Camissa Farm: Avocado 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 (around the farm 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

Avocado Cottage is positioned right next to the dam at the top of the horseshoe valley. It is an airy cabin with direct access to endless hiking and mountain biking. While it does not have a hot tub (unlike the other cabins) it enjoys the most privileged position, right on the water next to a large gum forest. The deck reaches out over the dam to allow you to jump straight into the water.

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 over the dam
• Boma braai area with fire pit

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)