Bosjes Farm in South Africa's Breede Valley is breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning views, magical gardens, and remarkable architecture. Surrounded by the steep Waaihoek and Slanghoek mountains and the winding Breede River is a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path destination that celebrates legacy, beauty, and community

As general manager and proud family member, Carlen Vorster drives the BOSJES vision. Carlen's journey began in the Kalahari Desert, from where she visited her grandparents at Bosjes. "I always thought the mountains and greenery were spectacular," Carlen recalls. In 2013, she seized the opportunity to move to the farm when her beloved grandmother's house became available and began reshaping its brand and future when her uncle asked her to take on the marketing. While Bosjes remains a working farm - producing olives, wine grapes, peaches, and proteas - its tourism efforts aim to drive economic growth in the area. "The farm has been in our family for generations, and as life constantly evolves, we must adapt to keep the Bosje's legacy alive. We feel it's essential to preserve the family legacy and cherish our values, traditions, and identity while introducing modern elements, not by replacing the old but by enhancing and keeping the legacy relevant today. 

Honoring the past while evolving with the times so that the essence of that legacy continues to thrive," Carlen says, "Our aim was for the contemporary architecture to harmonise with the natural surroundings and to enhance the landscape rather than compete or overshadow it while respecting the soul of the farm and making it more functional for today's lifestyle, therefore creating a bridge between tradition and progress so that the farm feels rooted in its history but is fully prepared for the future."

When you set foot on Bosjes Farm, you enter a captivating living legacy where history runs deep, and the spirit of family thrives. However, nothing can prepare you for the staggering beauty the family has created at Bosjes. Like many genuinely exceptional places, Bosjes feels like a hidden gem, a secret spot. This is further exemplified by the understated arrival. Landscape architect Tanya de Villiers of CNDV Landscape Architects designed the farm's entrance to be subtle, allowing visitors to experience a true sense of arrival as they explore the gardens on foot. The stunning gardens are connected by a curving pathway, providing a visual link between the wild woodland, forested play areas, spacious lawns, and conservation gardens planted with endangered species. The design aims to integrate with the buildings while also offering a journey of discovery, gradually revealing beautiful features through a series of statues, water elements, orchards, and lakes, culminating in the serene sculptural form of the Chapel. 

Designed by South African-born Coetzee Steyn of London-based Steyn Studio, the Chapel is magnificent, with an undulating white roof inspired by Psalm 36:7, which reads: 'How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.' The undulating roof appears weightlessly to float above the ground, emulating a dove's wings and the silhouette of the surrounding mountains while paying tribute to traditional Cape Dutch gables, atop a reflective pond supported by a plinth. The serene, minimal interior has a profoundly calming atmosphere. The undulating ceiling complemented by white terrazzo floors bounce light from the sheer glazing. The rectangular floor plan emphasises an unadorned cross, leading your eye out through the plate glass windows to the outdoor views.

Further biblical references abound in the garden. The Lush Garden, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, has four streams leading to a central apple tree. The Water Garden allows visitors to walk through an elevated pond, interpreting the parting of the Red Sea. A spiral path up the Dry Mountain, symbolising Mount Sinai, leads to a majestic coral tree and 360-degree views of the farm. While the Sunken Green Oasis nods to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. As you explore, you'll discover Spens (the pantry) and Winkel (the corner shop),inspired by the heritage of the San people and early Dutch settlers. Developed by Steyn Studio in collaboration with Meyer Associates and Square One Landscape Architects, with interiors from Liam Mooney. These curvaceous structures feature oak trellises and living roofs adorned with indigenous plants. Timber trellises draw inspiration from the grass mat huts of the San people. At the same time, blending the burrowed buildings seamlessly into the landscape so as not to detract from the natural landscape or away from Bosjes Estate's existing attractions, the Manor House and the Chapel. Winkel showcases bespoke wares by local artisans and suppliers curated by Liam Mooney. Spen's pantry serves hearty breakfasts and light lunches alongside homemade jams, preserves and pastries.

The 18th-century manor house, Herehuis, is now a serene boutique guest house. Liam Mooney's design has retained historical features, including a beautifully carved front door and yellowwood ceilings, adding modern touches with rustic chic influences and creating a unique and visually captivating and welcoming space. The natural materials, wooden beams, panelled walls, objets d'art, and striking art create a cosy yet stylish balance. The light blue, beige, and mustard-yellow colour scheme adds a contemporary twist while keeping the warmth. With its elegant bamboo furniture, in the sleek sunroom brings a laid-back, tropical vibe and a touch of retro glam. It is a perfect escape to cocoon on a deep sofa with a book and enjoy daily afternoon tea and a tipple from the honesty bar. It leads onto a generous pool deck and a courtyard pool. There is also a gorgeous yellow and blue library and the in-house restaurant, Eeetkamer, which translates to "dining room," has a fabulous long Whicker buffet with an undulating skirt reaching the floor along one wall, and leads through yet more delightful gardens to Die Stalle, the spa which combines style and luxury without pretension.

The repurposed stable building features a glass corridor that frames an inner garden with a freestanding stone tub, paying homage to its previous occupants. One end leads you to a gorgeous indoor/outdoor pool, with relaxation areas, and a Rasul chamber, sauna to the other. There are six treatment rooms and a striking mani/pedi room. Two stunning artworks adorn the corridor: one is a painting of a female form by Heike Allerton Davies, whose art delves deeply into the narratives held within the female form, and the other is a powerful wall-hung statue of a horse's head filled with bees nodding to fecundity, by Rowan Smith entitled "Nothing Lasts Forever, Cecil". Designed as a refuge, the newly crafted spa gardens by Francesca Watson feature a network of pathways winding through lush greenery, revealing secluded seating areas and two serene ponds.

Bosjes offers two excellent dining options. The garden café, and tea garden, Spens, is a bright and inviting space with large windows overlooking the beautiful gardens. For a more refined experience, Bosjes Kombuis - meaning "kitchen" in Afrikaans - serves a seasonal lunch menu inspired by local flavours and ingredients Sourced locally, alongside a choice of six unique wines from the Breedekloof Valley's finest grapes. A highlight of the Kombuis is a stunning 6-meter high tiled wall featuring the "Tree of Life" handcrafted by Micheal Chandler and Lucy de Moyencourt. This piece reflects the farm's past, present, and the future. Chandler's inspiration came from discovering blue and white ceramic shards on the property, leading to a concept that mirrors Indian Palampore textiles of the 18th century.

Bosjes Farm beautifully combines architecture, landscape, and agri-tourism, continuing to thrive while addressing economic and social challenges in the area. The family's philanthropic history dates back to 1927, focusing on educating farm workers' children. Profits from Bosjes Farm support the Bosjes Trust, which funds the Bothas Halter Primary School, providing state-of-the-art facilities. "We are dedicated to uplifting our local neighbours and the wider community," says Carlen, "We prioritise employing locally, and many staff members have advanced from entry-level roles to positions like spa therapists and chefs. We’ve witnessed a wonderful ripple effect through the valley, with many farms opening Airbnb.

Whether you're visiting to marvel at the BOSJES Chapel, explore its lush gardens, savour refined cuisine, or immerse yourself in the tranquillity of its hiking trails amongst the habituated animals’ nature reserve, Bosjes reminds you of the simple joys of reconnecting with nature. With its iconic architecture, award-winning gardens, luxurious spa, and commitment to sustainable tourism, BOSJES Estate offers a unique escape, inviting all who seek an enriching journey rooted in nature, culture, and heritage. The careful blend of old and new brings the past to life, and contemporary architecture harmonises with the stunning landscape, enhancing the Bosjes experience and beautifully complementing its historical elements to create a uniquely enriching vibe. Staying here feels like a reset button for your soul.