It’s not often that I choose to have a getaway stay on a working sheep farm, close to the busy highway and surrounded by nothing but mountain peaks and cultivated farmland. But hey, life is an adventure and Melkboom Guest Farm needs to be explored. 

I’m a country girl even if I’ve lived in the city my entire life and open spaces is close to my heart. After receiving a travel voucher from Afristay, I searched high and low for my ‘normal’ accommodation picks which was relatively out of our price range or an absolute mission to get too so I thought, “what the heck. Let’s book a working farm”.

Situated along the N2 highway, the town of Heidelberg is surprisingly quiet for a Friday afternoon. Belinda, the Owner welcomed us while making our way down the rocky and dusty driveway; eagerly excited to finally reach our destination to put up our feet and relax after the long journey.

A mere 3h30 hour drive from Cape Town, Melkboom Guest Farm has three respective accommodations to choose from. An African Rondavel; ideal for two people – it’s more suited for a staycation than a full weekend and two self-catering cottages which sleeps six and four guests. Because the Rondavel had no kitchen facility, we went with the four sleeper cottage.

An essential large wooden carved table with six accompanying chairs on the porch stood right next to the outdoor braai area; making it an ideal setting to chat and laugh with a group of friends. Seeing it’s only Courtney and I, we made pretty good memories around that table alongside the burning flames.

The outside decor is definitely not what you’ll usually see. From the red bath tube to the owl ornaments, to the cat that roamed around our space, it’s exceptionally warm and welcoming.

The interior is a mixture of old and new. Old in furnishings; new in the interior with a pick on the owners’ personal touch. Blue and beige striped couches is certainly a theme to work with, with flower worked cushions to spice up the living area.

By day two, it was quite evident that the couch seemed very much comfy, indeed.

However small, the kitchen is equipped for a mess of spices, poultry, and aromas. It was short of nothing and catered for every dish you had in mind other than scissors. Can you believe it! They even have a camping lamp, so you’re sorted for staying there forever.

Mornings are chilly during Autumn even with the early sunrise. It’s the best time to unwind with a cup of coffee and a book followed by a wholesome breakfast fit for a king and queen.

The bedroom is a large space featuring a double bed and in the corner is bunk beds; evident that it’s a family room and well-suited for a bunch of friends. The back door leads to the rambling garden; securely gated from the surrounding farm which overlooks both the main road and the luxuriant foliage.

Night times are spent around the fireplace; preparing dinner consisting of a typical South African braai. Chicken, kebabs, baby potatoes and a bottle of wine or two under the glittering stars; staying rather close to the fire to keep toasty.

The area is exceptionally peaceful other than a few trucks that drive pass in the late evenings but it’s worth every hour spent getting here.

Looking for a getaway far away from the City? Make sure to book your stay here. For R750 a night, it comes highly recommended. Do note that the television is communal but don’t let that ruin you’re staying.

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Till the next adventure.

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