Camissa Farm: Almond Cabin

A once-neglected, alien-overrun 60-hectare tract of land in the Banhoek Valley has been transformed by the Lundie family into a thriving farm. Replenished by their “flerd” (free-roaming, grass-reared cattle, sheep and chickens), Camissa’s soil now provides vegetables, meat and eggs for the family, along with olives, avocados and almonds. An array of happy guests keep the Lundie’s four modern-rustic cabins (sitting on the edge of a dam), as well as the Bed in the Shed (a loft apartment in the barn), very busy indeed. All five options are off-grid and decorated with flair, and have phenomenal views of the Simonsberg and Groot Drakenstein mountains.

THE LODGINGS

Almond Cottage is decorated in soft pinks, like the blossoms of the trees that surround it. It has a private wood-fired hot tub set among trees just below the cottage and is the cabin most suitable for people with mobility issues as there are no steps up to the cottage.

Indoor living

• Double bedroom with ensuite bathroom (shower)
• Queen-size sleeping pod in the living room for an extra adult, or two children
• Air-conditioning in bedroom
• Open-plan lounge with fireplace and dining area
• Fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso coffee machine and dishwasher

Outdoor living

• Furnished deck with cargo net
• Boma braai area with fire pit
• Wood-fired hot tub

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Swimming in the farm dam
• Bird watching
• Hiking, trail running and mountain-biking trails
• Scenic farm walks
• Bartinney tasting shed is an easy 1.5 km stroll along the contour path for charcuterie and wine
• Camberley and Oldenberg estates are also just a short walk away
• Visiting spa treatment provider (on request)

In the area

• Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine routes
• Restaurants, shops, museums and art galleries in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
• Banhoek tennis courts (by arrangement)