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A Stellenbosch farmhouse to rent.
A Stellenbosch farmhouse to rent.
Stellenbosch, the oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town, is undoubtedly one of the most elegant, beautiful and heritage-conscious towns in the country, with its oak-lined streets and water-furrows complimenting the many fine examples of the unmistakable Cape-Dutch, Victorian and even Georgian architecture. The town is synonymous with the oldest wine route in the country, which draws wine-lovers and tourists from around the world. This Town of Oaks is 35 minutes away from Cape Town and is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking mountains in the area. breathtaking mountains in the area.
Stellenbosch is the heart of South Africas wine-industry, and boasts the majority of the countrys champion wines and winemakers. It comes as no surprise that Stellenbosch has developed into one of the most beautiful and respected wine regions in the world. The mild Mediterranean climate makes Stellenbosch the ideal place from which to explore the winelands and its 200 wineries, Cape Town and the Peninsula.
The towns rich history makes it the venue for many exciting events and festivals - everything from art; to theater to wine festivals take place throughout the year. It is also the home of Stellenbosch University or Maties University, and the youthful buzz of campus life sets the festive atmosphere for which Stellenbosch has become renowned.
Falling in love with wine can happen, but for two responsible and totally inexperienced individuals to throw so much into a wine venture takes a lot of guts, but Gael and John Nel did just that. It did not take long, incidentally, for Gael, a supremely talented gourmet cook, to share Johns wine absorption. They had up to that point, married, had two children and an urban business life.
Then, one mad day they bought a plum orchard high in the Helshoogte Pass, just outside Stellenbosch. Just a couple of hectares in one of the loveliest corners of the world. Mountain slopes and sky fill it, along with thickets of forest, battered peaks of rock, falls of vineyards and orchards. Lingering winter rains, caps of snow, honeyed layers of sunshine, the shout of spring and ever-changing colours and light, make you have to reach out and touch just to make sure that it is real.
First the Nels pulled out the plum trees and worked the soil. Then they planted the vines - Cabernet and some Merlot. Then they built a house and made a garden. While all this was in progress, they were still living in Cape Town, John making trips after office hours every day to supervise each days progress, Gael raising children and cooking.
Eventually, the family moved into Camberley and in 1996, pressed their first vintage - a four star Cabernet. Camberleys flagship wine, the Cab/Merlot has already developed a full ripe nose of cherries, cinnamon and roasted almonds. The palate reveals smoky nut flavours and it is already showing great potential for depth and elegance.
The Cellar has been transformed slowly but surely over the past seven years, from its humble beginnings in the old garage to its humble current position in the garage that replaced the old garage! However, the increase in the amount of wine produced demanded more space, (and funds). Some inventive storage ideas and barrel formations have turned the cluttered old cellar into a gorgeous and somewhat more appropriate space.
In the dinky-toy cellar, bottles line the walls surrounding three small fermentation tanks and some 30 plus small barrels. This is all they need for their couple of hectares of grapes. At vintage, Johnny takes leave from his quantity-surveying business and nurses his wine with total absorption. Gael puts her catering skills aside and joins him in the cellar where her highly honed palate and nose go to work. The bottles are all labeled by hand in the cellar.
The main house and Camberley cottage is available to rent. The farmhouse enjoys spectacular views across the Valley to the Mountains beyond and comprises a very much open ranch style three bedroomed property providing a cool, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
The house is traditionally furnished, light and bright and overlooks the gently sloping manicured garden to the imposing Mountains beyond. The self-contained cottage is tucked away in the most beautiful part of the farm. The pretty cottage is spacious and comfortable and comprises an Open-plan Kitchen/living room and a well-presented bedroom complete with an en-suite bathroom. Double glass doors open directly onto the patio. The sunny covered patio overlooks the private plunge-pool and pretty garden, surrounded by the majestic Stellenbosch Mountains.
Come and stay at this working farm, enjoy the world-renowned wines, take a picnic or enjoy lunch at one of the many estate restaurants, enjoy the history and culture of Stellenbosch and the Winelands or just relax.
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