Onverwacht Plaas: An Idyllic Cottage on a Wellington Wine Farm

Wellington is quietly becoming one of the Cape Winelands’ most popular, under-the-radar destinations. With wonderful farm-to-fork dining experiences and personalised wine tastings, it offers an appealing escape. One such place is Onverwacht Plaas, a historic farm (dating back to 1815) that’s home to boutique label Meisiekind Wines. Its name means “unexpected”; it truly is a hidden gem, and so is its accommodation.

Cottage life redefined

It may look like a quaint, typical, old-fashioned Cape cottage from afar (complete with a deep stoep and tin roof), but step inside and take a deep breath: it’s a modern, minimalist, ultra-stylish home decorated with perfectly chosen designer and vintage pieces and artworks. There’s nothing “extra” here, but everything you need.  

There are two bedrooms with modern four-poster beds, a kitchen with a Smeg stove and Nespresso machine, and a fireplace in the lounge for cosying up in the evenings. An exercise room provides a private space to do yoga and some cardio on a stationary bike.

Elemental pleasures

With views over a serene dam to the distant Hawequa Mountains, it’s your own little private oasis. There’s a landscaped garden filled with big trees, succulents and fynbos surrounding the cottage, and the opportunity for some Nordic-style wellness therapy with a plunge pool and a brilliant “barrel” sauna-with-a-view right on the edge of the dam. 

A wooden jetty with steps makes cold dips in the water easier, and a kayak is provided for serene paddling at sunrise or sunset.

A country experience

There are vineyard walks, hikes and mountain-biking trails to explore. Guests have free range of the farm, and are welcome to pick what they like from the veggie garden and collect eggs from the chicken coop. Buy a few bottles of the farm’s wine and cook up a storm in the cottage kitchen.

There are many eateries, cafés, wine-tastings and a whisky distillery nearby. You might also be fortunate enough to book a table for the multi-course lunch or dinner at seasonal pop-up restaurant, Abel by Onverwacht, housed in the farm’s 1600s Cape Dutch “langhuis” and courtyard.

The lodgings

• 2 bedrooms (king bed, queen bed + single bed)
• ensuite with shower
• fully equipped kitchen
• open-plan living and dining room with fireplace
• furnished verandah
• braai and firepit
• sauna
• plunge pool
• private garden
• books and toys
• exercise room
• air-conditioning

Things to do

• swimming in the dam or pool
• paddling on the dam (kayak provided)
• farm walks and mountain hikes
• sauna sessions
• cycling and mountain-bike trails
• wine for sale on site, plus wine-tastings nearby
• whisky and gin distilleries nearby
• restaurants, shops and museums in town (10km)

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 5
Cost From R6 300 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it Bovlei Road, Wellington
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