Perfect Hideaways: Thuula Haven

Serendipitously located in the Hemel-and-Aarde Valley in the Overberg, Western Cape, Thuula Haven offers guests a truly heavenly escape in one of the most picturesque corners of the country.

Revered for its raw, rugged beauty, the rural area is characterised by dramatic mountain ranges dotted with local fynbos, rolling vineyards and flowing rivers. It is amidst this pastoral scenery, that guests will find Thuula Haven. Situated on an 80-hectare farm, the strikingly contemporary barn-style abode overlooks the natural scenery, complete with a dam to which flocks all manner of birds and wildlife.

Consisting of three apex barns, Thuula Haven offers visitors minimal yet warm interiors, including four bedrooms, a cosy lounge and TV room, a living area with fireplace, a dining area and a beautiful kitchen, as well as an upstairs yoga-meditation room.

Each space, though minimalistic in its form, has been stylishly appointed, with tall glass doors and windows that allow the landscape to find its way onto the screed and timber floors, the natural light to dance across the walls and settle in the open-plan living spaces and tall ceilings that lift you out over the valley, like a portal into the heavens.

“The wonderful thing about spending time in the valley is relinquishing all routines and succumbing to the rhythms of nature,” says Perfect Hideaways, who manages the property.

“At a gentle pace, you’ll start your day with the morning’s sun, blessing you with a dip in the dam. Coffee on the verandah followed by a hike into the mountains, exploring the natural pools and waterfalls. Hours of reading painting or stretching in the studio. Then a visit to one of the neighbouring wine farms for a tasting sensation of some of the country’s finest wines and lunch servings. Some might like to take a gallop around the nearby equestrian farms. With the town of Hermanus being a short, scenic drive away, you’re likely to head towards the coast for a swim in the ocean, or visit the amazing farmer’s markets and stylish boutiques, stocking up on supplies before heading home to the valley.”