dHoek: A Treasured Klein Karoo Farmhouse Stay near Barrydale

In a picturesque valley surrounded by the Langeberg Mountains, somewhere east of Barrydale, this old Cape farmhouse awaits to cast its spell. On 17 hectares of peaceful, private land, dHoek provides quintessential Karoo living – big skies, golden light, dramatic sunsets and glittering night skies.

Beautifully and thoughtfully restored to its original design, it’s hard to believe this house has not stood here exactly as it is now for generations. When interior designer Greg Mellor found it, it was rundown and had been haphazardly ‘renovated’ and altered over decades. Now it’s a gorgeous, rambling abode filled with art, collectables, heirlooms and laid-back luxury.

Authentic atmosphere

The rustic white-washed walls are adorned with paintings and portraits. Rooms have high ceilings of reclaimed timber beams or reeds; stone floors are covered in fading Persian carpets; green-framed windows let the natural light in. It’s a storybook setting where daily life becomes a memorable experience.

The antiques and heritage elements live comfortably with modern additions, like the Bosch stove in the original kitchen-hearth alcove. The long oak table in the adjoining dining room is framed by walls painted with a botanical motif – a lovely setting for meals. In the library, shelves overflow with books and the smart TV sits unobtrusively atop an old cabinet. The drawing room at the heart of the home is filled with collections of interesting objects and comfy seating in front of a fireplace.

Sweet dreams

The sleeping quarters are charming cocoons of serenity and indulgence. The master bedroom has a fireplace, an interleading study with another fireplace, and a private patio – along with a copper slipper bath in the ensuite. The other bedroom’s ensuite features twin claw-foot bathtubs side by side; both bedrooms also have an outdoor shower in a private courtyard. There are two more bedrooms in a garden cottage, sharing a ruby-red bathroom complete with matching claw-foot tub.

Outdoor attractions

The garden has as much historical charm as the house, with majestic century-old trees providing shade, sprawling lawns to play on and winding pathways to explore amid manicured gardens – including a pair of quirky topiary dogs. A herb garden provides the requisite ingredients for cooking succulent Karoo lamb and many other feasts.

Apart from the magnificent mountain and farmland views over olive groves and apricot orchards, the showstopper is the swimming pool – a long blue sliver reflecting the Karoo sky. Along its length runs a verandah furnished with plump sofas, armchairs and a netted four-poster bed perfect for siestas. There are other stoeps for relaxing on, and a braai area for dinner under starry skies.

You’ll share this tranquil patch with plenty of birdlife, resident leopard tortoises as well as the odd buck or mongoose. It’s a true Klein Karoo sanctuary, where you can slip back into the daily rhythms of a simpler time.

The lodgings

• 4 bedrooms (2 in main house, 2 in cottage)
• king-size and queen beds
• 3 bathrooms with bath and shower (some outdoors)
• fully equipped kitchen
• dining room
• lounge with fireplace
• library with fireplace and satellite TV
• board games and book collection
• furnished verandahs with outdoor dining
• built-in braai and mobile gas braai
• swimming pool with loungers
• garden with lawns

Things to do

• swimming in the pool
• farm walks and hikes
• mountain-bike trails
• stargazing
• birdwatching and wildlife-spotting
• Warmwaterberg hot springs nearby
• Touwsberg nature reserve nearby
• cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops in Barrydale (18km)
• wine-tasting and more along Route 62

Good to know Catering (from pre-prepared meals to bespoke special menus) and daily housekeeping are available at an extra fee. There is solar backup for electricity.
Child friendly? Yes, 8 years or older
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes, but no cellphone reception
Sleeps 8
Cost From R9 000 per night (season-dependent)
Where to find it Lemoenshoek Road, off R62, near Barrydale
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