Jan Harmsgat
I recently had the golden opportunity to escape to a peaceful retreat on the southern outskirts of Robertson beneath the Langeberg mountains with its rolling bulges and earthy sage green hues.
My weekend place of renewal was Jan Harmsgat, a gorgeous historic farm dating back to 1723. Jan Harmsgat caters for simpler country life by offering gorgeous 5-Star Guest accommodation that is rich in history, rustic appeal and oozes country charm and makes for a delightful farm break getaway. The farm also has function facilities and a farm to fork restaurant called Just Amy. Jan Harmsgat is the perfect venue choice for a romantic rustic farm wedding and a quiet romantic hide away.
Photo credit: Timothy Lester, Phumula Productions
Photo credit Jan Harmsgat
Jan Harmsgat (meaning treasure) is a working farm, its main production being juicy plump pomegranates, olives and a quaint 25 hectares of wine-growing vineyards. The farm specializes in single block cultivars which make Jan Harmsgat wines known for reflecting the unique terroir of the site.
There's a little stall on the farm where you can buy all sorts of products made from what they grow and produce. When visiting, stock up with their powerful antioxidant, rich 100% pure pomegranate juice, olives, pomegranate honey and their beautiful boutique wines. I was very impressed by their Chardonnay, Pinotage and Shiraz...and there's noway I'll drive past and not stop to stock up on their wines in the future.
At the entrance of Jan Harmsgat an old slave bell tower still stands tall. Slavery was abolished in 1834 in South Africa 111 years after the farms beginning and is still standing here unused 185 years later. When I arrived at Jan Harmsgat the old thick Cape Dutch white wash walls and olive groves welcomed me down the gravel path towards the guest accommodation. Tonight I'd be staying at the original slave quarters, a timeless building with the same thick white washed Cape Dutch walls and rustic thatch roof. The quarters encompasses four rooms, two communal lounges complete with a private courtyard and are situated next to a refreshing salt-water pool.
Photo credit Jan Harmsgat
herbal salt bath in Victorian tub
Jan Harmsgat: The Backlands Farm Tour
This experience was the highlight of my stay. Late in the afternoon our group took a magnificent sunset 4x4 safari drive though the farm olive groves, pomegranates and citrus orchards. We passed the vineyards and ventured into the nature reserve where we spotted Black Wildebeest grazing in the late afternoon sun between the tall dancing wild grass. Higher up the bumpy 4x4 track we rode till we reached the flat plateau of the hilltop.
To my absolute surprise and amazement a luxurious spread of local cheese, home grown olives, preserves and charcuterie was laid out and fine wine tasting was about to commence. Our farm host and guide, Francois, began the introduction and I was so ready to being the journey into their wines.
The first we tried was the Sauvignon 2018, which is their youngest vintage, and the only wine in their range that is not matured in oak. This wine is matured for six months on the lees in stainless steel tanks ~ Was outstanding!
There was much praise amongst the group when it came to discovering the JHG wine range. After the tasting we helped ourselves to a glass of our favourite wine to enjoy with our sunset feast (I opted for the Pinotage) while admiring the 360 view of the Langeberg Mountains, the farm and vast valleys below. Blissful banter followed while taking in the last golden rays of the day.
When the Langeberg Mountain slopes turn pink and the full moon took its place in the twilight... those are the moments that make for a good life and provide us some relief and upliftment in a challenging world.
Cost: R150 and can include a sunset fire for those chilly evenings (perfect for snuggles).
Photo credit Jared Ruttenburg - Jared in ctp
Photo credit Jared Ruttenburg - Jared in ctp
After the most spectacular sunset we went into the evening with a pre-dinner Chardonnay, seated around a roaring log fire inside the farm's Just Amy country cuisine restaurant. Dinner was a 3-course affair and I opted for the soup of the day, 200 gram beef fillet and a dark chocolate ganache tart for dessert. The food was tasty and dinner was long and lazy, the way I like it when good company, conversation and wine are flowing.
Photo credit Jared Ruttenburg - Jared in ctp
Photo credit Jared Ruttenburg - Jared in ctp
What a perfect end to a gorgeous getaway, I was ready for a good snooze after all the fun adventures, wine and food that evening, and was happy to crawl into a super comfortable bed at my quarters and meld as one into my pillow followed quickly by pleasant dreams.
Thanks so much to the incredible team at Jan Harmsgat for the truly unforgettable stay, my only wish is that I'd stayed a lot longer.
Reservations: +27 87 012 5356 / +27 79 207 0777 Property Directly: +27 23 616 3311 / +27 23 616 3407 Fax: +27 86 523 9284 Email: reservations@janharmsgat.com
Website: janharmsgat.com
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