The Wine Fox
- Sep 17, 2019
- 3 min read

The Homestead at Oldenburg

THE HOMESTEAD AT OLDENBURG VINEYARDS OFFERS EFFORTLESS VILLA LIVING ON A STELLENBOSCH WINE FARM

In response to a growing demand for exclusive-use villas in desirable locations, the Homestead offers a luxurious base in Stellenbosch less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town.The idyllic, private location is family owned Oldenburg Vineyards, a boutique wine estate tucked into the Banghoek valley on the Stellenbosch wine route. Spacious and elegantly proportioned, the 200 year old homestead has been meticulously restored, modernised and opened up to create a seamless flow of exquisitely furnished indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxed family living and sophisticated entertaining. Sleeping up to 12 in six bedrooms, the accommodation is well suited to a multi-generational family, a party of friends, or a corporate team in need discreet setting for high-powered meetings.

Surrounded by a well-established garden, olive groves and vineyards, the double-storey house has deep verandas,a large swimming pool an a sleek,glass-walled gym from which to appreciate the dramatic Groot Drakenstein Mountains.It comes with a resident manager–a trained butler with sharply honed concierge skills–and two housekeepers. Additional staff, such as a private chef, driver, childminder or personal trainer, can be arranged.

The Homestead is perfectly positioned to make the most of the region’s exciting food and wine culture, starting on its doorstep with personalised wine tastings at the Oldenburg tasting room and the option of private dining in the wine cellar. Close by are many of South Africa’s top-rated restaurants and prestigious wine producers so that days can be filled with vineyard-view lunches and wine tastings at the likes of Boschendal, Delaire Graff, TOKARA, Babylonstoren and Terroir at Kleine Zalze.

At the heart of the Homestead is a dreamy,fully equipped kitchen designed to exacting European standards. Airy,double-volume proportions, views framed by oversized sash windows and an inviting kitchen table set the scene for sociable, informal dining, interactive cookery classes, or simply a cosy family meal. Shopping for food is usually taken care of by the staff, especially if the services of a chef have been employed, but many guests enjoy living the local lifestyle and sourcing their own gourmet ingredients from delis and weekend farmer’s markets in and around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Back at the Homestead, afternoons are for relaxing at the pool, exploring the farm on foot or cross-country biking in the valley. At the end of the day, watching the mountains reflecting the changing colours of the sunset with a glass of estate wine in hand is almost obligatory before preparing dinner–perhaps on the barbecue, South African style.

For families with young children, the Homestead’s vast, velvety lawns are made for romping and playing games, such as soccer or cricket. There are four en suite bedrooms downstairs, two of the min a separate wing that would be suitable for children. Upstairs, there is a master bedroom suite and a twin-bedded room with its own bathroom,which can be used as a nursery. Rooms are adorned with original artworks, have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, wireless internet access, flat-screen satellite TV, a safe,and bathrooms with under-floor heating.

Pre-arrival services include assistance with vehicle hire, restaurant reservations and day trips, and hiring of specialised sports equipment, such as mountain bikes or golf clubs.