A once-forgotten vineyard has blossomed into a proverbial slice of heaven.
In a secret valley encircled by the Klein Drakenstein mountains outside Paarl, Brookdale Estate has come to life as a nature-infused wine estate with a tranquil, soul-filled guesthouse and private villa. It’s the ideal weekend escape (or longer), a place to slow down and enjoy the pastoral rhythms of the seasons, big African skies, birdsong and serenity. It’s also a rare opportunity to witness the blossoming of a wine estate, and to share some of the passion and sense of adventure this involves.
The evolution of an estate
When Tim Rudd bought 67 hectares of overgrown farmland in 2015, he set about removing alien vegetation and withered vines, planting over 2 000 trees, vegetable and indigenous gardens and rows of new vines. (He kept just one block of old-growth chenin, which by happy accident turned into the estate’s first wine, released in 2019, now a certified Old Vine.)
Apart from its utterly spectacular setting (which is reason enough to visit), Brookdale is all about creature comforts and little luxuries. Husband-and-wife team Gary and Yvonne Coetzee, who have a wealth of hospitality experience (including working at Singita and for Sol Kerzner) are warm hosts, who effortlessly and elegantly create a personalised guest experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Gary is also the executive chef behind the estate’s deliciously fresh food offering (more on that later).
A Wellness Weekend in May
You can experience the soul-restoring spell of Brookdale at a specially curated autumn weekend designed for relaxation. The programme includes a spa treatment, a cook-along with Gary himself, a paint-and-sip afternoon with a local artist, and a kundalini yoga session, as well as a series of delicious meals, and plenty of time to explore and wander.
Cost R11 790 per person (includes meals, activities and non-alcoholic beverages)
When 17 – 19 May 2024
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Gracious living
The Cape Dutch-style Manor House is the epitome of Winelands living. Within its whitewashed walls are two dining rooms, a private study, two lounges, a fitness room and a view-drenched kitchen, which comes with the services of a private chef. The Manor House also has a delightful pool house, and several courtyards and terraces from which to soak up the spectacular views.
The rooms are lofty, and elegantly dressed in a mix of contemporary and period furnishings, and a muted colour palette that does not detract from the breathtaking views of sprawling vines, flourishing orchards, undulating multi-hued hills and dramatic mountains from every single window.
The six suites can be booked individually for a romantic getaway, or the entire house can be rented for exclusive use – a popular option for families, corporates or groups of friends travelling together.
The lodgings
- 5 Manor House suites and 1 Vineyard room, sleeping 2 adults each
- ensuite bathroom (bath and shower), plus a separate cloak room on the ground level
- roll-away beds for 2 children under 12 years sharing the suite with their parents
- 3 fireplaces
- air-conditioning
- smart TV in all suites
- complimentary minibar, tea and coffee
- daily breakfast
Five-star dining
Meals at Brookdale are exceptional – served in a different location each day. From the beautifully conceived and executed dishes to the superb service and impeccable setting, it’s the kind of food we’d happily eat every day for the rest of our lives: healthy, flavourful, delicious, with ample variation and surprising ingredients to keep us rapt.
You can also head over to the estate’s new Bistro and Tasting Room for lunch (on another hillside some distance from the Manor House), where Gary and team continue the theme of deliciously approachable dishes impeccably served. And make time for a wine-tasting of the estate’s two ranges, Brookdale and Mason Road.
Things to do
The estate offers a place to unwind, relax and simply just be, taking dips in the spectacular pool, snuggling up with a good book in one of the lounges, or booking a pampering in-room massage. Witness the working farm’s activities (whether at harvest time or the magic that happens in the cellar). There are also hiking, cycling, running and horse-riding trails through fynbos and along streams.
There’s a special kind of magic to Brookdale Estate at the day’s end, enjoying a spectacular sunset, glass of wine in hand, as night falls over this enchanted estate.
Distance from CT 50 minutes
Child friendly? Yes, ideal for families booking exclusive-use as a private villa.
Two children under 12 can be accommodated sharing with their parents in a room.
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room
12 as a private villa
Cost From R6 650 per room, includes breakfast
From R40 600 as a private villa; exclusive use of the Manor House, includes breakfast and select local beverages
Where to find it Hawequa Bos Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl
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