Working for Gondwana definitely has its perks, and sitting on my own little terrace in front of my room with a refreshing drink in hand… it is obvious that life cannot get much better than this. In the past week, my work took me to The Kalahari Farmhouse.
A small lodge owned by the Gondwana Collection, comfortably located in the small town of Stampriet.
Currently the lodge is closed to the public as it is the home of the Gondwana Training Academy.
Courses have been offered over the past few weeks, ranging from maintenance and bartending, to cooking. And thanks to the role I play in the grand scheme of things, I got to break away from the hustle of the city.
Kalahari Farmhouse is by far my favourite Gondwana property. Simply because it does not try, it does not need to.
The entire property, from the vineyards that run along the road as you approach, to the smiling managers as they meet you at the entrance, is effortless.
When you walk through the entry way toward reception, it is easy to forget that you are in the Kalahari. Instantly, you feel transported into another world, an enchanted forest.
I always wait for the garden faeries to come dancing across the tree branches. The Farmhouse garden is stunning in a way that is difficult to explain.
Massive palm trees stretching into the blue sky, with their giant branches lacing through the branches of other ancient trees. You are immediately sheltered from the harsh desert heat.
The sound of bubbling water is a constant companion as the artesian well pushes the water up to the surface and small channels lead the fresh waters to the farm gardens.
And when you walk into the main building, you cannot help but feel at home.
Your great grandmother’s piano is placed in the foyer and as you walk into the bar lounge, large, leather couches invite you into their embrace.
Something I have always been adamant about, it that I don’t want a hotel or lodge to feel like home… I want to feel comfortable and welcome, but it should definitely not be a second home. But here, you are home.
It’s not that anything looks like a house or that it is boring or traditional.
Rather that you cannot help but feel at ease and comfortably content when you are there. And this is exactly how I found myself on my little terrace, sitting in a rocking chair with the lodge cat snoozing on the seat beside mine, watching the summer rain drip down the edge of the terrace roof.
Kalahari Farmhouse is truly a special place and is always there to welcome you with open arms when the city life gets too much.
The lodge will be open to the public again at the end of April, and I look forward to getting back to my little terrace as soon as possible.
If you have ever been to Farmhouse, please share your experience with us in the comment section below.
Author – Jescey Visagie is a proud Namibian and is passionate about writing and language. Tag along for the ride as she tries to uncover new insights into Namibia and explores what the country has to offer.
