Farm 215, part of the Walker Bay Conservancy, winner of both the Cape Fox Award for best management of private land in the Western Cape, and of the Chic Shack Award by Elle Travel UK, is for people who want to enjoy space, undisturbed panoramic views, tranquillity and the special nature of the “Cape Floral Kingdom”.
The 800ha reserve of farm 215 is an important local sanctuary of close to a 1000 common, endemic and rare plant species, an important birding hotspot (with e.g. two black harrier nesting sites) and encompasses a mountain catchment, producing vast quantities of pure and fresh water the whole year round. This part of the Overberg is remote and undisturbed: not a streetlight or tar-road in sight and you can hear the silence.
The reserve is the ideal place to relax away from it all, but if you would like, there are some excellent activities. Hike the 20km of beautiful trails in the reserve; take an out-ride with the African Horse Company, based on the reserve, to the beaches or mountains; take a whale watching trip between July and December on the South African Whale Coast, a real whale mecca; go shark cage diving or take a trip to Dyer Island to see the “shark food”, Cape fur seals, African Penguins and other sea birds. Visit Cape Agulhas National Park and the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, home to Klipgat Cave, home to early man 70,000 years ago.
Luxury accommodation is offered in 3 types of guest-units (6 in total): three modern and free standing fynbos-suites and three spacious rooms in the old homestead.
There is no television, neither in the rooms, nor in any of the lounges. Farm 215 is not a place for televisions. There is, however, a large book-collection on many subjects, but with a certain bias to nature and conservation as well as a “…remarkable music collection that extends from Bach to Siouxsie and the Banshees” (as was once written in an article in the Green Issue of Elle-decor about farm 215).
Generous meals, made from fresh local ingredients and with an eye to detail, are served in the spacious dining and bar areas, next to the homestead. Wines are from local estates, among the best in South Africa. The 25m lap-pool is reached via a winding wooden boardwalk from the deck in front of the dining area.
Some Guest Comments:
“Maarten & the team run a very chilled & relaxing retreat. The views from the suites, the dining/bar area & pool are spectactular.”
“Farm 215 is relaxed, unobtrusive yet very thoughtful and sincere in its service and approach. We swam in the fantastic lap pool and went riding twice with the African Horse Company.”
“Farm 215 itself is an eco-friendly place with a lovely peaceful get away from it all atmosphere. It is everything you see in the photos on the website. Hospitality was first class – homely, friendly and casual but very sincere and effective.”
“You have the feeling to be completely alone in nature in the middle of nowhere, hearing all the nature sounds during the day and evening and almost an absolute silence of the night.”
Please make a reservation; farm 215 unfortunately cannot cater for guests without prior reservation.
The distance from Cape Town is about 200 km. The gate to farm 215 is about 20 km from the fishing village of Gansbaai. The last few kilometers to farm 215 is gravel road, suitable for all normal cars except for low lying sport cars.
From Cape Town, take the N2 or the beautiful coastal road to Gansbaai. Continue with the R43 through Gansbaai and 3. 5 km after Gansbaai, turn left to “Elim, Baardskeerdersbos”. After 8km, this road turns from tar into a gravel road (ignore turn off to Avoka), continue on the gravel road up to the hill. After you have passed the vineyards, you will see a brown tourism sign “Farm 215”. Turn left immediately after the sign. Follow the road for approx. 2 km.
From Swellendam, drive west on the N2, and after 10km take the R319 to Bredasdorp. In Bredasdorp follow the signs to Struisbaai / Elim. 4 km outside of Bredasdorp, turn right to Elim and continue on this road for 36 km. Once in Elim, turn right in the direction of Gansbaai. Out of Elim it becomes a gravel road. After 16 km on this road there is a turn to the left to Gansbaai / Pearly Beach: IGNORE this sign and carry on straight to Baardskeerdersbos. Carry on for about 9km after Baardskeerdersbos and you will see a brown tourism sign “farm 215”. Turn right at the first possibility after this sign. Follow this road for 2km.
Telephone: +27 (0)28 388 09 20: mobile: +27 (0)82 097 16 55 E-Mail: Website.
| More info on the town of Gansbaai | More info on the Cape Overberg |
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