STERREKOPJE FARM: THE GEM OF SOUTH AFRICA

view of the Sterrekopje Farm among the olive trees

Nestled in the foothills of the Franschhoek Valley mountains in Eastern Cape, South Africa, is Sterrekopje Farm, a gem dedicated to biodiversity, rest and creativity. A stay in this luxurious farm offers its guests. a global experience that aims to renew the body, soul and spirit. More than just a farm, it is a place of healing, personal growth and fulfillment in a wonderful setting.

Nicole and Fleur had undertaken a trip around the world in search of the perfect place to settle down, when they discovered, in South Africa, the Sterrekopje farm which captivated them with its beauty and its special aura. Immediately capturing the magic of the place, they decided to exploit this historic farm, to enhance it and to share this unique place with guests.

The duo's ambition was to transform every corner of Sterrekopje into an oasis of tranquility, where travelers could recharge their batteries, unleash their creativity and discover their true self. Sterrekopje today is a sanctuary where each visitor is encouraged to leave transformed and reconnected with nature and Beauty. In Afrikaans, Sterrekopje translates as “the bright star above the small mountain” which perfectly sums up the vision and project of the two women.

The farm

From dawn to dusk, the farm comes alive to the rhythm of nature and the seasons. It covers fifty hectares of olive groves, fruit orchards, vineyards, vegetable gardens, aromatic and medicinal herbs, and winding paths undulating through tall grass and wildflowers. Leon, the "guardian of the soil", designed and landscaped all the gardens biodynamically, and cultivates around sixty varieties of plants which notably provide the herbal teas, oils, fruits and vegetables which make up the meals prepared in the kitchen of the farm.

" The kitchen is the heart of the house. We use this space to commune, eat, connect, read, rest or simply be. "

The House

The old 1694 farm has become a treasure of refinement where every detail offers its visitors a unique experience. The decoration is by interior designer Gregory Mellor who was able to carry out a delicate renovation of all the buildings, while preserving the soul and charm of the place. Everywhere, ultra-comfortable and perfectly decorated spaces open onto lush gardens. Guests enjoy the reading rooms, a superb orangery, an adjacent workshop, the wellness area and of course, the kitchen and bakery, the heart of the house.

The entire estate sports an old pink color honoring the feminine energy that brought the property back to life. Outside, the peaceful gardens, water springs and meditation spaces invite contemplation and calm, while the rich and padded interior displays works of art, murals, pieces of unique furniture and sumptuous fabrics giving the whole a priceless character.

orangery of Sterrekopje Farm — the orangery

The Sanctuaries

The eleven suites are true havens of peace, where every detail has been carefully thought out to offer guests a memorable, voluptuous experience. They are all equipped with cozy four-poster beds and antique furniture, imbued with the memories and discoveries of the owners during their travels. The profusion of fabrics, the richness of colors and textures contribute to creating a cozy atmosphere inviting relaxation. The suites have private lounges, and the bathrooms are designed like spas. All suites open onto the opulent gardens, and some take luxury even further by offering a veranda or private swimming pool.

red bedroom and four-poster bed at Sterrekopje Farm

" For years I traveled the world looking for a place where I could build something extraordinary, not just for myself but for others, a place rooted in nature, a place with soul, where people could come to rest, regenerate and reconnect."

Wellness

The original mansion has been transformed into a sanctuary dedicated to wellness and healing. It offers treatment rooms inspired by Morocco and India, with fantastic decor. Holistic practitioners lead the treatments which begin with a cleansing ritual in the hammam, a symbol of physical renewal and metamorphosis, allowing one to leave behind the old to welcome the new. Then, full head-to-toe massages are applied with organic oils and balms infused from local botanicals.

These treatments are highly personalized and can include various practices such as breath work, reiki, sound therapy, hypnotherapy, as well as drum circles and moonlight fire ceremonies. A workshop dedicated to painting, drawing and pottery offers another form of expression and healing.

hammam lobby at Sterrekopje Farm — hammam lobby

Whether traveling solo or attending Wise Retreats, the environment is conducive to relaxation and reconnecting with yourself and the elements. Everything is done here to escape exhaustion, to revive creativity or simply to commune with nature. From the chakra garden to spa treatments, a creative workshop, a collective lunch, a horse riding or gardening session, or a nap by the pool, everyone goes about their business in complete relaxation.

ceremony at chakras garden at Sterrekopje Farm — chakras garden

creative workshop at Sterrekopje Farm — creative workshop

Feeling the earth under your feet, breathing in the peppery scent of Cape fynbos floating in the air, savoring a fruit from the orchard... here all the senses are in awe. This communion with nature can have transformative power, helping individuals find inner peace and broaden their personal horizons. Sterrekopje farm seems to embody this vision of a sacred place where the balance between nature and creativity can catalyze significant transformations in the lives of those who visit it.