White Water Farm: Gatehouse Cottage

Dating back to 1846, White Water Farm holds all the historic charm of an idyllic country retreat, while its modern-luxe lodgings (not to mention relative proximity to Cape Town) make it a sought-after destination. Cows, alpacas, springboks, and donkeys roam the 50 hectares of rolling pastures; gardens shaded by oak trees create an enchanting countryscape, while the Overberg mountains loom and the scent of hydrangeas lingers, making stays at this peaceful paradise in the the stuff of storybooks.

There are five accommodations in total: a three-bedroom farmhouse (parts of which date back to 1846), the adjacent Farmhouse Deluxe Suite, three Dairy Suites (in the old dairy barn), two Barn Suites (in what was once the herb barn) and the tastefully decorated Gatehouse Cottage. Creature comforts in the rooms include a roaring fireplace, quaint teapots a porch with chairs overlooking the spectacular surrounds. Daily breakfast baskets (included in the rate) comprise fresh fruits, yogurt and cereal.

Good to know
Unlike the rest of White Water Farm, Gatehouse Cottage is not child-friendly. It’s ideal for honeymooners, with a king-size four-poster bed, a Victorian bath in the bedroom and a fireplace in the lounge.

THE LODGINGS

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• 1 large bedroom with a king-size four-poster bed
• 1 ensuite bathroom with a shower, plus a Victorian bath in the bedroom
• Bathroom amenities

Indoor + outdoor living

• Open-plan lounge
• Kitchenette with an air fryer and induction hob
• Tea and coffee facilities
• Indoor fireplace
• Private outdoor patio
• Complimentary WiFi
• Generator
• Daily breakfast basket included
• Communal pool pavilion

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Stroll around the farm
• Hiking and mountain-biking trails in the Phillipskop Private Mountain Reserve
• Swim at the pool pavilion
• Sunbathing
• Star-gazing
• Beauty and wellness treatments at the onsite Bloom Spa

In the area

• Shops, cafes and art galleries in nearby town of Stanford
• Various wine estates
• Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary
• Klein River cruises
• Various beaches (prime whale-watching in season)