We had completely forgotten how beautiful the Swartland is. How is that even possible? We simply haven’t been to that area in forever. But we were quickly reminded during our stay at The Silo. Sort of in the middle of the triangle formed by Wellington, Malmesbury and Durbanville is AA Badenhorst Family Wines on Kalmoesfontein Farm, with views across the fertile plains that go on for miles.

The Silo is one of three accommodation conversions (there’s also the Winemakers Cottage and the Stables – each sleeps 4) but we were looking for a little 2 sleeper and The Silo is perfectly that. It has been built inside the original farm silo and is very cute and cosy. The view from the bed over the valley is breathtaking – constantly changing as the clouds chase across the sky and especially as the sun starts to set.

The Silo has a luxurious king sized bed, with the best quality linen, and a small kitchenette – all open plan and very beautifully thought out. And then a little en suite shower, basin, toilet. Outside, alongside the silo, is a little private courtyard, shaded by grapevines, with table and chairs, a comfy bench and braai area. The Silo doesn’t have a stove/hot plate so you need to plan for that during your visit. There’s a toaster and microwave but everything else needs to be managed on the fire. Which is fabulous (we don’t need an excuse to braai) but your plans can be affected by the weather so check the forecasts before your stay.

The family really makes you feel welcome. There’s tea and coffee (freshly ground and Nespresso), home made rusks, a bottle of wine and Caperitif and Swaan Cape Tonic waiting for you on arrival. And then the best thing ever – freshly baked farm bread and butter were delivered to our doorstep – wrapped in a tea towel and still warm from the oven – impossible to resist.

And while the accommodation is stupendous, the best thing about this stay was the farm location. Oh my word – I need a little farm. Just so that I can talk to all the animals every day, have a little veggie garden (and I don’t even have green fingers) and wander along the dirt roads, thinking about nothing. I think I drove Frans nuts. I just want to feed everything. There’s a HUGE percheron, a little pony and some horses that appreciated some carrots. The colony of white rabbits with little baby bunnies enjoyed some lettuce and spinach. The baby piggies were too busy sunning themselves under their heat lamp but the chickens got a good talking to and the dogs joined us around the fire. Paradise.

Kids (young and old) will love it here. Next visit we plan to drink more wine and dip in the dinky farm dam/pool and buy a few bottles of that delicious Caperitif!!! Cheers.