Connect with friends Farmhouse in Nature near Lake

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape ideal for families and friends gatherings. Forage from our veg garden and enjoy making your own pizzas or a braai by the pool. Dogs welcome. Nestled in the abundant Tulbagh valley, with wine tasting, hiking, mountain biking trails and trail running. We kept the aesthetic simple, as a reminder that the true beauty lies outdoors - an invitation to get out there and explore. Swim in the pool or dam on the farm, or chill on the lawn for a picnic. The space With a Braai, pizza oven and central pool in the courtyard, the Vineyard house on Themika farm is the perfect getaway for a group of friends or family, our farmhouse can accommodate up to 20 people. We have additional 3 rooms (sleeps 6 in total) available in the garden cottage outside, at an additional cost. There are mountain biking, trail running and hiking trails around the farm and in The Valley, and the farm is situated very close to Saronsberg and Twee Jonge Gezellen wine farms. Kids love the animals on the farm - sheep, chicken, cows, birds and even the occasional otter! The Vineyard farmhouse was restored in 2023, in a minimal and authentic style. Our ambition was to use mostly natural building products, supporting local tradesmen and artisans. All the wood that makes up the doors and cabinetry has been lovingly sourced and reclaimed. The paint is eco-friendly and made in South Africa without the use of harmful chemicals. We kept the aesthetic simple, as a reminder that the true beauty lies outdoors - an invitation to get out there and explore, and not worry about bringing muddy feet and wet hair back into the farmhouse. From time to time, you may even find a stray chicken in the kitchen! Pizza Oven: We have a pizza oven in the kitchen - a great way to socialise with friends and family! We can recommend bringing pizza dough/bases, tomato paste (I just mix half tomato sauce, half tomato paste, garlic and oregano), mozzarella cheese and toppings. Braai: There is a braai in the yard, you are welcome to make use of it. In Winter, we roll it under the eaves to be protected from the elements - it is an outdoor braai, adjacent to the kitchen. Hot Tub: We have a locally made "kolkol" hot tub, which is warmed using a wood burner. Please bring firewood if you would like to keep it going. We will ensure it is lit ahead of your arrival, and supply a small "starter pack" of wood for the kolkol and the fireplace, pizza oven. Loadshedding: we have solar powered backup during power outages, which support the lights and some plugs. The kettle, oven, microwave and toaster won’t work during these times as they draw too much power. During loadshedding our water pressure booster pump is not functional, so you may notice a drop in water pressure. It is not recommended to have more than 3 people showering at one time. Road Access: You do not need a 4x4 to access the farm, however the dust road should be driven slowly, and sports cars with low clearance are not advisable due to uneven surface. Guest access Our team is onsite Monday to Friday, 8:00-16:00. Outside of these hours, guests can access the house using a lockbox. On a Friday, there is a small doctors room around the bottom of the farmhouse, where my mother (Dr Whitaker) sees patients until 17:00. Other things to note Please let us know if you are bringing dogs - we have other dogs on the farm. Events: regret, no weddings. We are happy to help share recommendations for chefs etc if you are planning a family reunion or weekend away with friends. You are welcome to walk around the farm. Please be aware of the cows - they are friendly, but the big bull (max) can get agitated with dogs or people running into the pen. We suggest viewing them from outside the fence. Sheep and lamb are very friendly, as are the chicken. Feel free to help yourself to fresh produce next to the Vineyard house, in the veggie garden. Road Access: You do not need a 4x4 to access the farm, however the dust road should be driven slowly, and sports cars with low clearance are not advisable due to uneven surface. Fishing: there are some fish in the dam directly behind the Vineyard house, but not very many. If you’d love to fish, please let us know and we can recommend a place on our neighbors farm. Please do not venture further than that dam, the sign reading "Twin Falls farm - no entry" is the barrier between our farm and the neighbours. Please do not cross this line onto the neighbouring farm above ours. Please do not smoke while walking around the farm, as fire is a serious hazard, especially in the dryer summer months. Ashtrays are provided in the yard.