Penhill Farm: An Idyllic Family Escape near Robertson

History emanates from the very walls and thatched roof at Penhill Farm: memories of its days as a refreshment station for ox-wagons heading to Swellendam in the pioneering era of the Dutch East India Company; then a gracious Cape Dutch manor house steeped in hospitality. Set in the Nuy Valley between Worcester and Robertson, today it’s still a serenely peaceful country oasis, where the focus is on conservation and biodiversity, and the luxuriously restored manor house and four farm cottages embody old-world country elegance. A welcoming escape for families, adventurers and lovers of the great outdoors, Penhill offers so much to explore without even leaving its 700-hectare private expanse of wild fynbos-clad hills.

Idylllic farm living

Days happily go by dipping into the swimming pools, canoeing and fishing in the farm dam, exploring a network of farm trails on foot or mountain bike. And the gardens are full of secret nooks to curl up in with a book and dream an afternoon away… unless you’re lured by the family to play croquet, boules or a game of tennis. Clear skies bring almost dazzling starry nights, time to soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine and listen to soothing owl conversations and the chirrup of cicadas.

Farm feasts

At The Cellars restaurant (a stroll away through the gardens), simple set-menu long-table feasts are served in family sharing style, inspired by whatever is in season in the farm’s kitchen gardens and the local produce from the Robertson valley. Accompanied by wines from the farm’s boutique winery, it’s a true taste of terroir from these vine and fynbos landscapes on the fringes of the Karoo.

The lodgings

This is authentic farm living with simple but considered touches of luxury throughout the beautifully decorated self-catering accommodation. Choose between two historic two-bedroom cottages (the Fruit Barn and secluded Pepper Tree Cottage – the oldest structure in the valley, built in 1750) or the recently added East and West Grange (double-storey, semi-detached two-bedroom cottages). Or take over the 1840 Cape Dutch manor house (sleeps 8) for a gathering of family and friends.

• The Manor House with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms 
• 4 cottages with 2 ensuite bedrooms each
• fully equipped kitchen
• indoor + outdoor dining tables
• living room with fireplace
• wood-fired hot tub (cottages)
• air-conditioning
• swimming pool (The Manor House + The Old Fruit Barn)
• plunge pool (Pepper Tree)
• breakfast at The Cellars (included)
• on-site bar and dining

Things to do

The whole farm is yours to explore and reconnect with nature. Follow wild trails over 700 hectares to hidden rock pools, stroll through manicured indigenous gardens to the tennis court, picnic beside the farm dam, mess about in a paddle boat, or dip into a swimming pool. It’s a special place, where kids roam and play with a sense of freedom and endless unfettered days.

• swimming and paddling (kayaks available) on Manor House dam
• fishing (catch and release)
• natural rock pool
• 4 hiking trails 
• cycling on gravel roads and mountain trails (bikes available)
• bird-watching
• tennis, croquet and boules
• board games beside a roaring fire
• picnics (bookings essential) 
• wine tasting
• explore the nearby Robertson Valley

A blissful family getaway with endless scope for adventure and making memories.

Good to know The whole venue can be booked on an exclusive use basis (sleeps 24) for family gatherings, weddings and other events.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 4 (cottages); 8 (manor house)
Cost Cottages: from R8 500 per night
The Manor House: from R17 900 per night
Where to find it Between Worcester and Robertson
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.