Down on the Farm - Noordhoek Farm Village

There are many compelling reasons to head to Noordhoek. The lush valley has a laid-back equine feel and a seemingly endless beach stretches into the horizon; white sand contrasting with a glacial-blue sea. Dogs bound in the surf, beachcombers search for shells; horses canter, families stroll and locals greet each other with a wave. But one of the main attractions lies in the heart of Noordhoek, under some shady oak trees- Noordhoek Farm Village.

Set amongst the paddocks of Noordhoek, the whitewashed farm buildings and open grassy area exude an air of relaxed country charm. It may be tranquil but this is not a sleepy backwater that’s off the beaten track. A mere 30 minutes to Cape Town city centre, this is more than an outing, it’s a destination worth staying at. The artists are cutting edge, the restaurants are amongst the top-ranked eating establishments in the country and the De Noordhoek hotel is the first Western Cape Hotel to employ solar heating for all its hot water needs.

The carbon footprint is important to the Noordhoek Farm Village tenants and the hotel is committed to responsible tourism with energy saving lightbulbs, water-saving showers and waste separation which is easily recycled at the on-site depot. The Worm Farm near the kids’ playground draws much attention –all 3 restaurants process their organic kitchen waste for the earthworms to munch on. The worms produce rich compost for use in the gardens.

Noordhoek Farm Village is a kid-friendly zone with a Capital K. In addition to the well-equipped playground, you’ll often find the kids visiting the roosters and pot-bellied pigs at the (yes –organic) Nursery. The restaurants have kid-friendly meals, every Saturday free kids activities are hosted near the bandstand and I’m still not sure whether it’s the adults or the children who love the store where candy is sold the old-fashioned way. Debates on the cost of a Chappies chewing gum is one of the most frequent discussions overheard by parents who are relaxing over coffee, casually monitoring their kids amusing themselves on the jungle gym.

If you are allergic to kids- book a table in the thatched extension of the Food Barn for a culinary sensation. Franck Dangereux and his team offer sublime food blending traditional French cuisine with South African ingredients to such perfection, you’ll have booked your next meal before you finish your current one. If you can’t get a table then Café Roux is happy alternative. Run by the Le Roux family, they serve South African dishes with a twist. Specials are chalked up on the board and devoured by patrons in the cleverly enclosed outdoor seating area. There is a quaint courtyard for more intimate dining in a completely adult environment. The relaxed country-feel interior has a glorious fireplace for chillier days. Next door is the Toad in the Village which has just been taken over by ex Springbok Bob Skinstad. Famed for their Sunday spit roast and some of the best eisbein this side of Germany as well as live music in the evenings – it’s no surprise that these restaurants draw a regular crowd.

Visitors to the Noordhoek Farm Village happily rummage through the art and craft shops. All stores are originals and have intriguing names like the Pompous Fly and Zimbalooba. They make look unassuming but the stock is real stuff, the kind of stuff you get down at the farm.

You’ll probably want to book a beauty treatment or massage to retain your relaxed persona and if you’re not full already take a basket of fresh bread and homemade jam home with you from the deli. Collect you hand washed car and sigh contentedly as you leave the green zone. It comes as no surprise to learn the colour green signifies growth, renewal and health; as if you needed another compelling reason to visit Noordhoek Farm Village.

Visit: www.noordhoekvillage.co.za or call 021 789 2812 for more village information. For are information contact Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za