Kalmoesfontein Farm, located in the scenic Paardeberg area in the Swartland is a working wine farm, the home of AA Badenhorst Family Wines, luxury farm-style, self-catering accommodation, and plenty of peaceful wide-open spaces. Kalmoesfontein is all about slow living.
Guests heading to the farm to enjoy AA Badenhorst Family Wines can be assured a truly exceptional experience. The winery was awarded The Authentic South African Experience Award at the 2022 Great Wine Capitals’ Best of Wine Tourism Awards announced in October 2021.
Stay
Just 60 minutes outside of Cape Town, and only 40 minutes from Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Kalmoesfontein is close enough to the city that you can easily enjoy a day trip out here for a quick city escape.
Of course, if you really want to unwind and enjoy a farm-stay in luxury accommodation, you can choose from four unique farm hideaways constructed within various rustic and well-furnished outbuildings.
Each unit is beautifully decorated with authentic farm elements, but fitted with modern conveniences for added comfort, like air conditioning, wifi, and USB plug points.
Winemaker’s Cottage
Set among old vineyards and a vegetable garden, the Winemaker’s Cottage has 2 en suite bedrooms, a private farm pool, and a lovely shaded stoep for taking in the spectacular views. In the winter, the cottage has a cosy fireplace and underfloor heating for your comfort. A cot and children’s bed are available on request.
Night Rate: From R3,000 per unit
Die Melkkamer
Die Melkkamer is a one-bedroom unit with a sofa bed for additional guests. A small kitchenette features a two-plate hob, fridge, toaster, microwave, and coffee machine. There’s an outdoor braai facility as well as a private pool.
Nightly Rate: From R1,600 per unit
The Stables
The Stables Cottage is located behind the cellar in a secluded area. This two-bedroom unit has a private farm plunge pool, hammocks, a game basket, a braai area, and private herb and vegetable gardens. A cot and children’s bed are available on request.
The Stables is the only pet-friendly unit.
Nightly Rate: From R2,500 per unit
The Silo
The converted grain Silo is a single-bedroom unit with an open-plan layout and is perfect for a romantic retreat or honeymoon. A small kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, and coffee machine allows for basic cooking. Outside, there’s a private farm pool and braai facilities as well as a dining area in a glass room.
Nightly Rate: From R2,200 per unit
Play
Farm animals
The farm is home to a variety of animals that are a delight to visit, especially for the little ones. Resident animals include three farm dogs (one Great Dane, and two German Shepards), two cats, two pics, 2 horses, a pony, numerous fluffy bunnies, parrots, and free-range chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks, geese, and ducks.
The Paardeberg Old Epic Hiking Route
An old Cape Epic route has been re-opened as a hiking trail that crosse over four farms and offers epic Swartland vistas. On a good day, you can see all the way from Riebeek Mountain in the west to Paarl Mountain in the east.
The trail is approximately 5.1km and takes around 2 hours at a leisurely pace. If you head out in the spring months, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful flowering fynbos.
Savour
As one would expect from a working wine farm, food and wine are an important part of a visit to Kalmoesfontein. If you’re staying in one of the cottages, ask about their picnic baskets or braai packs. The kitchen crew does everything from baking to churning ice cream and making delectable preserves from the fresh produce grown on the farm.
Thursday nights are pizza nights on the farm. The special pizza menu for two includes two pizzas, a salad, dessert, and a bottle of wine for R450. Booking is recommended.
Visitors can also join in for a mid-week farmers lunch on Mondays – Fridays at 12:30. For just R150, your meal includes a dish of the day and salads, fresh farm bread, a glass of wine, and a coffee.
Wine tastings can be booked mid-week on request by contacting christine@aabadenhorst.com
