WINELANDS & NATURE
Surrounded by majestic rock formations, crystal clear waterfalls, and an abundance of fauna and flora.
Route 62 – Robertson
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Orange Grove Farm is a working wine and olive farm offering luxury Robertson accommodation. Situated in the heart of Robertson’s valley of wine and roses, the farm is less than two hours from Cape Town and is the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate…
Maximum Privacy for each Cottage with Private Barbecue and Pool
HISTORY
1812
The History of Orange Grove Farm
The re-awakening of this beautiful farm is a continuous process, with the 200 year-old Manor House at its centre – a peaceful haven surrounded by vineyards, trees, rolling lawns and rose gardens.
The surrounding Langeberg mountains form a beautiful backdrop of stone cathedrals and rocky peaks, shaped by wind and rain over many centuries.
The farm is covered with aromatic fynbos, proteas and renosterveld, which in times gone by supported a perfect harmony of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals. This included black rhino, leopard and lion, which with quagga’s roamed the open spaces along with numerous antelope, including tiny steenbok, springbok, grysbok, duiker and eland.
Nomadic people shared this paradise too. Their legacy of empty caves and forgotten hand tools bear testimony to their hunting expeditions. The fresh mountain streams and abundant food provided a haven for all.
In the 1790’s the farm Orange Grove, was leased to a Messrs J.H Cloete and P.J du Plessis.
More than 50 years later, the nearby town of Robertson was founded. Orange Grove Manor House is today the oldest house in the area and dates back to 1812.
The flour mill at the Old Mill house was turned by the passing mountain stream and supplied wheat flour to the nearby farmers and transport riders. Later, with the collapse of the ostrich feather trade, vines were introduced to the area and a storeroom with underground wine tanks was built on the farm to supply wine to KWV.
Today the farm stretches over an area of 830 hectares with a further 2400 hectares of pristine mountain catchment area with abundant streams, waterfalls, rock pools and magnificent flora.
ACCOMMODATION AT ORANGE GROVE FARM
FIVE EXCLUSIVE COTTAGES
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WOUTERSPAN LODGE
Accommodates 6 people
This charming three-bedroom house with en-suite bathrooms exudes warmth. Creamy yellows and contrasting earth tones create a simple elegance, while the numerous windows capture the morning sun and beautiful mountain views.
A fully equipped kitchen, with fridge freezer, microwave, stove and oven provide everything you need for your stay. From the open plan lounge and dining area, a patio door opens onto the spacious veranda with a barbecue outside dining area and swimming pool.
The main bedroom has a king-size bed and upstairs you have a choice between a queen size and double bed. The main bathroom provides a separate shower and bath, wide mirror and lavish twin basins. Each bedroom is outfitted with a dressing table, headboards and side tables with ample cupboard space. The upstairs lounge offers a bar fridge as well as a second TV.
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FINEVIEW COTTAGE
Accommodates 4 people & 1 child
FineView cottage has arguably the best views on the farm.
From your veranda, you have uninterrupted views of the farm, stretching all the way to the Langeberg mountains. The cottage has two bedrooms both with en-suite bathrooms.
The main bedroom has a Queen Size bed and the bathroom has a bath and separate walk-in shower. The second bedroom has a Double bed and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. There is an additional small bedroom with a single bed.
This room is ideally suited for a child as the bathroom is shared with bedroom 2. The cottage is luxuriously furnished with Plasma TV, DSTV, air-conditioning in bedrooms and fireplace in the lounge, fully equipped kitchen, undercover built-in braai, private swimming pool, and undercover parking.
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MOSESBERG COTTAGE
Accommodates 2 people
This private oasis of comfort is situated high up on a ridge surrounded by an olive grove and pristine fynbos. The cottage has magnificent 360 degree views of two valleys, mountains, olive groves and vineyards.
Ochre and cream colours create a warm, romantic atmosphere. Curl up in the queen size bed or, relax next to the fire on the welcoming couch or enjoy the sunset on the veranda with a glass of wine or take in the breathtaking vistas from your private swimming pool.
From your fully equipped kitchen/dining area you step out onto an undercover outside dining area with built-in barbecue and the Langeberg Mountains as your backdrop.
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DELPORTSHOOP COTTAGE
Accommodates 4 people
Situated high up on a ridge overlooking the farm dam, this cottage has magnificent 360 degree views of two valleys, mountains, vineyards and is a bird lover’s paradise.
Both spacious and cozy, this 2 bedroom cottage with en suite bathrooms creates a warm and inviting setting for the perfect country escape.
The main bedroom has a king-size bed and in the second bedroom you have a choice of either a king size bed or two single beds. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious and each has a bath with separate walk in shower.
Large windows provide excellent views of the veld, dam and mountains. Cozy chairs provide the perfect reading spot in front of the fireplace, or linger on the patio while enjoying some sparkling wine in your private pool. Every room in the cottage has a fireplace, making it the ideal winter-hide away.
From your fully equipped kitchen you step out onto an undercover outside dining area with built-in barbeque and the Langeberg Mountains as your backdrop.
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LONGLANDS COTTAGE
Accommodates 4 people
Both spacious and cosy, this 2 bedroom cottage with en suite bathrooms, creates a warm and inviting setting for the perfect country escape. Large windows provide excellent views of the garden, veld and olive orchard surrounding the double story cottage.
Cosy chairs provide the perfect reading spot in front of the fireplace, or linger on the patio while enjoying some sparkling wine in your private pool.
The main bedroom has a king-size bed and the top bedroom has two single beds which can be joined togther to make a king size bed.
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BUFFELSBANK COTTAGE
Accommodates 4 people
Buffelsbank Cottage is self-catering and has two bedrooms, both en-suite, one with bath and separate shower and the other with shower. One bedroom has a King Size bed and the other bedroom has two Single Beds which can be joined to form a King Size bed.
The cottage is luxuriously furnished with a Plasma TV, DSTV, private swimming pool, garage, fully equipped kitchen, undercover built-in braai on the front stoep and another built in braai in the swimming pool area.
The stoep (porch) overlooks our vineyards and has wonderful views of the valley and the mountains. The unit has free Wi-Fi and is fully serviced daily leaving you with the time to relax and enjoy the wilderness.
Buffelsbank Cottage is luxuriously furnished and has two large bedrooms:
- Bedroom 1 has a King Size bed and an en-suite bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower
- Bedroom 2 has two Single Beds which can be joined to form a King Size bed and an en-suite bathroom with separate walk-in shower
- Our own exclusive Personal Care Products throughout the cottage
- Plasma TV
- DSTV, selected channels and includes all the Super Sport channels
- Private swimming pool. No Pool Net.
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Olive oil and Balsamic vinegar
- Coffee, tea, sugar and milk
- Two built-in braais-one under cover and the other on the patio overlooking the swimming pool
- Veranda overlooking our vineyards with awesome views of the Langeberg mountains
- Undercover garage
- Your own indigenous garden
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Private Dining
Orange Grove Farm’s Private Dining experience can either be in your Cottage or at a variety of outdoor venues. Choose between our vineyards, olive groves or various spectacular mountain settings and our passionate staff will create for you, an unforgettable evening. Our Chef will tailor a menu that meets your requirements so as to ensure your meal is a special experience.
ACTIVITIES
The best possible way to experience the natural beauty of Orange Grove Farm is to explore the natural wilderness on foot or by bicycle against the backdrop of the Langeberg mountains. This will enable you get up-close-and-personal with the fynbos and flowers while allowing you time to take in the magnificent rock formations as you enjoy a sense of adventure and solitude.
Orange Grove Farm Guided hikes and nature drives are private, giving Guests the unique opportunity to enjoy the activity at their own pace in the company of their own group. Please note that the guided hiking trails are not suitable for children under the age of 5.
Regrettably each vehicle can only accommodate four guests.
Hiking
SELF-GUIDED HIKES
- The Peerboom Dam Trail is an undemanding self-guided 40 to 60 minute hike, taking you up to a mountain ridge with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. You will meander through unspoiled fynbos, and “in season” guests will view masses of wild flowers and numerous flowering protea species.
No maps are necessary on this circular well marked route.
- Guests can also meander through our vineyards and olive groves to experience the farming activities more closely or to just inhale the surrounding beauty without much effort. Our farmworkers will eagerly share their stories and prove to be an entertaining source of information for guest’s wishing to know more about our agricultural activities.
GUIDED HIKES (ALL HIKES START FROM RECEPTION)
1.The Droë Kloof Trail is a challenging, 3-4 hour hike taking you over a series of mountain ridges where the floras of the Karoo, Renosterveld and high mountain vegetation come together.
The trail crosses a wild unspoiled part of Orange Grove Farm and has numerous fantastic vantage points offering magnificent panoramic views of the Langeberg, from Robertson all the way to Worcester.
- The Smitskloof Trail is a slightly challenging workout for walkers as it involves some minor rock climbing and scrambling. This hike takes Guests up to two wonderful rock pools. Guests are invited to take a swim in the exquisite crystal clear mountain waters, surrounded by towering rock formations.
You return via the awesome Knypkloof Falls.
If you are lucky you may even spot our resident breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles (Black Eagles) who have made the towering cliffs of Babbedasberg their home. Your Guide will point out the Breede River Redfin, a highly endangered fish species which now only exists in the upper reaches of the Vink River.
- The Rooikrans Kloof Trail takes you through, Naald-se-Oog, a narrow opening in the gorge along a crystal clear mountain stream which you traverse several times.
Here at the foot of the Langeberg you will be surrounded by towering red mountain cliffs and magnificent flora. Walking through the forest of Rooi Els, Cape Holly and Yellow Wood trees, Rooikrans Falls suddenly and unexpectedly comes into view. Guests are invited to take a swim in the crystal clear waters at the base of the waterfall surrounded by the natural splendour of the forest.
This valley is also home to the elusive Cape Mountain Leopard and your guide will point out the numerous scratch marks on trees which leopards use to mark their territory.
Please Note: The Smitskloof and Rooikrans Kloof Trails are challenging 4 to 5 hour hiking trails, but can be shortened to 1 to 2 hours if you would like us to drop you off at the start of the hiking trail. This will attract an additional charge.
Mountain Biking
Bring along your own bike or use one of ours and enjoy the numerous gravel roads on the farm and the surrounding area.
There are three trails on Orange Grove Farm.
- Vineyard Route (5km)
Take a leisurely ride through our vineyards and just enjoy the scenery. Look out for the numerous Jackal Buzzards and you may even be lucky to see some Duiker and Grysbok or catch a glimpse of the resident Caracal.
This trail is suitable for everyone.
- Kortkloof Trail (8km)
This trail offers a slightly more challenging workout taking you through our vineyards, on to the Kortkloof renosterveld and returning via the Bobbejaanskop Pass. Here you will see abundant birdlife and enjoy lovely views of the surrounding mountains.
This trail is not suitable for small children.
- Rooikrans Trail (12km)
Test yourself on a portion of the Cape Epic Route. This trail begins with a leisurely ride through our vineyards and takes you through the base of Rooikrans Valley where you will be surrounded by protea and fynbos. The route crosses dry river beds several times and continues over two mountain passes where you will have magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
Only experienced riders should attempt this trail.
Nature Drives
Our nature drive takes a maximum of four Guests on a 4×4 adventure through the remote areas of the farm. Guests will experience the magical splendour of ever changing landscapes while you explore our wilderness in all its diversity.
On the drive the guide will also point out interesting bird and mammal species and share fascinating facts about plants of the area while you travel through fynbos, wild flowers and various protea species. Enjoy uninterrupted views of endless mountain ranges and you may even spot the very elusive Cape Mountain Leopard, Honey Badgers, Caracal, Bat Eared fox as well as a variety of antelope.
Birdwatching
Orange Grove Farm is a bird-watchers paradise with so many opportunities to sight a huge diversity of birdlife on nature drives and walks or from the comfort of your patio.
Orange Grove Farm is home to more than 200 bird species. We have a healthy raptor population with regular sightings of the majestic Verreaux”s Eagle as well as the African Fish Eagle and Booted Eagle. On balmy evenings, sightings of the Spotted Eagle Owl and Black-Crowned Night-Heron are not uncommon. During the day look out for Jackal Buzzard, Steppe Buzzard and if you are lucky you may even spot the Peregrine Falcon and the Black Harrier. Our two dams have also been successful in attracting resident water fowl and the Malachite Kingfisher is often spotted there.
During winter, the flowering proteas attract large numbers of sugar birds and sunbirds, which provide awesome photographic opportunities.
Southern Africa has 98 endemic bird species and of those 35 occur on Orange Grove Farm.
Guides are available to accompany you.
Night Skies
Take an evening drive or join us for a walk on cloudless nights and learn about sky-watching, astronomy, star gazing, and comets in the night sky.
On full moon evenings we offer hikes, through renosterveld and fynbos, and to the top of Peerboom Koppie where you will enjoy magnificent views of the winelands and distant mountains.
Marvel at our spectacular sunsets and experience the inflated moon rising over our mountains.
Nature Conservation
Orange Grove Farm’s entire operation is based on sound environmental and conservation practices. This covers a wide spectrum, from the implementation of a conservation management plan, with ongoing monitoring of water quality and rainfall, to soil erosion and vegetation cover.
We also ensure the environmentally friendly solid waste disposal of our human footprint.
Sustainability at Orange Grove is all about creating a company that can show meaningful and lasting benefits for the natural environment, and the communities that surround our operations. We believe all businesses can take less and give more, and we seek to do this through our daily actions, big and small, and we all consciously seek ways to leave a positive legacy for the earth.
Orange Grove Farm is a remarkable meeting place for the floras of the Karoo, Renosterveld and high mountain vegetation, with the various fynbos strata as our common denominator.
Orange Grove farm is rich in natural beauty. The property is largely covered in mountain fynbos and houses various Protea species. Along with the stunning veld the property also is home to the Breede or Burchells River Redfin, a fish endemic to this specific area.
The farm has a strong conservation ethos, where there is a proactive drive towards protecting the biodiversity on the property. It is well known that alien vegetation is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity because of its impact on water resources, frequency and intensity of fires and competition with indigenous vegetation.
There has been an on-going effort to remove aliens (such as the Pine species, Eucalyptus and Golden Wattle) from the watercourses and other sensitive areas on the farm. The arable farming footprint is only about 50 hectares and we are committed to biodiversity conservation and aim to leave the largest portion of the property in its natural state.
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BOOK / ENQUIRE
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Images credited to Orange Grove Farm
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