With its majestic mountains and history dating back to 1743, Swellendam is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa. This picturesque town just 220km from Cape Town is the perfect getaway with many activities for the whole family. The Swellendam area is any nature lovers' dream and although inland, it is still close enough to the coast for a day at the beach.
At the foot of the Langeberge lies the Joubertsdal Country Estate. This working Farm dates back to 1792 and is the perfect place to stay while exploring the area. Just a few kilometers outside of town it has various accommodation options ranging from intimate cottages to stunning family size houses and it also has a beautiful wedding venue. It is the perfect place for families, reunions or wedding parties.
A bit different from our normal couple focused getaways, we stayed at Joubertsdal's main house - Neanderhöle Manor for a mid-week break. The house can be rented as a self catering option or as a fully serviced house, with daily cleaning and meal prep or you can order one of their picnic boxes to just relax on the grass enjoying the views. Larger, self-catering houses like this, also works great for a "work-from-home-getaway", especially seeing they have solar as a back up and fast internet.
Booking large family style houses can however sometimes feel a bit clumsy and over-furnished, which is definitely not the case here. We normally prefer more intimate spaces, thoughtfully designed and furnished with purpose. The house should tell its own story. And what a story Neanderhöle Manor told:
It is always difficult to describe the feeling you first feel when you walk into a place. Sometimes you cannot properly analyze the emotion that stirs you when you arrive at a destination. But, with Joubertsdal, appropriately it would be Nostalgia or maybe Anemoia or both.
Nostalgia not only evokes scenes from ones childhood, but also stirs up similar memories or experiences. Neanderhöle Manor triggered a proper surge of memories of a childhood spend under the African sun, with large lush trees and soft green grass. With space to run and play until dusk. Long summer days spent in the pool and "braai" (BBQ) dinners under the southern cross.
And what a lovely way to relive these nostalgic memories at Joubertsdal:
The beautiful large outdoor veranda area overlooking the Langeberge, is the perfect place to spend summer days. With ampule seating, a cozy braai/BBQ area outside and a large swimming pool, this 4 bedroom, fully equipped house, has everything you need for a large family getaway. The views over the Almond tree orchards and mountains are breathtaking and you honestly want to sit there all day. It's a childhood encapsulated in a single space.
When walking through the house you cannot help but feel transported to a bygone era - awakening a longing for something you might never have known. A feeling of Anemoia.
The large white, Dutch style, brick house stands proud, bracing the African elements. Cool interiors and wooden floors with soft woven carpets that dampens the echo of your footsteps. Hand crafted wooden furniture and antique portraits adoring the walls. A coal stove in the kitchen keeping the house warm on wet winter nights. A large family room, fireplace and bookshelf displaying the family bible and evening reading material. Reminders of an era long past...
This Manor house transports you back to the era of Dutch charm, but with modern touches. With a warm and cozy interior and a large, well equipped and laid out kitchen, the house is a perfect bled of old and new. We loved that they left many antique pieces and effortlessly combined more modern and functional furniture and décor to the house. .
What else to say except - enjoy the nostalgic journey of Anemoia at this beautiful and tranquil escape.
#The place to switch off the phone and just take it all in#
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@joubertsdalcountryestate
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