome relief after 'glistening' all day. Not to mention a bottomless, pink Gin and Tonic in the 'pub' with an inverted trough serving as a bar counter.
Penny and Leigh Southey are the consumate hosts - joining guests in the pub for stories and a hearty laugh. Dining by candlelight in the carmine-coloured diningroom (previously the feed room) extols a life less ordinary. Inevitably, a darling cat or dog will lie at one's feet, gazing longingly in the hope of a morsel of Karoo lamb. Prepare your palette for an experience at breakfast - cactus fruit and prickly pear, preserves and homemade-practically-everything amongst the many treats. Guests are truly treated like old friends.
Winding down the farm road for home, one sighs with wistful pleasure. Until next time...
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| Penny's father's WW II South African Air Force Uniform - note the coat hooks (pub) |
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| Diningroom |
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| Ostrich eggs and horns at Reception |
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| The main (and private) house |
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| What a fab pool |
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| Farm Gate |
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| I love this barn |
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| Karoo sunset (with the inevitable windmill) |
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| Inside the barn |
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| Dining by candlelight |
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| Kitty |
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| Homemade on the farm |
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| What a life! |
Photographs by: Philippa Berrington-Blew
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