Dennehof: The Dairy Room

Steeped in history – a national monument (built in 1835, the first homestead in the area) – complete with its own iconic Karoo wind-pump in the garden and a classic deep front stoep, Dennehof will grab your heart before you’ve even stepped inside.

Owners Inga and Albert Terblanche have brought a fresh energy to this heritage property. While respecting its story, they’ve also added contemporary design touches and splashes of colour (thanks to Inga’s impeccable photographer’s eye), and lots of heart – although their ridgeback puppy Ferdinand, the “guest liaison officer”, steals the show.

The glass conservatory in the garden makes for a most wonderful breakfast room. Here you’ll get to sample Inga’s signature sourdough loaves as part of a marvellous morning meal – some say the best in the region – alongside 360-degree Karoo views.

The enchanting garden, with its leiwater canals and fountain, is filled with fascinating Karoo flora as well as plants and trees that produce a bounty of fresh produce. The old reservoir is now a salt-water pool, with Spanish tiles and a raised sundeck with views over olive groves to the Swartberg Mountains; nearby is a sauna for two to beat the Karoo chill.

Rooms in the original homestead, plus a cottage, the wagon shed, dairy room and blacksmith’s forge have been turned into gorgeous cocoons of luxury – each individually decorated to give a sense of place, a glimpse into a bygone era, and delight the senses.

The romantic Wagonshed Suite has an outdoor Victorian bathtub; the Windmill Suite and Cottage Room both have utterly charming vintage kitchens; the Patio and Stoep Rooms in the original homestead have gorgeous bay windows. The Forge Room has an emerald-green feature wall; the Dairy Room a royal blue one.

Original features – thick whitewashed walls, beamed or reed ceilings, wooden floors, lead-glass windows and antique heirlooms – all add to the atmosphere. Mungo throws and towels, fluffy robes, mohair blankets and top-notch coffee bring those special touches.

THE LODGINGS

The dairy of the old homestead, The Dairy Room still has the old wooden stump that served as a chopping block in days gone by. Even with this characterful block, the room still offers a spacious environment, with the high reed ceilings and wooden beams (a traditional Karoo feature) adding an extra sense of nostalgia. For families of four, an interleading door between The Cottage Room and The Dairy Room can open up to create a spacious two-bedroom, two bathroom unit.

Indoor living

• Twin beds with percale linen
• Ensuite bathroom with shower
• Fridge and tea/coffee station
• Air-conditioning

Outdoor living

• Verandah with private seating and Swartberg views
• Large garden, pool, sundeck and sauna on the property

Catering

• Breakfast included

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Swimming in the pool
• Veld Feast dinners (October – April)
• Cheese-and-wine pairings (on request)

In the area

• Guided walks (history, nature or ghosts)
• Restaurants, shops and galleries in town
• Olive and wine estates nearby
• Dairy and fig farm visits
• Hiking and mountain-biking
• Swartberg Pass (with possible snow in winter)