Penhill Farm: Manor House

Nestled in the expansive Nuy Valley – just a scenic 75-minute drive from Cape Town – Penhill Farm Estate offers guests a slice of slow Karoo life. With a rich history that goes back to the days of the Dutch East India Company, this fully restored, luxurious country retreat comes with whitewashed buildings, manicured gardens, a sparkling dam, a fine-dining restaurant and five beautiful places to stay.

There’s the stately Manor House (which sleeps eight and overlooks the gardens, with a large swimming pool), and then there are four elegantly appointed two-bedroom cottages – two with private pools (Pepper Tree and Fruit Barn) and all four boasting Swedish hot tubs. Built in 1840, the gabled Manor House opens out onto expansive lawns and is the ultimate in old-world elegance, with a thatched roof, a farmhouse kitchen and a large, sparkling swimming pool.

Good to know
Each house can be booked separately, or you can book the whole farm for a larger gathering or celebration. There is a tennis court, as well as boules, croquet, fishing and canoeing facilities.

THE LODGINGS

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• 4 bedrooms (two with king-size beds and two with twin beds)
• 3 bathrooms (two ensuite and one shared; separate bath and shower)
• Bathroom amenities

Indoor living

• Fully equipped farmhouse kitchen
• Sitting room
• Spacious living and dining room
• Large fireplace and TV
• Air-conditioning
• Tea and coffee facilities
• Complimentary WiFi

Outdoor living

• Large pool with sun loungers
• Swedish hot tub
• Patio with outdoor seating
• Outdoor dining table
• Expansive garden

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Swimming in the pool and dam
• Lounging in the hot tub
• Dining at The Cellar’s Restaurant
• Fishing
• Canoeing
• Tennis
• Boules
• Croquet
• Hiking and mountain-biking

In the area

• Wine tasting
• Lions Creek Olive Estate tasting
• Park Runs (every Saturday at 8am)
• Bread baking classes at SF Gourmet
• Wine Valley Safari wine tours
• Craft beer at Four Cousins and Saggy Stone
• Horse-riding
• Golfing
• Various restaurants nearby
• Exploring the towns of Robertson and Worcester