When Peet said we should go away for my birthday, my answer was ‘Yes please! And I know exactly where I want to go – Katrinasrust Country Estate.’ The farm is 36km from Machadodorp and sits at the foot of a hill with beautiful views of the Elandmountains.
Katrinasrust has been in the Brewer family since the 1940s, originally belonging to Tim Brewer’s grandfather, Vernon. In 1990 Tim, who had previously worked in exploration geology, returned to Katrinasrust with his wife, Lesley-Anne, and their three children including their daughter, Alice. Tim came back to help his father, Eric, run the trout business. Until recently, the farm produced more than 50 tons of fish per year, but the emphasis has recently shifted to tourism. Alice and her husband Graeme have been back on the farm for the past five years. Alice and Graeme want to ‘create a space where people can relax and spend quality time with family and friends while exploring the natural beauty that the farm has to offer.’
Dare I say they have succeeded. As soon as you stop at Katrinasrust, a wonderful sense of peace washes over you. With no cell phone reception or Wi-Fi, Katrinasrust is the perfect spot for a quiet getaway and digital detox. The farm has several accommodation options, but we were heading to their Nightjar dome.
The Nightjar Dome
This unique dome-shaped bedroom sleeps two people and with its large window gives you the sense of sleeping outside. The adjacent and well-equipped kitchen and small living area is beautifully decorated. We loved the owners’ minimalist, yet stylish, approach.
A place of rest & rejuvenation
We had just finished unpacking when it started raining ever so lightly – the perfect weather for a glass of wine in front of the fireplace. A small wooden box on the coffee table caught our attention. Opening the box we were surprized to find an assortment of board games, an Instax Polaroid camera and the invitation to put away our mobile phones and start make memories. We happily obliged – popping our phones into the box and getting down to some serious relaxation. We could not have asked for a more relaxing afternoon. Awakening from a long afternoon nap I spent the rest of the afternoon paging through Katrinasrust’s own beautiful bird books. At dusk Peet fired up the gas braai and we watched the horizon become dark. Even a light drizzle couldn’t keep us from enjoying a nightcap in the wood heated splash pool.
We awoke feeling rested and relaxed. After a quick coffee we were off to explore the farm with our binoculars and cameras. With just under 500h to explore on foot or by mountain bike there is plenty to do on the farm. A dirt road led us to the trout dams where a few anglers were trying their luck. Despite the inclement weather we spotted quite a few of the 200 species of birds that can be seen on the farm. Peet also got to see a few special dragonfly species in one of the streams.
Unfortunately it was time to head back to reality. With heavy hearts we bid Katrinasrust farewell, because one night there is not enough. Katrinasrust is must if you are looking for a place to rest and reconnect.
xxx
Thank you for hosting us Alice and Graeme. We hope to visit again soon (and definitely for longer next time).
Photos provided by Katrinasrust, myself and Peet van Eeden.
