High Season Farm in the Western Cape’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley extends over 40ha, 22ha of which are occupied by grazing for Nguni cattle and cottages. The balance of the farm is covered in fynbos and borders the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
“My husband, Richard, grew up on a dairy farm in Ireland, and I come from the Kalahari in the Northern Cape, so farming is in our DNA,” says Jani Slattery. The couple lived in Mozambique where they worked in hospitality before coming to manage High Season Farm, owned by the Gordon Frew Trust, seven years ago.
“We want to show city people how a farm works and create a place that is safe for children and pets, but that is also close to beaches, wine estates and restaurants of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. We’re the only farmers in the valley who farm Nguni cattle and not wine grapes. We also offer the most accommodation: 40 beds spread over eight self-catering, four-star-graded cottages,” she says.
FARMHOUSE CHIC
Farmer’s Weekly stayed in The Lodge, a three-bedroom home that sleeps up to six people.
“The Lodge is the oldest house on the farm,” says Slattery, “and we wanted to keep its old-farmhouse vibe when it came to the interiors. The other cottages once served as horse stables and working buildings, which we developed into more modern-looking accommodation.”
According to Slattery, High Season is frequently fully booked on weekends by wedding parties of couples who are celebrating their nuptials on the nearby wine farms.
“There are also many guests who return each year for a long stay,” she adds. “We’re perfect for active guests who want to hike or go mountain biking.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.