Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse

Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse, in the northern Winelands, is a beautifully restored Victorian manor house set in a private nature reserve and working wheat and sheep farm. Just over one hour from Cape Town, Bartholomeus Klip has a stunning setting backed by the Elansberg Mountains. This tranquil boutique country retreat is the perfect place to unwind in utter tranquility - with five elegant bedrooms in the original homestead, a garden cottage and a private villa, Wild Olive House (sleeping five to eight). Great emphasis is placed on superb cuisine and hospitality at Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse. The food is renowned, with lavish brunches and high teas, and a gourmet three-course dinner every evening focuses mainly on French cuisine.

Enjoy breakfast al fresco at the boathouse on the lake before deciding how to spend your day. You can be as active as you wish at Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse. The 4,000 hectare fynbos nature reserve, with a spectacular backdrop of mountains, can be explored on game drives or by mountain bike. Game includes herds of zebra, eland, wildebeest, buffalo (in a separate enclosure) plus the unusual geometric tortoise, one of the world's rarest reptiles. (Bartholomeus Klip has the largest population of these tortoises in the world.) You can also enjoy farm walks and mountain biking as well as canoeing & boating on the lake. The spring flowers are spectacular at Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse and there are more than 850 species of plants recorded on the estate.

Alternatively relax in the romantic and supremely comfortable farmhouse or at the pool deck next to their unique swimming pool. Meander around the beautiful gardens, read a book on the covered veranda or in the sitting room filled with antiques. Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse also makes an ideal base for visiting the picturesque village of Tulbagh with its Cape Dutch architecture and excellent wine estates.

Children at Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse

Families with children can enjoy privacy in the Wild Olive House, an exclusive use homestead which sleeps five adults and up to 8 including kids. They accept children from 3 years and upwards. It has its own swimming pool and can be hired on a self-catering or full-board basis. Meals can be taken at the Main House (however children younger than 16 years of age are not allowed in the restaurant so their meals can be brought over to Wild Olive House). Child minders can be arranged if you wish to dine at the Main House.