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Roggeland Location

"The region around Cape Town offers the most charming countryside and assortment of grand houses in Southern Africa and Roggeland is one of the best. The relaxing surroundings and delicious foods are traditional reasons for staying at this centuries old estate." An eighteenth-century Cape Dutch masterpiece, the farmhouse of Roggeland is a national monument. Ringed by the blue purple Drakenstein mountains, Roggeland Country House is situated in the Dal Josaphat Valley, just north-east of the town of Paarl. It is an hour's drive from Cape Town and 45 minutes from the international airport. Driving through some of the loveliest winelands in the world, a mood of tranquil anticipation sets in. On arrival at Roggeland, you're ready for a serious dose of pampering, and you get it.

Self Drive Walking Country Lodge Photography Birding Cuisine Day Tour Wine Tasting Price Range - Southern Africa: $050 - $200

The Farm Roggeland takes its name from Rogsecale africanum, the wild rye growing at the foot of the Drakenstein mountains. The first owner was Peter Beuk from Lubeck in Germany who settled in 1691. A deed of tenure was signed by Governor Simon van der Stel in 1693 granting him 240 ha. Beuk's original name for the farm was Dal Josaphat (the "Valley of Temptation" by biblical reference), which in time came to denote the whole of the surrounding region. His house is the whitewashed cottage "Ouma's Huisie" overlooking the vegetable garden. The du Toit family, of French Huguenot descent, bought the farm in 1779 and commissioned the building of the main house, which is regarded as a flawless example of the Cape Dutch architectural style. An important interior feature of Roggeland Country House is the 4-leafed diamond-panelled 'porte visite'. Made from yellowwood and stinkwood, it separates the entrance hall from the dining room. Also interesting is the exterior curved staircase which was once used by goats to climb to their attic manger.

Each of the spacious bedrooms has a unique character. The Melkkamer (milk room), for example, has a doorway paved with worn cobblestones and retains an old slatted outer door. Every room has a large double bed, or optional twin beds, an en-suite bathroom and a terrace. All have 'riempie' reed ceilings and deep casement windows with wooden shutters. Handmade linen, down duvets and the gentle whirr of ceiling fans all conspire to bring about a deep and restful sleep. Rise as early or as late as you please to the aroma of fresh filter coffee. The menus are inspired by the regional produce of Paarl and vegetables and herbs are grown in Roggeland's own gardens. The menu de gustation, with special wines to partner each dish, varies daily. Two seasonal menus illustrate the type of cuisine for which Roggeland is renowned: Winter: sweet potato slices with Malay chilli jam; leek, olive and red pepper tart; braised oxtail with fennel bulb and orange zest; old fashioned yellow quinces with must syrup. Summer: Jerusalem artichokes with horseradish cream; chilled cantaloupe soup with Ratafia; fresh trout poached in sparkling Pierre Jourdan; roast veal encrusted with a variety of lemon herbs with a lemon basil pistou; mulberry trio or prickly pear jelly. Varied, balanced, never heavy, our country cuisine contributes, along with the sunshine, the fresh mountain air, historic setting and general serenity, to a feeling of profound well-being.

Winelovers who wish to explore the wine routes of Paarl, Wellington, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are well placed for this at Roggeland. In this part of the Cape you'll discover the wine, the food, the scenic splendour and the richness of history, art and country hospitality that is the 'Boland' experience. Playing a game of golf, viewing a flock of 1000 flamingoes at the bird sanctuary, horse riding, sightseeing via steam train or picnicing on a scenic trail . . . these are just some of our leisure options. Catch a tan next to the pool, visit the nearby rose farms or stroll through Paarl - one of the oldest towns in South Africa - with its wealth of historic buildings and glistening granite mountain. The local lace, pottery, carpet-weaving and art studios are sources for authentic African gifts. Roggeland is a springboard to the fascinating Cape. Your "must see" menu could include cheese factories, port and brandy cellars. Then there's winter whale watching at Hermanus, or a West Coast adventure to see bushman paintings and the blazing colours of semi-desert flowers in spring.

Roggeland Children Policy
Children are welcome subject to prior arrangement with the manager. Rates on request.

Nearest City: Cape Town

Check In Time: 02:00:00 PM

Check Out Time: 11:00:00 AM