Farm 215 is a true rural retreat, a paradise for nature lovers, set some 14kms from the coast in a private nature reserve in an unspoilt area of fynbos-covered mountains. The old homestead has been renovated and now provides guest accommodation as well as a comfortable lounge. Guests are encouraged to explore the local area and immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility that surrounds them. The farm is just a 2 hour drive from Cape Town (or slightly longer if taking the scenic coast road) near the fishing town of Gamsbaai. Farm 215 has great eco credentials and is a pioneer of sustainable tourism in the Western Cape.
With just 6 guest rooms, privacy is ensured. There are 3 fynbos-suites located in a separate building set away from the main homestead. These are modern, spacious and very luxurious and comprise bedroom, bathroom and lounge area. The whole of the front od the suite is glass, with each suite having a sliding door giving access to a large covered deck. There is also a sun deck at the front of the suites. There are 2 further guest rooms on the 1st floor of the old homestead, which have a more traditional feel, with wooden floors, large sash windows and balconies with excellent views. They also have ensuite bathrooms. The final suite is on the ground floor of the homestead and comprises bedroom, bathroom with bath and twin-headed shower plus a separate lounge area furnished with comfortable leather furniture. It has a covered terrace and private garden. All rooms have a CD player, tea and coffee making facilities, ceiling fans and a fireplace or wood burner.
Meals are served in a new buidling next to the homestead, which has large folding doors that lead out onto a wooden terrace, so meals can be taken indoors or outside in the fresh air. Breakfast is a generous buffet featuring fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli, toast, and hot dishes such as eggs and bacon. Fruit juices, tea and coffee are available. Lunch can be arranged if notice is given and can be in picnic form for those planning a day exploring away from the farm. Dinner is a set menu using locally-sourced meat, fish and vegetables, many of which are organically grown. Locally produced wines accompany the dishes. There is a lounge in the old homestead, where guests can browse through the book collection or listen to music. The terrace in front of the homestead is one of the best places to watch the sunset, which is over the ocean in summer and over the mountains behind Gansabaai in winter. At night, guests can enjoy star gazing from here. During the day drinks are available from the bar between meals. A wooden walkway leads from the dining and bar area to the 25m lap pool, where guests can relax on the loungers as well as cooling off in the pool.
As far as activities go, guests are free to explore the farm's own gardens or a little further afield, the 800 hectare nature reserve, which has some 20kms of hiking trails. Guests can explore these themselves or enjoy a guided walk. The nature reserve is home to hundreds of different plant species, some rare, and has wild flowers, ponds, streams and waterfalls to attract the walker. There are fantastic views over the Agulhas Plains towards the ocean, as well as inland to the mountains. There are various animals in the reserve, but most of these, such as baboon, antelope, honey badger, genet and cape leopard, are shy and rarely seen. More visible are tortoises, mongooses and various reptiles. Horse riding is very popular, with rides ranging from an hour to several days (book in advance), over varied terrain from beach to mountain. The coast is just a 20 minute drive away with great beaches beckoning. The farm can also arrange boat cruise to see the marine life, which includes great white sharks, cape fur seals and whales in season (July to early December). Cape Agulhas, Africa's most southerly point, is just 70kms away. Small towns and villages can be explored from Farm 215, as can nearby nature reserves and national parks.
