Country Connections
Porcupine
Hills Guest Farm and Conservancy epitomises all things country – old painted biscuit
tins stacked high on a kitchen shelf, tongue-in-groove ceilings, wooden
furniture, gingham and floral fabrics and double cottage pane doors opening out
from every room onto wide verandahs and pergola patios. This is big sky
country, where outdoor living is a natural part of life.
There
is a choice of accommodation, and we stay in the Farmhouse, a classic two
bedroom cottage with a long verandah and an attic bedroom upstairs. The lounge
has a sprawling couch and fireplace, and there are additional seating areas
outside. The kitchen is pretty, with butler sink, wooden table and white
painted cupboards. Soft sage bedrooms have white linen and floral curtains and
cushions, and white painted cottage pane doors open out from both rooms onto
private patios. The bathrooms are surprisingly glamorous and each has a box
skylight through which one can see stars at night.
Outside
the cottage there is a braai area with benches and reclining loungers. There is
a natural style, curved swimming pool with views to forever. Set in the
Diepklowe private nature reserve, we are surrounded by high rock cliffs, where Black
Eagles soar.
Accommodation
Experience
In
true country weekend style, we wake early to the sound of birdsong, but fall
back asleep and lie in ‘til late. We emerge from our bedrooms at different
times during the day, tousled and well rested. Finally we are brought together
by the smell of warm flapjacks from the kitchen.
This
is the real country magic – a space to rest and become the most natural version
of oneself, from which vantage point one can connect with family and friends.
In a recent survey, I asked young people “When is your family most peaceful?”
The majority of the replies were about holidays, weekends and times when
everyone is together. The replies show how stressed and disconnected we are
much of the time, and that the recipe for harmony is so simple and achievable.
Our stay at Porcupine Hills was precious respite and a lovely memory of family
connectedness which we will draw on for many years to come.
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