The best sunrise in town is reserved
for early risers, on horseback. I opt for
a guided dawn horse trek through
orchards, vineyards and mountains, to
gain uncharted access into the natural
surroundings. It’s an exhilarating way to
wake up, trotting along mountain paths
with not a soul in sight. For the adventurous, take a gander at the horseback
wine tasting tour, known to be a barrel of
laughs.
Akademie Street guesthouse is the
original Franschhoek homestay. Now it
is a home-from-home, with the comforts
and understated luxury that aligns seamlessly with the town. Until just recently,
it was owned by a local legend, the man
responsible for the development of
Franschhoek from a sleepy backwater
to a world-class city. The property is
on a serious charm offensive with lush
landscaped gardens and a private
art collection. The double-story villa,
Gelatenheid, comes with its own private
pool, freestanding Victorian bathtub on
the upper outdoor terrace and, occasionally, the family dog, Anna.
Stellenbosch
South Africa’s 2nd oldest town,
Stellenbosch, is known as a university
town with lively bars, boho boutiques
and a buzzing young population. It is
also home to the country’s most famous
grape, the Pinotage. I sojourn here for
an afternoon to visit major wine estates
Kanonkop, Stellenbosch Hills and
Tokara. With more than 140 wine farms,
Stellenbosch is the pillar of South Africa’s
viticulture and wine research.
Hit the road: Route 62
The primary artery between Cape
Town and Oudtshoorn is a cherished
408
section of the Garden Route. Driving
along it resembles a US road trip from
Texas to Las Vegas. The Karoo semi-arid
landscapes are phenomenal, with the
loyal silhouette of mountains and valleys
nothing short of wondrous. Pause in
Barrydale at ‘Diesel and Creme’ for
decadent milkshakes, made with actual
cake. It is a one-off. Designed as a biker
pit stop, it’s a funky outfit of vintage
gas pumps, signed records on walls and
hearty fare. The Red Velvet milkshake is a
meal replacement.
Swellendam
Augusta de Mist is a welcome stopover in
Swellendam’s historic quarter. Problem is,
once I arrive I wish I had longer. The Cape
Dutch estate is lovingly restored and
furnished in this home-from-home, with
individual cottages spaced throughout
secluded tropical grounds. Owner Michel
Metford-Platt and his partner invested
their lives into turning Augusta de Mist
into a standalone retreat in the tiny town.
Spend half a day exploring the town, at
the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Of
note are the Drostdy Museum, the old
Gaol and the dominant Dutch Reformed
church that is the hub of the town.
Back at Augusta de Mist, I lose myself
wandering the indigenous manicured
grounds and observing the minutiae of
detail in interior design and decoration.
It’s clear the owners have firmly engraved
their unique stamp on the place. And
what a stamp that is. More than a guesthouse, Augusta de Mist is a bijoux art
and trinket collection of preciousness.
My cottage comes with a thoughtful CD
collection, stocked minibar and blankets
and cushions by the fireplace for comfort.
Double doors open to an outdoor terrace
and picnic sites in the wooded gardens.
Be sure to get Michel’s partner to cook
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