Stay Here, Eat Here

Stay Here, Eat Here

The landscape draws you in as you wind your way along a gravel road to this farm in the foothills of the Swartberg – one of the first fig farms in South Africa. You’re in a very scenic valley in the Great Karoo, where six generations have farmed since 1853. Current owners Jaco de Klerk and his wife Liezl will make you feel at home the moment you arrive.

You’re here to relax. It’s quiet and peaceful. Sitting on the stoep is considered work.

The farm has more than a thousand fig trees. Liezl’s grand­ mother, Sienie Koorts, first started drying figs more than 50 years ago. Facilities: There are four luxury units. There’s no electricity, but each unit has paraffin lamps, a gas stove, a gas fridge and a gas geyser. There are also braai facilities.

Klein De Hoek is a two­bedroom cottage that sleeps four. It’s a good pick for a writer or a painter seeking a quiet space to work. Rate: R300 per person for the first two guests, plus R100 per extra person.

De Hoek (pictured) is a luxury farmhouse with a spacious stoep, a swimming pool, an outdoor pizza oven and three en suite bedrooms (sleeps six). Rate: R400 per person; minimum R1 600 per night.

Vredenh of has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, one with a Victorian bathtub. It sleeps four in total and there’s also a swimming pool. Rate: R1 600 per night.