Smalkloof Guest Farm, Volksrust

Golden Light

I am increasingly drawn to simplicity, and a farm stay brings a certain groundedness to a work travel trip which I really appreciate. Smalkloof Guest Farm, just outside Volksrust, is the perfect antidote to business stress. This is a place of golden hay bales, sheep and big skies. I drive up the long drive and stop to admire a large herd of sheep. It is dinner time and they come closer, stop, stare and then I can see one of the sheep saying to the others “Play it cool, guys, but I don’t think she’s the one who usually brings us our supper.” This is of course followed by collective panic as they all run bleating away as fast as there little legs can carry them. As I said, it’s good to be on a farm, where things are simple and real.

It seems that most of the rooms have entrances out to the beautiful farm, with plentiful outdoor seating areas. The room in which I choose to stay has its own verandah with table and chairs. Inside it is warm – with glowing orange art and cushions and an indoor fireplace. It is a cold night and I am pleased to settle in front of the fire. The en-suite bathroom is well equipped and I leave the bedroom door open to enjoy both bath and fire.

Accommodation Experience

Even the richest person on earth can’t do much better than warm, buttery toast and tea, appreciated outdoors with sunny skies and a view. I make a mindful cuppa and take it outside to the table under the big tree to enjoy. I am joined by all 5 the Jack Russel dogs, who share my enthusiasm for tea and the great outdoors.

I catch myself gulping big breaths of fresh air as my eye keeps being drawn to the open skies and golden fields with awe and gratitude.

Highveld Splendour Boutique Hotel, Ermelo

Cleansing Beauty

I had a hankering to immerse myself in beauty, in a clean and calm space. I could not have made a better choice with a stay at Highveld Splendour. Vast rooms, cool, tiled floors, wide glass doors and high ceilings instantly dispel any mental or emotional clutter. Open plan bathrooms have spacious all-glass showers, minimalist basin bowls and deep, modern baths. Fluffy, soft, grey bathrobes provide a comforting foil against the cool white. It’s like someone found my wish-list and made it come true.

Every possible luxury has been thought of – thick, white towels, temperature controlled rooms, silky white linen with smooth, King-size pillows on the extra length King bed. Walnut wood furniture and fittings ground the look, along with the thatched roof and exposed wooden beams. I especially love the thick, hung wood panels with soft down-lighting and recessed wiring. A glamorous wallpapered wall, patterned right up to the apex of the open ceiling completes the balance of light and luxe.

Accommodation experience:

I have only one night at this beautiful haven, and not content with the few waking hours I have at Highveld Spendour, I don’t want to waste time on sleep. I sleep late and wake early, sitting in bed and enjoying the calm space. With the thatched roof, birds singing and my view onto a Yellowwood tree, it feels like one is far out in the country. There is perfect harmony between the natural materials, contrasted with the sheer glass and minimalist white.

I had been drawn to the clean look of this place, but find myself equally appreciating the warm grey wood in the suite, the beautiful grounds of the estate and the friendly staff. Sometimes a clean sweep can be tempered with gentle warmth and the results are more restorative.

It still surprises me when I not only get what I want, but find unexpected pleasure in what I really need.