Sensual: ‘relating to or involving gratification of the senses’.
Leaving the bustling village of Haenertsburg behind, we turned off the tarred R71, onto a well-maintained dirt road. We hurry a little, as it is getting late. Mist and rain have settled the dust, bringing out the aroma of the red African soil. On either side, lush vegetation in a startling array of greens surrounds us, which eventually gives way to plantations.
We find the entrance to Kuhestan Organic Farm and ring the bell at the gate. After a short while, the gate silently slides open – and we enter a world of enchantment.
As we park at reception, Brett and Shahrzad hurry out, with a hasty greeting and some firm encouragement to simply leave the car where it is and come and see the view ‘before it’s too late’. We hurry to a wooden deck which overlooks a magnificent valley of indigenous forest. It’s spectacular – but I am aware that with the looming dark and the heavy mist, we are seeing significantly less than one would on a sunny day.
Thereafter it’s off to the cottage, and a quick walk around the garden, with the promise of more the following morning. We’re left to settle in, after which we relax into a bottle of wine, accompanied by bread and cheese bought at the Wegraakbosch Dairy Farm. A good end to a long day.
Waking early, there is initially the silence of the mist surrounding us, broken occasionally by the sound of water dripping off the roof onto the veranda. Which, coming from the city, was a heavenly way to begin the day.
The breaking of dawn was a gentle light on the white mist that still surrounded us. It was accompanied by birdsong – some familiar, like the purple crested louries, others less so. The mist still swirled, and I realised that it was unlikely that we would see the sun anytime soon.
I linger in the sumptuous bed with its crisp white linen, contemplating the notion that one of life’s true luxuries is time. Eventually, I head the bathroom, lured by the promise of a deliciously hot shower and soft towels – hot off the towel warmer. The considered approach to luxury extends to the huge shower, with the mixer located just inside the glass door. This design enables one to get the perfect temperature before stepping in – as opposed to the usual farce of dodging alternately icy cold or scalding water.
Sometime later, I wander into the immaculate kitchen, which has a distinct Provençal air about it. All except for the fridge, which is huge with a quirky, colourful exterior. Fresh milk, farm eggs, butter and delectable preserves are found in its cavernous interior, whilst freshly baked farm bread beckons from the counter.
We whip up a delicious brunch of fluffy scrambled eggs on warm toast, and sit on the veranda, happily munching away as we watch sunbirds frolicking. A truly splendid way to begin a day!
Mid-morning we wander to the main house to find Shahrzad, who has promised us a tour of the facilities. We locate her, and are rewarded with a warm, genuine smile. This Persian woman has a wonderful aura about her, embracing, good-natured and fully engaged with life.
Brett is also there, a softly-spoken, gentle soul – quietly getting on with the business of managing the staff whilst we get on with our conversation.
We take a stroll around the beautiful gardens, accompanied by happy hounds. Her love for the garden is palpable – you can tell that this is her abiding passion. The mist still surrounds us, lending an enchanted air to the walk.
Shahrzad wanders through her garden, regaling us with facts, anecdotes and stories, encouraging us to smell this rose, take a closer look at that insect… her deep delight in her garden is tangible.
The vegetable garden is equally lush. We are encouraged to eat asparagus raw and directly from the earth (delicious!) and get to snack on crunchy, sweet peas. She plucks this and tidies that as she goes, pointing out a beautiful locust and a delicate toadstool before she moves on.
Eventually we make our way to the tasting room, which is fitted out with beautiful wooden tables and chairs, and shelves along an entire wall which are filled with all the products grown and processed on the farm.
To be continued next week…
INFORMATION:
Kuhestan Organic Farm
Shahrzad Hone: 082 903 7593
Brett Hone: 082 887 8029
info@kuhestan.co.za
www.kuhestan.co.za
I wish you a beautiful week – always remember to take time to be in the moment and pause to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us…
Yours in Travel,
ENDS