Diemersfontein: A Farm Worth Visiting

After a lovely drive up the N1 to Wellington/Paarl we stopped by an old haunt of mine www.diemersfontein.co.za (an old childhood holiday home) so that I could explore, wander and generally make a fool of myself: wiping tears from my eyes as my two toddler/monkey children scampered through every puddle they could find. We had the fortune of meeting David Sonnenberg, the owner. A warm and amiable man who made us feel most welcome! (Thank you for the gift of Wine David)

After exploring the gardens and the Manor House (now the central point of a 30 bedroom, 28 En Suite guest house/s) we set our sights on the new and very modern "Seasons" Restaurant. Now, when you want to see the true hospitality of a restaurant - bring small children with you.

The staff are warm and friendly, they have baby chairs available. The 'Soup of the Day' was adequate for both of our girls to share and was tasty! (Tomato and Basil Soup R35) I had the Cape Malay Curry - a light tasty chicken curry served with a beautifully presented popadom, sambals and soft white basmati rice - a real treat at R80. Francis had the Seafood Tagliatelli - prawn and mussels in a creamy Napolitano sauce, gently flavoured with no 'fishy' smell or aftertaste, R92 for a generous portion.

Savanna (3) had a strawberry milkshake - the most authentic strawberry shake I have *ever* tasted! Real strawberries! Kelsey (11months) had a little bit of everything...and left it all on the floor under her chair. Much to our surprise. The staff were very kind and accommodating.

If you are staying in the Cape I would strongly suggest this as an excursion not to miss. Follow the N1 out of Cape Town and find the farm in the heart of Wellington. Diemersfontein is quiet and pleasing to the eye with photo opportunities everywhere. Children can pose for photographs atop a life sized Hippo overlooking the dam. Little guinea fowl dart through the grass and in the distance horses graze. Idyllic! The bedrooms in the guest house are a 'blast from the past' filled with beautiful artworks, period pieces and divine wooden furniture.

Diemersfontein is also a Wedding Venue and Conferencing Centre. There is Wine-tasting Bar and a beautiful garden to view (Featured in 'Gardens of South Africa' 1992)

Let me know if you get there!

Sandy Bigara

Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!