Family Getaway At Gloria Farm
When there’s a special birthday and family reunion to celebrate, it calls for a special family getaway. My sister popped me an email from the U.K. asking me what I thought of her pick as she was arranging things. Unbelievably Gloria Farm ticked all our boxes!
Earlier this year, my sister’s visit to South Africa was around the time of a significant birthday for my dad and we wanted to spend some quality time together. Plus the little cousins essentially scored a 48 hour playdate come sleepover together!
Family Getaway Tick List
There were 11 of us broken down as 6 adults and 5 kids who ranged in age from 3 to 9 years old. We needed a family getaway which offered a reasonably priced house yet big enough to accommodate the tribe comfortably. We wanted a relaxed farm vibe where our outdoor obsessed kids could run free and not drive us nuts being cooped up! The goal was park on the Friday and only drive again to leave on Sunday. It was a weekend away during term time so we didn’t want a far drive after school on the Friday.
Gloria Farm totally delivered on our tall order. In addition to our checklist, the cherry on top were the sweeping views of the mountains and Cape Town’s most famous dam, Theewaterskloof.
Where Is Gloria Farm?
Gloria Farm is located on the Theewaterskloof Dam in the Villiersdorp area of the Overberg. From Cape Town you’re looking at a rough distance of 106km.
About Gloria Farm
Gloria Farm’s history dates back to the 1850’s. It now offers guests the choice of a magnificent manor house where we stayed, or a two bedroomed cottage that accommodates 4.
The Manor House
This gorgeous home offers 4 double bedrooms each with en suite bathroom. There’s an additional room with bunk beds. In total the house accommodates up to 14 people. When I say this place is fully equipped, it’s probably kitted out better than many of our homes. The farm style kitchen has a huge fireplace that doubles as an indoor braai, there’s a scullery, pantry, dining room, lounge and more.
Some of the “more” includes the outside games room. There’s also a pretty courtyard where we enjoyed a braai on our first night which included mandatory marshmallow toasting. My favourite aspect overall is the huge front patio with stately arches and views for days. Eat here at the big table or lounge the day away on the outdoor couches with coffee or G&T. It’s always 5pm somewhere in the world right?
There is no TV which is a bonus for me but if you or your kids might get the fidgets then take a laptop or tablet.
Activities At Gloria Farm
A stay at Gloria Farm is centred around the outdoors and fresh air. The garden if you can even call it that, is sprawling. The kids were in paradise with freedom and space exploring the different areas. Then there is the farm at large beyond the house.
You can hike or run, you can bike, you can swim in the dam or do watersports. Birdwatching is also an option.
The farm is located near to 4×4 trails, the sailing club and other points of interest and entertainment.
Our Highlights
True to our goal of no driving anywhere, we easily filled up our weekend with simple pleasures.
We’re animal obsessed so it took two minutes to spot the horses in a paddock near the house. Much time was spent feeding them, petting them and just enjoying their company. That’s where I got chatting to the lovely and super efficient Bronwyn who manages the farm including the bookings etc. She told me a bit about the farm and patiently spent time with the kids who also played with her dogs. Invariably sheep spotting also added to farm authenticity for the kids too!
We used the indoor kitchen braai the 2nd evening when the weather was a bit dodgy and it was so cosy hanging out on the bar stools with a Cape red in hand. Fire is a magnet and entertainment in itself.
Besides horses, patio chilling, games and braais there were walks to the dam and walks to nowhere! Our “be yourself” weekend had some our kids loving farmlife in tutus and others stayed in their onesies or pj bottoms…because they could!
Gloria Farm Details
If this sounds like a family getaway for you, visit the Gloria Farm website for more details and give Bronwyn a ring or drop her an email. You won’t be disappointed.
Need top tips or a free downloadable checklist for self-catering? Looking for another getaway idea?
One Stop Wanderlust showcases family travel and family-friendly outings in South Africa.
