Boschendal Farm Cottages, Nr Franschhoek, South Africa - Explore & Book

"We’re hard pressed to find a better place to base yourself in the winelands. Half way between the key towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, it's in the Drakenstein valley with stunning mountains aplenty. As one of the oldest working farms in South Africa (founded in 1685) it has oodles of heritage, and is renowned for its wonderful picnic scene enjoyed on their beautiful lawns with a glass of something cool. Pretty Cape Dutch architecture, and dappled oak tree avenues where ducklings waddle up and down, are only part of the story. Boschendal has been revitalised, making it a go-to location for its farm-to-table cooking, fresh produce and beautifully revamped cottages. These range from 1 to 5 bedrooms, with the 5 bedrooms being the more exclusive Cottage 1685 and Mountain Villa. You can choose to stay down in the "Werf" (farmstead) close to the deli, farm shop, wine tasting and restaurant; or up amongst the hillside fynbos where you're more remote. Either way, each of the 43 cottages has been well designed to give all you need to chill and unwind. It's great for families (there's a dedicated kids' club), foodies, hikers and even wild swimmers, thanks to its own dams. You have it all: history, nature, wine and a pretty darn comfortable place to hang your hat. Top-notch. Highs Beautiful location with mountain views, perfectly placed between the main Wineland hubs, and just 45 minutes from Cape TownWe loved the fresh, colourful cottage interiors, and the stunning mountain viewsVast grounds and immaculate gardens with lots to do on-site, from mountain biking and pony rides to wine tastingFlexi-catering: DIY using their farm produce in your own cottage kitchen or eat out on the estate, from breakfast (included) to deli pizzas and farm-to-fork dining at the Werf RestaurantCottages are great value for such high standards Lows You'll need a car if you stay in the Mountain Villa, Orchard, Retreat, Cow Shed or 1685 Cottages - they're over the main road and up a 2km farm roadSummer weekends are popular with people enjoying Boschendal picnics, but it quietens down later in the dayWedding parties often book all the Werf Cottages, so weekend availability can be limited in high seasonYou can hear some slight traffic at the Werf, but it didn't bother us" - Aidan Forestier-Walker