Driving along the country lane to Oldenburg Homestead feels like coming home - that joyful sense of escaping the outside world and taking refuge in serenity and warmth. It’s not surprising as this 200 year-old Cape Dutch farmhouse is home to owners Adrian and Vanessa Vanderspuy when they are in the Cape, with a deep family connection - Adrian’s grandmother lived here for fifty years. The loving restoration and renovation that the couple undertook in 2013, imbuing the old homestead with contemporary luxury and filling it with their personal collection of photography, sculpture and art, has only added to its appeal.

When the family isn’t in residence the Homestead is available as an exclusive-use, six-bedroom luxury getaway. It’s an incredibly private location, high in the Banghoek Valley among the vines of Oldenburg Vineyards where you’ll discover exceptional wines from this remarkable terroir. You’re cocooned in the mountains with views forever, overlooking a little-known valley with a profound sense of peace that’s hard to match anywhere else in the Winelands.

The decor was beautifully curated by Vanessa together with Dewald Prinsloo and Leonard de Villiers of Ebony Design, as well as Ingrid Fuller, but informal enough for comfortable family living. The couple’s photography, art and sculpture collection complements the neutral tones of the interiors, with a photographic collection by British artist, Marc Stanes, as well as local favourites, Stephen Inggs and Caroline Gibello. In the entrance hall, ‘Eroded’ by Regardt van der Meulen offers an eye-catching welcome. But there’s no doubt though that this homestead is designed for relaxation, especially laid-back breakfasts around the kitchen table or long lunches on the deep verandah. In the heat of summer, there’s nothing better than floating in the pool as the mountain-tops glow with the warm pinks of sunset or rising early for a walk around the estate.

It feels miles from anywhere, but the Homestead is only a scenic mountain pass away from Stellenbosch, and close to Delaire Graff, Tokara and Bartinney. In the other direction is Boschendal, (stock up on farm-fresh produce at their deli), and then Franschhoek, so it‘s an ideal base for exploring - or staying close to home and hiking the mountain trails of the Banghoek conservancy. Far more tempting though is the short stroll up to the Oldenburg tasting room, which unfolds yet another breathtaking vista as you re-acquaint yourself with the award-winning wines grown in this beautiful Cape Winelands retreat.

• At Art House Collection we love to share our ‘insider experiences’ and we know that you’ll not only be smitten by Oldenburg’s wines but equally fascinated by the micro-climate on the estate and why it produces award-winning wines. Speak to us if you’d like to know more or to arrange a tailor-made experience during your stay.

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