As the Cape of Storms lived up to its name this week, and the entire peninsula was engulfed by a black cloud, we decided it was time for something we had been saving for a rainy day. So on a random Tuesday (it’s always the random days that get you) in September, we thought it was about time to brave the elements and celebrate the beginning of Spring in the southern Hemisphere.
Our destination: Summerwood. What? A delightful homely guesthouse in the Cape Winelands. Where? Just outside the historic town of Stellenbosch. How? Rhino Tripping, our tour division, and our superbly sober driver and guide Carel. Why? Because we can. And so can you.
We left the rest of the consultants to do their thing in the office, clambered into our trusty steed of a vehicle and off we went. The picturesque drive took us from mountains to rolling hills and vineyards, and eventually we arrived at Summerwood, an unpretentious offering located on a scenic suburban street, just a short (and safe) walk away from the centre of Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town and one of the most picturesque.
We were welcomed by our host Anne, who has filled the guesthouse with charm and colour. Far removed from more austere and over-the-top Winelands accommodation, I felt at ease in Summerwood. The service was excellent but friendly, with a personal touch. We quickly got business out of the way with a short site inspection – all the nine rooms had something different about them, ideal for anyone from honeymooners to families. The gardens were well manicured and you can’t help but notice the amazing giant Stinkwood tree. The outdoor patio clearly makes a great venue for eating, relaxing and lazing by the pool during the summer – a glass of crisp white wine on a warm day came to mind.
But it is winter so the wining and dining was inside, and red, not white, was the order of the day. Anne insisted on a bottle of bubbly as an aperitif and glasses were clinked around the table as we all contemplated the rigours of life. Lunch was a delightful selection of cheeses, salami, sundried tomatos and olives with a warming choice of quiches to boot. All ingredients are locally produced, the wine is from nearby estates and each room comes with a complimentary decanter of port. We finished off with some coffee and local fruit liqueur. It was a culinary feast and in good company too – Anne made us feel all at home and it was like having lunch with good friends. And for this reason alone, I really would recommend Summerwood as an intimate and welcoming retreat where you won’t just feel like another guest.
It’s hardly surprising it has been voted Guesthouse of the Year for the last three years running. We would have liked to stay three years ourselves, and the wine was nowhere near finished yet, though Craig our copywriter (currently too hungover to write this Blog) did his very best. We bid adieu and farewell to Anne and company, clambered back into our Rhino Tripping vehicle, warm and fuzzy after a delightful lunch at Summerwood. We will be back!
Contact us if you wanna book your spot at Summerwood or anywhere else!
