My Cape Town

The photo on his website shows him sprawling in an oversized chair, glowering at the camera, mastiff lolling at his feet.  As if the tight white jodhpurs and gleaming leather boots don’t indicate clearly enough his apparent freshness from the polo field, there is a pony grazing behind him and a saddle slung over the white post-and-rail fence.  His hair is slicked back and, you guessed it, his blue shirt is unbuttoned to the navel. He even has the faintly ridiculous name - Dijonne du Preez.  Oh come on. 

Luckily Dijonne is really rather charming, prone to saying such things as “I’ve got far too much money” and then collapsing in giggles. And he doesn't dress like David Hasselhoff all the time - when I met him he was wearing jeans and a t-shirt and padding around in flip flops.  Phew.  He also turned out to be a magnificent host which is why he has decided to open his farm for occasional paying guests. Prince Harry was there for a while, helping out on the farm, but the idea is generally for larger groups to effectively make the farm their own private playground for the day.  Polo and wine-tasting are the main draw, but there are also quad bikes and picnic spots and a small art collection and the nature reserve or the option of just chilling out by the fabulous pool-with-a-view.  The field next to the house even doubles as a helicopter landing pad. What’s not to love?

I was there for a ‘Discover Polo’ day and Dijonne’s enthusiasm was infectious... before you could say ‘Rupert Campbell Black’ I was astride a wooden horse swinging a mallet at the practice balls.  Having got sufficiently gung-ho at that, I was hoisted up on a real-life polo pony that was waiting patiently just for me – a stunning bay picked from over a hundred on the farm, each of them lithe, graceful animals with mouths like butter. 

It was a hot and windless day, one of the last at the end of a long summer, and the winelands stretched out at my feet all the way to Table Mountain in the distance as my faithful steed nimbly twisted and turned in an attempt to accommodate my efforts at making contact with the ball.  When I made a good hit, the rush was intoxicating.  Both times.  How on earth anyone does it at a speed faster than a walk is beyond me, but I knew this was one fun way to spend a morning.

It was all so relaxed and easy – as though it was perfectly normal to have a glass of champagne and a muffin for breakfast and then run around on a horse chasing balls with a stick.  Aah, how the other half live.  I could picture sliding off the pony and taking a dip in the pool and then maybe a massage, followed by a light lunch and a tour of the cellars with the winemaker, then perhaps watch a proper polo match with a couple of cocktails before a lobster braai under the stars. As it was, we had a treat in store with a lesson in wine-and-food pairing.  But more of that in the next newsletter...

Daisy

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All visits to the wine and polo farm are tailor made. Rates on application. Accommodation available nearby.

Guest House of the Month

Rodwell House
St James, Cape Town

8 en-suite bedrooms

This classically proportioned manor house, dating back to the 1930s, is now a distinguished retreat situated on False Bay's ‘Millionaires' Mile’ – a narrow strip of coastline sheltered by the Kalk Bay mountains. Secluded within a walled acre of pristine gardens it is only a stroll away from a number of small beaches as well as quirky shops, bars and restaurants.

Luxuriously furnished, Rodwell House takes particular pride in the service offered, especially with regards to food and wine.  Guests wax lyrical about the braais on the terrace, the freshness of the seafood and the superlative wines.  The world class wine cellar is in fact a showpiece of the house, boasting thousands of matured private bins, cult and boutique wines.  Regular tasting sessions are held in a specially created room that doubles as an art gallery.

Outside the house, wide sea-facing terraces invite relaxation while spacious gardens and broad lawns lead down to a boules court and a swimming pool fed by a mountain stream.  The Moroccan styled courtyard, with its fountain and scented herb garden, is often the scene for evening parties and private events.

Inside, the many reception rooms invite relaxation surrounded by a private collection of fine art.  The second floor is set aside for guest bedrooms, balconies or private gardens. Calm, modern and sophisticated, these open-plan suites offer unrivalled space, echoed by the fine views of sea or mountain. Even the state-of-the-art bathrooms have stunning views. Gentle earth tones, old teak and mahogany features, and top quality natural fabrics create a serene and tranquil mood. There are comfortable couches and chairs, with fine curtain finishes and blinds, and superb quality king-sized beds.

For those wanting a little more, private in-room therapies or yoga sessions are available, and Rodwell even has contact with consultant experts on such topics as Cape bird life, the Cape Floral Kingdom, South African art appreciation and of course, various wine subjects including bio diversity and local terroir.

Contact me  for more information.

Rates range from R 1 500 - R 4 000 per room during the 'Green' Season (post-Easter to 31 July) and R 3 500 to R 6 500 over Peak Season (23 Dec - 5 Jan).  Rates for exclusive bookings range from R 21 500 in the Green Season up to R 43 000 over Peak Season.

Upcoming Events

Highlights for June, selected from WhatsoninCapeTown.com   - the indispensable guide to all that's happening in Cape Town.   For full details and more events, check out the website.  Upcoming events include festivals, shows and fairs; music, theatre and dance; cricket and other sporting events; comedy and concerts and exhibitions; celebrations of wine and whiskey, flowers and freedom... bring it on, Cape Town!   

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