Sterrekopje Farm: Checking In & Checking Out

Few places in the Cape Winelands depart as radically from the region’s traditional wine-estate formula as Sterrekopje Healing Farm. Opened in 2022 on a restored 17th-century Dutch farm just outside Franschhoek, the property occupies 50 hectares of rolling farmland inherited from the original estate. Here, farm animals graze the pathways that connect the sanctuary-like rooms, sound baths echo through a hand-built yurt, and every meal starts with produce harvested from the organic garden.

Where

The region is synonymous with vineyards, but at Sterrekopje they’re only one part of a much broader working farm. Olive groves, orchards, vegetable gardens, medicinal herbs, and grazing animals occupy as much of the estate as the vines. It’s close enough to Franschhoek to cycle into town for dinner yet secluded enough that hiking trails into the surrounding mountains begin at the edge of the property.

When

Visit between September and March for warm days, swims in the natural pond, and gardens bursting with fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Autumn and early winter draw guests indoors with wood fires, pottery classes, and spa treatments. (The property closes in July and August.)

Design

The interiors reflect years of collecting by Dutch founders Fleur Huijskens and Nicole Boekhoorn. Kenyan four-poster beds, Moroccan lamps and tiles, hand-carved Indian chests, botanical prints, and contemporary artworks share space without feeling curated for effect. Designer Gregory Mellor helped weave those disparate influences together in both the 17th-century farm buildings and the newer constructions, which are hard to tell apart from the original structure.

The Crowd

Many couples and small groups are drawn by the combination of wellness, homegrown food, and the chance to spend a few days slowing down. While there’s plenty of space to disappear with a book or retreat to your room, much of the day revolves around communal meals and optional activities like pottery, movement classes, and guided walks, making it easy to strike up conversations with fellow guests. (Families are welcome only during school holidays or when the property is booked exclusively.)

Rooms

Called “sanctuaries” rather than rooms, every accommodation at Sterrekopje has a distinct layout and decor. Expect canopied beds draped in linen, antiques gathered from around the world, well-stocked minibars with house-made cordials and snacks, art supplies, and deep soaking tubs. The smallest of the bunch feel secluded despite their modest footprint, while the largest suites occupy former farm buildings and come with private gardens and patios.

Dining

Meals begin not with a menu but rather a conversation about your preferences. Much of what appears on the table is harvested from the farm that morning and supplemented by ingredients from nearby producers. Breakfasts bring homemade yogurt and granolas, local cheeses, seasonal fruit, eggs cooked to order, and wood-fired sourdough from the property’s adjacent bakehouse while lunch might feature beetroot and fennel salads or simply grilled hand-picked vegetables. Dinner is a communal affair, with chefs announcing each course as it’s brought to the table. Guests are even welcome to join the sunrise harvest each day.

Wellness

Wellness here extends far beyond the treatment rooms: The bathhouse hosts massages, hammam-inspired rituals, and body treatments using products often made with garden botanicals. A daily schedule includes pottery, movement classes, sound baths, meditation, and guided walks. Therapists and kitchen staff work closely together, tailoring meals to complement each guest’s treatments and nutritional needs.

Drawbacks

Those hoping to spend their days moving from winery to winery may find Sterrekopje’s approach too inward-looking. Wine is present but intentionally deprioritized, with no alcohol typically served at lunch. The sprawling grounds also include uneven gravel paths and numerous steps, making the property challenging for guests with limited mobility.