San Gabriel Historic Guest Cottages Situated at the foot of the majestic Helderberg mountain, San Gabriel is in the heartland of the Somerset West and Stellenbosch Winelands. Within easy reach of Cape Town, Table Mountain, Cape Point, and False Bay beach. It is an ideal base for Mountain Biking, Hiking, 4x4 and Bird Watching, etc. San Gabriel has 9 Self Catering Cottages. All Cottages are fully equipped with bedroom en-suite, kitchen, lounge area, and covered veranda. Guests have access to the swimming pool, braai area, and secure parking.
We are just off the R44 road, connecting Somerset West to Stellenbosch and we are blessed with a magnificent setting. Backed by the incomparable Helderberg, it looks westwards across sweeping vineyards towards the distant curve of False Bay.
The original grant of only two morgen was made to Paul Hartog Junior in 1759, three years after he had built the homestead. Fortunately his gable still remains, although San Gabriel has undergone a variety of alterations and additions within the past century. The gable is of the simplest holbol type and bears, within a large heart in bas-relief, the date 1756, making it the same age as that of Joostenberg and therefore one of the two oldest gables still in existence at the Cape. The original curved decorative motif was at some time replaced by one depicting vine leaves and grapes.
Hartog's Klipheuvel (as it was then called) was built on the T-plan but its original shape has disappeared with the addition of two back wings. Yet despite all the changes that it has undergone, San Gabriel, surrounded by old oaks and an exquisite garden, remains a most beautiful homestead.
San Gabriel Historic Guest Farm is the ideal place to stay when you visit the Western Cape. We are only 10km from Strand Beach and 50km from Cape Town Waterfront and within easy reach of Cape Town International Airport. Table Mountain, Robbin Island, Cape point and Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens can be visited during a day trip to the city bowl. A drive to Hermanus for whale watching will take you 1 hour and all along the way you can stop for wine tastings at several Wine Estates and enjoy delicious food. Are you a 4x4 enthusiast or mountain biker ? You can enjoy these outdoor activities on our neighbouring farm ! The Cheetah Outreach is close by to visit on a day visit outing. Enjoy wonderful food and wine on the many wine farms on the Stellenbosch Wine route. Visit the Historic town of Stellenbosch and admire the beautiful mountains and valley's in the area. Our two pools on the property will help you to cool off after a wonderful day on the road !
