Cheverells Farm: Braeburn Cottage

In the heart of the Elgin Valley, Cheverells Farm offers a wholesome, fresh-air escape just an hour from the city. The Boome family have been growing a variety of apple and pear cultivars for three generations, and have recently started welcoming the public to their slice of paradise.

They offer two self-catering, pet-friendly cottages beside a lily-filled dam. Named after apple cultivars, Kiku and Braeburn sport quilted bed covers, fresh flowers, fireplaces, ivy-covered stoeps and valley views to get lost in. Whether it’s trees drooping with ripe fruit in summer, blossom-filled orchards in spring, or the starker beauty of winter, Cheverells Farm is a beautiful backdrop for a weekend escape filled with outdoor activities – a leisurely walk, mountain-biking or fishing in the dam.

An old 1960s apple-packing shed has been transformed into a country café for daytime dining. With soaring ceilings hung with basketry and large windows capturing the view, it’s a happy, light-filled space in which to savour the farm experience. There are tables outside on the shade-dappled verandah, too – all the better for enjoying the view and the fragrant breezes coming off the orchards. Also on site are a gift shop, wellness studio and a glass greenhouse nursery.

THE LODGINGS

Self-catering Braeburn Cottage, named after the old-fashioned Braeburn apple, is tucked behind Kiku Cottage and next to a little balancing dam that is filled with water lilies and surrounded by proteas, aloes and other indigenous plants that attract plenty of birdlife. It is tastefully decorated with small luxuries like 400 thread count linen, complementary toiletries and delicious farm-style rusks to enjoy with morning coffee.

Indoor living

• Open-plan cottage with one bedroom to living area
• Queen size bed with 400 thread-count linen and electric blanket
• Fully equipped kitchen, with microwave and electric hob/oven
• Ensuite bathroom with shower
• Indoor fireplace
• Tea, coffee, sugar and farm-style rusks provided

Outdoor living

• Small covered stoep with seating
• Braai facilities

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Cheverells Farm Shed includes a country café (open Wed – Sunday) and gift shop. Look out for events, workshops, pop-up markets and gourmet evenings.
• Bird-watching
• Farm walks
• Hiking and mountain-biking
• Fishing
• Swimming

In the area

• Oak Valley, Trails End and Grabouw Forest mountain-bike and running trails
• Wine tasting at Elgin wine farms
• Zipline over valleys and waterfalls on the Cape Canopy Tour
• Explore the Elgin Railway Market
• Hiking in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve