A stay at Stanford Valley Country Lodge near Stanford
I recently spent a perfect weekend at Stanford Valley Country Lodge, just outside the town of Stanford. It’s the ideal spot to unwind and explore the area.
Rolling paddocks lead up to the Manor House, which houses a restaurant, library and shop. Adjacent is a gorgeous private pool, spa, and art gallery. The solidly built Manor House welcomes guests with its roaring fireplaces, cosy library, and restaurant filled with beautiful furniture, art, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
There are six cottages and 10 en-suite rooms. We stayed in Milkwood, a two-bedroom cottage with an interleading door between the rooms. The main bedroom features a king-size bed, en-suite shower, and an open-plan kitchenette.
The second bedroom offers a king-size bed, an additional single bed, a sleeper couch, and an en-suite bathroom with a bath. Ideal for families, both rooms open onto a shaded veranda overlooking the paddocks.
Outside, the cottage has a walled garden with a large braai and an ample supply of firewood, all with a view of the paddock’s beautiful mountain range.
You can dine at the restaurant, which serves delicious country fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or cook and braai at one of the cottages – we opted for both!
For dinner, we enjoyed fried artichokes with homemade lemon aioli, followed by pork belly with turnip mash, honey-soy sauce, spring greens, and sesame seeds. We also tried the burger with fries.
Dessert was poached guavas served with homemade ice cream. Every dish was generous, memorable, and delicious.
The service was exceptional, and we felt like part of the extended family. Multiple fireplaces added warmth to the dining room, while large windows framed spectacular views of the mountains, paddocks, and art.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including walks, hikes, and mountain trails around the farm. Stanford Valley Country Lodge spans 440 hectares and is part of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy, which conserves over 20,000 hectares of threatened lowland fynbos. The well-marked trails are ideal for walking, running, or cycling. I especially enjoyed my 5-kilometre hike on Sunday morning.
This is a place where you can tailor your experience, whether you want to relax or explore, without ever needing to leave the lodge.
Contact details Stanford Valley Country Lodge
072 198 0862
Stanford Village
We loved exploring the village of Stanford during our stay.
Stanford is a quintessential village, with stunning scenery, a vibrant community, quirky shops, and bustling restaurants. There are local wineries and a long-standing brewery, plus a village common and a tiny stone Herbert Baker Church. Its lovely gardens, quaint houses, original antique shops, and friendly people make for a fabulous getaway. I particularly enjoyed the antique store next to Madre called Makers.
We enjoyed a delicious meal at Madre, a charming restaurant now located on the Main Road, where country-style fare is thoughtfully prepared by a husband-and-wife team. We had duck leg confit with a creamy mustard sauce and pan-fried cob with caper sauce and baby potatoes.
For dessert, we indulged in a chocolate fondant. We couldn’t manage starters on this occasion, but the roast cauliflower and Pangratto and butternut gnocchi with burnt sage butter sounded amazing. It was the perfect setting for a rustic and lively Sunday lunch, ideal for either cosy winter fires or cool summer al fresco dining.
Stanford is currently hosting a recreation of the Chelsea Flower Show-winning South African exhibition, which we were sad to miss.
Another highlight of Stanford, one I’ve enjoyed several times, is a cruise on the African Queen along the Stanford River. You can sit back with wine and snacks while fires are lit for a braai, and children can be towed along in tubes – a wonderfully relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
BUY MY eBOOK COMFORT
Find me on Instagram & Pinterest