Hotel Of The Month - HaesFarm - June 2016

​Eco-luxurious hideaway just outside Stanford

​Harry and Steyn have a vision. To live a life where they have no impact on the planet. But they don’t just want to promote this lifestyle; they wish to show people what it feels like. Their passion, vision and incredible attitudes have allowed them to create an Eden, paradise on a 40 acre piece of land where everyone originally told them it would be “impossible” to complete this dream design. All of their critics thought that they were crazy, but piece by piece an eco-lodge began to appear.

Enjoy breakfast on the Stoep whilst taking in the view and fresh air.

​Becoming self-sustainable isn’t an easy process, but Harry and Steyn have achieved this originally inconceivable concept through consistency and patience. The first step was to ensure a way to keep all of the Fynbos surrounding the ‘farmhouse’ as untouched as possible and to assist in helping maintain its’ regeneration. With Fynbos playing such an important role in South Africa, and so much being destroyed in various areas throughout the Western Cape due to developments constantly being built. Harry and Steyn realised the importance of keeping as much of the Fynbos on their property un-interrupted as possible and undisturbed by their new project.

The communal lounge and library is a space to relax, chat or read a book in comfort and style.

​A borehole on the farm provides a fresh water supply for everything on the property; showers, taps and irrigation for the organic vegetable patch all come from here. With Steyn doing most of the cooking in the house he loves the feeling of using HaesFarm’s own fresh, seasonal produce, what they can’t get from the farm they source from the local area to support and promote their immediate surrounding. The water from the borehole is also cleverly pumped underneath the floor in an under-floor heating and cooling system. In the heat of the summer, cold water is pushed through the pipes to cool the room temperature. In the chilly winter months, the water is heated by the same solar panels that provide electricity for the rest of the farmhouse. Even just staying at this property fills you with a sense of contentment, that you’re not doing anything bad for the environment.

A secluded spot to recharge, contemplate and unwind in the sunshine.

​Harry is a Dutch Architect, who has been living in Cape Town for a long time now after falling in love on a holiday back in 2002, as most great adventures begin. He has managed to bring a fresh, contemporary and minimalist style to the wild landscape whilst being able to reflect the traditional shapes and the surrounding nature. The central living area, which joins the guest rooms and the main residence, is a beautiful, welcoming space with an intimate library. Whilst the open plan kitchen and living area in the ‘barn’ is spacious with a high, angled ceiling and huge windows leading to a deck with views all the way to Cape Point.

A comfortable relaxing corner to enjoy afternoon drinks and snacks.

​We had a fantastic escape to HaesFarm, although we wished we could have stayed all weekend, we stayed in one of their stunning guest rooms overlooking Stanford town, with views all the way down the valley to the ocean. Harry and Steyn are the most wonderful hosts and made us feel right at home. It is instantly clear that they don’t view HaesFarm as a ‘guest house’, but rather as a home open to all who appreciate the quiet, space, and exquisite landscapes of South Africa. It’s impossible not to feel refreshed and relaxed whilst staying in such a masterpiece, we found it difficult to leave, that’s for sure. It’s an experience unlike any other we’ve had, like an adventure, learning experience and relaxing break all rolled into one.

Our stunning room with direct access to the lawn and loungers.

​If you’re looking for a getaway, then you’re in the right place. With green rolling hills, pure silence greets you, apart from the occasional African Fish Eagle passing by. It is serenity defined!

The contemporary barn where Harry and Steyn reside.

​If you’re looking for exclusivity, you’ve found it. With just two guest bedrooms in the farmhouse, which is directly attached to the ‘barn’, where Harry and Steyn live, it’s the perfect place to visit for couples, friends and small families alike.

Rates are very reasonable and include a delicious breakfast daily, starting from R1550 per room. If you're interested in staying here or would like to find out more, contact us now.

Be sure to keep up to date with all that's happening and changing at HaesFarm by following them on social media here: Facebook and Twitter.

​Haes Farm kindly hosted us for a complimentary night.