ROCKHAVEN FARM

Like a number of surrounding getaways, Rockhaven has the unfair advantage of being nestled among the spectacular Groot Winterhoek mountains. above Porterville, in the Western Cape.

Lying at approximately 700 m above sea level in a mountainous conservation area known as the Groot Winterhoek Conservancy, approximately 14 farms together with Cape Nature Conservation form the conservancy. Organic essential oils and olive oil are produced on the farm where the plants are cultivated .

Rockhaven is 120 hectares in extent and is home to a wide range of mammals, birds and reptiles. The fynbos is unspoilt and the remaining alien trees (mainly Australian Wattle and Pine) are being removed. There are beautiful walks across the farm and the adjoining mountains, and there is excellent swimming in the Ratel River and the farm’s dam.

The farm was originally a fruit farm, starting with apricots and pears, and then concentrating on apples (Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Fuji). The fruit was farmed conventionally until the farm was purchased by the current owners in 2005. Since then the farm has only been farmed organically: apart from the apricots, the fruit trees on the farm have not been cultivated further.

In this case, two comfortable cottages with very reasonable price tags provide your weekend lodging on this working farm. The furnishings in both cottages are neat and unpretentious and everything seems in place for a very pleasant weekend – all that you need bring is a sensible mix of well-behaved mates and maybe the family hound.

Reports from the latter indicate that Rockhaven is dog heaven, with enough delirious dassie scents to fill a month of happy canine dreams. The cottages sleep six and four respectively; if you're looking for a group getaway, think about booking both.

The smaller cottage has been recently renovated and is a little more basic than the original (French doors, light and airy, fireplace, nice decor), but nevertheless very well equipped, with linen, towels, etc, all part of the deal.

For human visitors, the surrounding Jupiter landscape has plenty of walks, nooks and crannies to explore, orchards to lose yourself in, rivers to dip in and out of, buck to spot and enough snow every second winter or so to build a snowman.

Sit on the stoep and watch the sun set slowly on the Citrusdal Valley, take a stroll to the farm dam and enjoy a dip in its crystal clear waters, walk further along to the rock pools and waterfalls of the Ratel River, or simply lie back on the lawn and soak up the rays. Not even a cellphone can pierce Rockhaven’s utter serenity – for that you need to walk about 100m.