Travel News South Africa

Sometimes the people make the place

Basil and Reinette Keller are spectacular hosts and as open-hearted as their beautiful Empress Proteas in bloom which they grow organically and export far and wide.
Sometimes the people make the place

They were involved together for 20 years in a property information service. Reinette, previously a ballerina, fell seriously ill and turned to an alkaline diet, whole foods and living in harmony with the earth for her cure.

From a high point in Villiersdorp they farm proteas in rhythm with the earth using biological farming techniques which they and a small group of helpers, cut, package and ship.

Get away from it all - and meet the Kellers.
Get away from it all - and meet the Kellers.

They have two self-catering cottages on the farm which are charming and decorated in a country style with exposed rafters and timber furniture. This is the sort of place to kick back and enjoy the fresh air and open space and use as a base to explore nearby Franschhoek and the winelands of Bot River and Elgin Valley.

Protea Cottage is a three bedroomed house with two bathrooms and a separate loo. The kitchen is large and there's a fireplace in the combined lounge and dining room, as well as a patio with braai facilities. It sleeps a maximum of six people.

Celtic Cottage is for a couple or small family as it sleeps a maximum of three people. It has a bathroom with both shower and bath and a separate toilet. Living areas are open-plan. Rates are from R250 per person, per day.

See www.proteapride.co.za or email az.oc.edirpaetorp@ofni or phone +27 (0) 28 840 2369 to book. See also www.thecapecountrymeander.co.za.

About Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel

Brian Berkman can be contacted on 083-441-8765 or email moc.namkreBnairB@nairB.
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