Monkey's Weddings at Orange Grove Farm

This is post 3 of 5 in the series “Pet Friendly Accommodation”

Ivy Apartments: Self-Catering Perfection in the Heart of Franschhoek
Winter Hideaways at Dolce Vita
Monkey’s Weddings at Orange Grove Farm
Family Breaks at Wildekrans’ Endless Vineyards
Pet Friendly Convenience at the Ivy Apartments in Franschhoek

Let me see if I can wash my makeup off without waking Dean & Tracey. Quietly, I flip open the duvet cover and gently put both feet on the floor. Standing up, no sound, success. The open banister reveals embers slowly dying in the dark lounge below. It’s kept us warm and snuggly between the sporadic afternoon showers, a Turner like experience displayed across the beautiful Orange Grove Valley in Robertson.

Turning the corner to approach the bathroom, I consider that perhaps the room isn’t as echoey as I thought. Stepping onto the laminate flooring I hear, “GO TO SLEEP!” as Dean’s voice teases from below. “SORRY!” I apologise – not that it’s really needed. I’ve been enjoying our little loft living, however, privacy is definitely on the low in this duplex.

Piping hot water runs out the tap in the angled, thatched roof bathroom. While our room is technically a loft, it’s very spacious and includes an en suite bathroom with sink, shower and loo. Our bedroom has a cupboard, suitcase stand, dressing table (shelf) and enough room to walk around the bed without hitting our heads (we’re fairly tall).

The low yellow lights are enough for me to get by as I wash away my wine tasting war paint. The morning was spent visiting a number of wine farms including Springfield and Silverthorn before rushing back to our little cottage for Ms South Africa, Tracey is a huge fan and it gave us cause to head home before dark. Grabbing snacks bought from the Spar in town, the fire is lit as we agree to wear our dressing gowns and snuggle in for the evening. The flatscreen TV above the fireplace, leather couches and coffee table create a perfect center-piece in the little cottage.

The boys start prepping the meat in the open plan kitchen, relying on the utensils already available in the house. The fridge is large enough for our food and wine, while the covered braai area ensures the guys are able to braai without becoming a victim of sporadic rain.

Before the sun totally sets, I steal away for a quick walk around the farm. Swinging around the curved driveway and onto the gravel path, I move between the thatched houses.The sound of gravel crunching below my feet is a happy sound that takes me back to my running days in Namibia.

Little finches flitter from fence pole to fence pole as guinea fowls cackle through the tall grass. Doing a loop, I approach the rear of the house to get a better view across the farm. The buzz of AJ’s drone above indicates I’m being followed by baby brother.

The valley below is a beautiful, rustic patchwork. Green striped fields, ashy brown roads and blotchy hills transform as the light sinks behind the faraway hills.

Orange Grove offers a number of cottages for smaller and bigger families or friends. Our Longlands Cottage was like a superior treehouse. While cosy in cool weather the tiled floors, infinity pool and double set of double-doors hinted at the scorching hot summer days so common in Robertson.

On our day of departure, the sun decided to shine revealing the potential for long, balmy days spent on the porch alongside the neatly cut lawn, comfy outside chairs and vast valley views.

Find Orange Grove Farm on the outskirts of Robertson (Cape Town side) and is easily accessed with a regular vehicle (no 4×4 required).