The Robertson valley is famed for their award-winning wines, festivals, activities and scenic farm stays.
De Hoop Cottages on Laaiplaas farm is no exception. The farm is located just 10 km from Robertson in the Langeberge (mountains) and boasts 5 affordable self-catering cottages. The bush cabin, located further up in the mountains and surrounded by eucalyptus trees and dams, has no electricity and provides a breakaway from our busy lives.
The four cottages contains all the necessary linen, kitchen equipment, a gas geyser and even fire lighters. The 4 houses were originally inhabited by farm workers in years gone by and has now been tastefully converted into modern self-catering cottages by owners Eric and Laetitia.
The cottages vary in size; from open plan cottages containing two single beds, to a 1 bedroom cottage with additional bunk bed in the open plan area. All cottages have electricity, hot water and an indoor fireplace, fridge, microwave, cutlery and all other kitchen utensils needed.
A wooden deck provides views of the Langeberge hills through the tall trees scattered between the cottages. A braai (barbeque) is located on the deck as well as inside the cottage which provides heat as the winter nights in the valley can get extremely cold.
The owners encourage their guests to take walks on the farm down gravel roads, through the orchards and up footpaths in the hills of the Langeberge.
The farm is particularly beautiful in the winter. Visitors are greeted with fields of pink flowers as apple trees start to bloom. The stream that runs along the gravel road is filled with fresh mountain water and the fresh clean air fills your lungs.
Cellphone reception on the farm is limited, I suggest taking a short walk down the gravel road to the fruit orchards (farm entrance) for better signal.
The town is filled with several quaint and famous vineyard restaurants which include the Small Hotel, Four Cousins restaurant, Bourbon Street and Christina’s Restaurant at Van Loveren Wine Estate.
Birds paradise is a short 10-minute drive from the farm and showcase birds from Australia to Peru, Central-America to Africa and Asia to Northern Wales. This park is perfect for families as birds are not the only animals available here. The park also has several monkeys, fish, crocodiles, water birds and more. A playpark for children is also available as well as a restaurant for refreshments.
One of my favourite activities in the Robertson area is the river cruise at Viljoensdrift Wine Estate. For a mere R70 for adults and R20 for children; you are treated to a 50-minute cruise down the Breede River on a flat-bottomed boat. The boat is stationed next the farm’s deli and visitors are welcome to do a wine tasting, prior to departure of afterwards. The deli also sells picnic baskets, wines and a wide variety of food items, including sandwiches, breadsticks, juices and much more.
The annual Wacky Wine festival draws crowds by the thousands. Wine estates in the area open their cellars to visitors for tutored tours and tastings. The weekend festival includes wine and food parings, sports, family fun, interactive tastings, live music and arts & crafts.
De Hoop Cottages is the perfect location for a weekend break, be it to relax and escape the city life or to experience the beautiful wine farms in the area.
De Hoop Cottages | Laaiplaas |Robertson | +2723 626 4154
www.dehoopcottages.co.za