Photo: Brian Berkman
Mid-October into November is one of the best times to visit this Winelands gem.
The Eikestad, or town of oaks, is at its prettiest, with leaves still fresh and green from spring. The weather, to use a fairytale analogy from Goldilocks, is ‘just right, not too cool or too warm’.
The flowers are at their loveliest, which is probably why Garden Day, the Garden Town Vineyard Run, and the ever-popular Flower Parade all take place around this time.
The Toyota Woordfees
The reason, as always, for Farmer’s Weekly’s visit during this period is the Toyota Woordfees.
This eight-day festival in October celebrates theatre, music, and art, as well as Afrikaans discussions with experts ranging from authors and artists, to sports heroes and business leaders.
Whilst the Woordfees has many venues, including some of the out-of-town wine estates, most are concentrated within the university precinct.
If you want to spend most of your time on foot in this eminently walkable town, the best place to stay is at the festival’s epicentre.
Bonne Esperance Guest house
Bonne Esperance Guest House in Neethling Street sits directly opposite the university’s Botanical Garden.
The guest house offers varying accommodation in separate buildings within
close proximity. Farmer’s Weekly stayed in the Victorian guest house with its broekie-lace wrought iron fretwork and wide wrap-around verandah. The most striking feature of Bonne Esperance is its beautiful and manicured garden, with blossoming flowers and topiary-shaped trees.
The Victorian main guest house features 17 rooms, whilst an adjacent villa offers three en-suite bedrooms, with 10 studios located across the road. This variety of accommodation ensures there’s something to suit every preference and group size.
Room features
Interiors are all elegant and classically decorated, but with the expected mod cons, such as plug and charging points at each bedside and desk. Room 19 is the loveliest, as it’s corner-facing with a balcony that looks over the rooftops of historic Stellenbosch and onwards towards the mountains. As a corner unit, it also has a very large bathroom with a feature tub, shower, and loo.
All the rooms are equally elegant and furnished to a very high standard. Whilst tea and espresso coffee are complimentary and the rooms also benefit from a Nespresso milk frother, the in-room fridge is stocked with items at an additional cost.
Services and amenities
The laundry service is affordable, with a long-sleeved shirt or blouse washed and ironed for just R36. Each room is equipped with an emergency call button linked to their armed response, whilst Charlotte Rhys provides the bathroom amenities.
The property offers good, free Wi-Fi and parking throughout, and all rooms have TVs and air conditioners. There are delightfully old-fashioned touches, such as home-baked biscuits in a jar at the in-room coffee stations and a printed newspaper to read at breakfast.
Yet they have also embraced the latest technology, guiding guests to QR codes for menus and a beautifully written and considered guide to places to eat and things to do. This information has been compiled by someone who has actually been to all the places
mentioned and is one of the most useful guides this writer has seen as part of an accommodation’s offering.
Dining at Bonne Esperance
An excellent à la carte breakfast is included, and their coffee shop is open daily for walk-ins. If you favour a buffet-style grazing breakfast, order the continental platter, which includes granola with fruit and yoghurt, cold cuts and cheeses, confectionery, pastries, and fresh fruits.
Of the hot options, the savoury French toast with bacon, as well as the omelette with caramelised onions and chorizo, are both recommended.
Diners are spoilt for choice in Stellenbosch, with fine-dining options, world-famous steaks, and plenty of easy-eating and affordable alternatives.
Farmer’s Weekly recommends Café Java in Church Street for hearty portions and great value, whilst the Fat Butcher serves stellar steak.
The Endler Auditorium is within easy walking distance, as is the Moederkerk, making it easy to immerse yourself in the cultural heart of this beautiful town.
For more information visit VisitStellenbosch.org, or BonneEsperance.com. Phone 021 887 0225.
