Bosjes Guest House: Breedekloof

I find shelter in this way
Under cover, hide away
Can you hear when I say
I have never felt this way

These are words by melancholic musician “Birdy” and it’s these lyrics that flew through my thoughts as I discovered Bosjes Guest House in the Breedekloof Valley.

Just an hours drive from Cape Town and a little closer to me in Franschhoek, for the really adventurous a mere 8km hike.

This Liam Mooney designed space is carefully thought out and draws inspiration from the palette of surrounding veldt and Small Bushes that encapsulates this forming farm.

Naturally, using only high-end furnishings and fabrics they have curated a calm and inviting environment for visitors to this grape(wine) and to be olive, peach and protea farm to relax, unwind and discover.

With particular attention being paid to the Cape Dutch heritage of the building (which was originally built as horse stables in the 18th century) many traditional motifs have been employed in the midst of curating this welcomed addition to old rooted wine country.

Mooney has also decorated the voorkamer in the original Manor House, just to the left of the Die Skuur which can be used for small day conferences and private boardroom style meetings.

A meander on the lawn passed a weeping eucalyptus tree almost bonsai-esque in its stance your eye is drawn to this structural sculpture woven with nautical ropes to form a swing for youngsters to be entertained as you leisurely grab a bite to eat in the adjacent Bitro styled food coming out The Bosjes Kombuis.

The restaurant space is large and surrounded by glass that traps the masculine mountain ranges than spiritually spiral around this raw wood and melange sophisticated shed space.

The kitchen window is left ajar, a quick peak outside and the sounds of boisterous chefs can be heard through a “delft” styled wall that’s been intricately painted, each of the 366 mosaics.

This mural that depicts the farm in it’s essence, Bosjes Tree of Life if you will, flora, fauna and diverse nature is the work of Michael Chandler (Chandler’s House) and Lucie deMoyencourt.

At the climax of the project that was crafted in a leap year (consisting of 366 days) as the final piece was plastered the joy of 366 tiles made in a year with 366 days encouraged a sigh of joy, as like a painter, you take a step back and sigh in the glory of your beautiful piece being complete, finally. Simply breath taking, yet easily missed by those who do not wander.

In writing this, leaving the piece de resistance for last I am left wondering how one farm can be filled with so much beauty. It’s almost unjust.

The landmark of Bosjes is easily the unconventional chapel built in the distance from the homestead yet almost a finger’s touch away from the growing vines and boastful mountain ranges that can be seen behind a bold crucifix, cementing that this is a place of worship.

More so in that the paved paths that float on still waters which mirror the winged work of Steyn Studio is embellished with scripture.

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

As I sit on paved piece of scripture, slowly typing this text I am reminded just how blessed we are.

Bosjes, simply put is a testament that we live in such a beautiful country and have so much within reach to work with, work for, we simply need faith.

After all, “all things are possible for those who believe.”