Following the R43 road past Hermanus brings you to Stanford, a pretty riverside hamlet which has become increasingly popular in recent years with artists and craftspeople looking to escape the rat race. Heading inland from here, the road swings through a patchwork maze of wheat and canola fields, rising up to meet the rocky hills covered in indigenous fynbos. And that’s not even mentioning the vineyards that are slowly being planted in the area, reaping the benefits of the hot days and cooling sea breezes.

It is in this privileged setting that you will find the Blue Gum Estate, surrounded on all sides by the bounties of nature. Set deep in the countryside amongst pastures, fynbos and its own fledging vineyard, the Estate is ideal for a relaxing weekend break for city slickers or tourists wanting a respite from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town.

Sit back, relax

A self-catering establishment for a number of years, the rooms and buildings were completel re-renovated and the stylish touch of owner/managers Nic and Nicole Dupper is everywhere. From fresh flowers in the room on arrival to metal lanterns lighting your way to the restaurant in the evening, this affable pair ensure that guests are treated to a stay of discreet pampering and indulgence, dedicated to relaxation at every opportunity.

With a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, the five country style rooms are decorated in fresh, bright colours, and come equipped with a fireplace and private patio; the perfect place to enjoy a crisp winter's afternoon with a good book. Although some of the suites can accommodate children in an adjoining twin room, I’d suggest you convince an in-law into looking after the terrors for the weekend — this is really a place for couples to savour and enjoy.

Newly-refurbished and beautifully decorated in colonial African style, the luxury suites in the Manor House are the way to go if you’re in the market for some unadulterated luxury. Four-poster beds, swathes of linen and granite baths are just a few of the attractions the various suites have to offer. Relax on your private balcony while watching the local bird-life coming home to roost on the banks of the Kleinrivier gurgling in the valley below. The Manor House also boats a private library, lounge and verandah for guests to enjoy.

Numerous well-placed loungers and armchairs are scattered in the gardens surrounding the main house, providing ample opportunity to sit back, relax and breathe in the warm country air. Grab a sun lounger by the pool for a bit of tanning, or sit back under the eponymous bluegums and alternate between a good book and watching the weavers at work in the trees above the farm dam — the estate boasts over 110 bird species, many of which can be spotted without even having to leave the comfort of your armchair. A helpful "Species List" card in your room has helpful spotting tips and allows you to tick off the species you’ve spotted during your stay.

To really get a feel for the nature surrounding you on all sides, take a stroll up into the hills behind the estate and savour the scents of the indigenous fynbos, one of the most bio-diverse plant kingdoms on the planet. A short walk over the hills brings you to the trout dams of the neighbouring farm, which can be fished by arrangement. They’re rumoured to have some of the biggest rainbow trout in the Cape! Bass in the nearby Kleinrivier will be further temptation for fishermen to set off early…

Whether you’ve spent the day exploring the area or simply unwinding by the pool, the Blue Gum Estate restaurant is sure to provide the perfect ending to the day. Presided over by Nicole Dupper, the menu boasts a wide range of influences and flavours, with a definite emphasis on classic cuisine. With a set menu served each night you can expect dishes such as Salmon Trout & Courgette Skewer, Fillet of Beef with Red Wine and Hollandaise Sauce, followed by a Crème Brulee with Praline Crust and Fresh Berries.

A good selection of local wines are available from the estate’s cellar, with particular wines recommended each evening to suit the menu. With three hectares of Shiraz vines already planted and a further six of Sauvignon Blanc in the pipeline, the estate also hopes to offer its own vintages in the next few years.

Buffet breakfasts are served in the cheerful sun room, windows thrown open to let the fresh morning air waft in. A selection of freshly baked muffins, fruit and cereals along with a selection of cooked breakfasts will get you ready for another hard day of doing absolutely nothing

Whether it’s getting out and about and exploring this hidden corner of the Southern Cape, or simply sunning yourself by the pool listening to the exquisite silence that comes with being in the countryside, the Blue Gum Estate is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.

For more info...

• Room rates at the Bluegum Estate start at R525 per person per night. The estate has its own tennis court, swimming pool and mountain bikes available for guests to use. Horse-riding, flyfishing and boat trips are all available nearby.
• For more information on the Estate, and to make a reservation, visit the Blue Gum Estate website or contact them on +27 (0)28 341 0116.