Dennehof: The Patio 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

One of the original rooms of the old homestead, The Patio Room boasts gorgeous wooden doors, floors and ceilings, and a large bay window.

Indoor living

• King-size bed with percale linen
• Ensuite bathroom with bathtub and shower
• Fridge and tea/coffee station
• Air-conditioning

Outdoor living

• Characterful patio with seating
• 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)