Bartholomeus Klip is unique. There are only five bedrooms in this small hotel, the original homestead on a large private estate which is both a working wheat and sheep farm and a nature reserve with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
 
Here, in this unexplored region only an hour by car from Cape Town's international airport, you can feel part of the peaceful life of rural South Africa and its clean crisp air and star-filled night skies.

Bartholomeus Klip's 10 000 acre fynbos nature reserve is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the world's smallest, but the richest in species for its size.

Special features:

• Maximum of ten guests at a time
• Exceptional food and wine
• 16 000 acre private estate
• Game drives - over 500 head of game
• Fynbos nature reserve
• Farming activities
• Salt-water swimming pool
• Windsurfing, boating and canoeing on the huge dam
• Walking and hiking in the reserve
• Mountain biking
• Conservation projects
• Birdwatching
• Close to Cape Town and the winelands

Accommodation:

The Victorian homestead has been meticulously renovated, and the fine fabrics and family antiques make you feel as if you are a guest in someone's much-loved home.

Rose-filled gardens and ancient oaks surround the house, with benches tucked away in quiet places perfect for absorbing the peace and relaxed atmosphere.
 
Nearby, the deck of the salt-water swimming pool is ideal for sunbathing or sundowners, and the boathouse, where the wonderful brunches are served, has a spectacular view over the dam.

The Bedrooms

Comfort is the keynote in the bedrooms: specially made pure cotton bedding, luxurious toiletries, towelling gowns. No TVs to spoil the country feeling (although there are two in the main rooms for essential viewing).

Wild Olive House and its adjoining cottage, separately sited from the main Farmhouse, provide a self- catering option where children are welcome.

There is accommodation for up to six adults and two children. Guests can eat at Bartholomeus Klip by prior arrangement (babysitters can be provided for children).

Wild Olive House has its own swimming pool and outdoor living area, with space to braai (or barbecue) beside the pool. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything needed for both cooking and eating.

The Cottage has a bedroom, bathroom and small sitting room, with mini-fridge and facilities for making tea or coffee. You can watch the setting sun turn the mountains pink from your own private deck.

To Do:

A stay at Bartholomeus Klip is a wonderful opportunity for the energetic, who can:

• walk or hike in the reserve
• ride mountain bikes through the wheatfields
• go windsurfing, birdwatching or boating on the dam
• inspect the farming operations

As well as everything happening at Bartholomeus Klip itself (including game drives twice daily through the reserve), there are many attractions in the neighbourhood (see below): get the kitchen to make you a picnic, and put a bit of romance in your day.

For the more laid-back, there are loungers in the extensive gardens, at the edge of the dam or on the deck of the salt water swimming pool: read, relax, or even fall asleep.

Afternoon game drives at Bartholomeus Klip end with sundowners in the veld: only an hour away from Cape Town, and you feel you are in Africa! The animals are easy to spot in the low-growing fynbos, especially since there are more than 500 head of game.

The nature reserve, with its characteristic fynbos and rare renosterveld vegetation, forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It has been declared a National Heritage Site in recognition of its importance as the last major habitat of the geometric tortoise, one of the world's rarest reptiles.

The reserve in the springtime: 'flower heaven', as one guest called it, with sheets of colour and a myriad of different bulbs, orchids and daisies to be discovered on closer inspection.

Among the animal species at Bartholomeus Klip - some more easily seen than others - are:

• eland
• springbuck
• bontebok
• wildebeest, both blue and black
• gemsbok
• red hartebeest
• baboon
• bat-eared fox
• jackal
• lynx
• Cape fox
• leopard

More than 160 species of birds have been identified at Bartholomeus Klip, among them the endangered blue crane and the African fish eagle as well as the ostrich, frequently seen in the reserve.

Info & Pics from Bartholomeus Klip website