You have to travel through the mountains to get to Penhill Manor, which makes the journey part of the joy of this getaway experience. One of the original Cape Dutch Farms, Penhill is far enough away from Cape Town to feel like you’ve gone somewhere and yet close enough to get to without needing to stop for a break. Travelling along undulating roads that plant you amid epic mountains, recalling Lord of the Rings, it’s not long before the road cuts through vineyards towards Toontjiesrivier. It’s difficult to escape the fact that you’re in the heart of the winelands with a patchwork of farms. Added to this is that Penhill has its own vines and wine, a green leafy paradise with historical significance in the middle of the wilderness.
Arriving on a muggy day with lightning on the horizon over the gravel road, it’s easy to see how this moody ambience could be perfect for a film’s setting. The picturesque Penhill Manor is nestled in the arid wild against a dramatic Langeberg mountain range, which leads to many beautiful nature walks with some 18,000 plant species. Situated near Toontjiesrivier on 3,000 acres of private property, one can enjoy the sweeping views from Breede Valley to Franschhoek. The farm is steeped in history, going back 300 years to serve as the furthest outpost for the Dutch East Indies Company only to become a staging and rest post along the wagon route to Swellendam.
Having been renamed four times, the estate is now called Penhill after the Penny family bought the farm in 2012 to rehabilitate it to its full potential with the help of a well-known architect, master builder and horticulturalists. Restoring the thatching, the refurbishment has been conducted to the highest standards along with the Pepper Tree Cottage and a new garden dedicated to indigenous planting. This extends to the re-introduction of vines, an orchard, olive grove and nut trees with an overarching dedication to conservation, bio-diversity and sustainability. After taking over the estate in 2021, it’s been Elo Dhaene and his family’s wish to further Penhill’s legacy by introducing a restaurant, wine and further accommodations.
Being set apart from the hustle and bustle of town life, it’s easy to shift into holiday mode. Being a destination at the end of a gravel road, the oasis farm and manor has enough activities and experiences available to make it a one stop. From hiking trails and bike riding to canoeing and boule, there’s a host of things to do to get your dose of exercise while getting a real sense for this farm. The fresh air and wide open spaces give you the opportunity to breathe deeply. It’s this freedom that Penhill trades in, giving you a safe wilderness to explore without losing sight of everyday comforts and luxuries.
The pristine gardens surrounding the cottages and manor house, heighten the elegance of the venue, making it difficult to look in any direction without finding something pleasing to the eye. A must for wedding photos, it also serves as an artist, nature lover and photographer’s retreat with breathtaking views and bird-watching for the twitchers. A tranquil space for those looking to leave the city behind, birdsong breaks the stillness, giving the aural aspect to this laidback feel an added peace and serenity.
Having a room in the Manor House, it’s easy to see why this accomodation in particular lends itself to weddings, conferences or even writer’s retreats. Overlooking a manicured garden, everything looks well cared for, neat and clean. This cleanliniess spills into the farm’s artful edge, blending the best of farmhouse living with an appreciation for the finer things in life. From tasteful artworks to fine furniture, there’s a good balance of aesthetic appeal and creature comforts.
Penhill Manor’s cottages and manor house is designed to be booked out for groups. Sharing the Manor House with three other guests, there was more than enough space to enjoy the lounge, kitchen and dining area without stepping on each other’s toes. Having four bedrooms, it’s nice to have the option of en suite bathrooms in the King bedrooms.
For bigger groups, there’s a communal bathroom to service the versatile twin bedrooms. Tastefully decorated with a Cape Dutch colour scheme and contemporary old world feel thanks to thick walls and shutters, there’s enough natural light without feeling the weather. Only having a flat screen in the lounge, Penhill gears itself towards the outdoor lifestyle… not all that difficult with the allure of their Swedish hot tubs.
The Manor House sleeps 8 with all the kitchen amenities, including aircon, a dishwasher and Nespresso machine. The fireplace and pool offer guests that extra comfort throughout the year, catering for the romance of winter and the fun of a sweltering summer with pool loungers. Speaking of the vital natural resource, the drinking water is clear, pure and refreshing, direct from the mountain streams to the taps.
The Cellars restaurant is intimate, having a banquet table under a thatch roof with natural artworks decorating the walls, there’s something understated about this country chic. Not having a set menu contributes to the relaxed and unique dining experience that is The Cellars. As part of our stay we were treated to a luxurious 5-course meal with Chef Frikkie being flexible enough to adjust to dietary requirements. Delicious canapes and champagne under the oak tree was followed by a culinary taste journey with crayfish direct from Paternoster.
The Cellars spills onto a braai area overlooking the hillside, which gives the central hub a warm familiarity and homeliness. A wonderful and versatile entertainment space for self-catering, Penhill has a home-away-from-home feel with its inviting and manageable facilities. Whether you’ve booked out a cottage or the entire accommodation, this spectacular farm blends the fascination of its centuries-old history with contemporary luxuries.
Watching the sunset over the mountains in the distance is a magical experience and it’s refreshing to see how the large oak tree lights up in the mornings. Penhill Manor is a gem in a part of the country that’s largely undiscovered, offering you a rare opportunity to enjoy the peace and stillness of the countryside, whether you’re looking to get more in touch with nature or needing to decompress and reflect.
One-word review: Spectacular
Nuy Valley, Agtervink Road
Worcester