It’s not often that one can say you discovered a slice of Tuscany in the Western Cape. And yet, Fields of Gold Farm, tucked near the mountains between Paarl and Franschhoek, certainly feels like a trip to some quaint European villa.
The only thing that makes it even better is the fact that it’s edged by our own beautiful South African wine farms and olive trees, with spectacular mountains behind.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy a country escape, while still being wonderfully close by to local restaurants, wine farms and shops. (There is a rustic dirt road to access the farm but it doesn’t need a 4×4; just drive slowly and it’s totally manageable for a normal sized car.)
The real magic of Fields of Gold, though, lies in the sense of tranquility you experience here. Perhaps as you walk around the beautiful, fenced-off garden; sit in the expansive lounge where sunlight dapples through, coffee cup clasped in hand; or rest gratefully in the hammock, which overlooks the gorgeous natural pool and majestic, utterly imposing mountains behind it, in the far distance.
Where We Stayed: Fields of Gold Farm
Choose Your Accommodation Option – or Book Them All
Depending on your group size and accommodation needs, there are three wonderful accommodation options to choose from at Fields of Gold Farm.
These accommodation options are as follows:
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Simunye Cottage:
This cozy, private one-bedroom self-catering cottage is perfect for couples or solo travellers.
It features a comfortable queen bed, a small but lovely open-plan kitchen and dining area and a beautiful bathroom equipped with a double shower and a deep, luxurious-looking bath (minor note: the jets don’t work).
The cottage opens onto a lovely patio overlooking the farm’s spectacular natural rock pool. During your stay, you have full access to enjoy the hammock, mountain views and outdoor spaces around the cottage.
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Guest Suite/Flatlet:
This is part of the main Tuscan farmhouse but functions entirely separately, if required.
This lovely one-bedroom space, which overlooks the gorgeous pool and garden surroundings, is ideal for a solo traveller, friends/colleagues who are comfortable sharing or a couple wanting a quick Winelands getaway.
It offers two single beds, a basic en-suite bathroom (shower only), a mini kitchenette (equipped with a kettle, tea, coffee, sugar and a mini bar fridge), some comfortable indoor seating and a lovely porch, which is shared with other guests.
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The Tuscan Farmhouse:
For larger families or friend groups (it can host 10 guests), you can book out the entire spacious farmhouse, which is where we stayed.It is paradise and yet, feels entirely homely and warm throughout every inch of its stunning space.
It offers four beautiful bedrooms (including the guest suite/flatlet), three bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen (and adjoining wash room), a generous living area and a small upstairs gym space.
Everything about this Tuscan beauty whispers of a comfortable, soothing stay, inviting you to enjoy food prep or meals together, gather outside for a braai, curl up on the couch with a good book or, if you’re feeling competitive, engage in a fun board game.
The farm also has secure parking (on the lawn spaces) and this smallholding is enclosed by a secure fence, with a remote controlled gate.
For your stay, you can easily do a self-check-in using the supplied code and lockbox- unless the host(s) is otherwise there to welcome you and give you a tour around.
A Sense of Whimsy and Mountain Magic
What I love most about Fields of Gold though is the beauty and peacefulness that seep out of every corner of the farm.
From its whimsical garden (which features trickling streams filled with little tadpoles, pretty trees, lawn spaces for relaxing or playing, garden canopies and even a cute fairy garden) to the magnificent natural rock pool (which is both large and altogether tempting, even in winter), magical mountain views and serene setting.
There is also a dedicated braai and some great outdoor seating for catch-ups under the stars or by the fireside.
We braaied on our last night and it was a really special evening, one in which we stayed up till midnight chatting cosily in the expansive lounge.
At Fields of Gold, it’s the small things that add up to a beautiful stay.
Sometimes, it’s the way the sunlight finally breaks through a misty morning, flushing everything in golden hues…
Or the way lovable Toffee (the host’s adorable ginger and white cat) appears unexpectedly at the kitchen window, waiting to be let inside for his pats and cuddles.
But, more often than not, it’s found in the simplest thoughtful touches, like the extra blankets placed on the two couches to keep guests cosy and warm.
All of this – and so much more – add to the sense of homeliness you experience here.
While the host’s frames and furnishings, which reflect a home that has raised a family and been well-loved over the years, echo memories from a happy past – the modern appliances and luxury bedding invite guests to gently secure their own new core moments here.
Fields of Gold Farm does “your home away from home” very well. The only difference is, you are a much cherished, welcome guest in someone else’s home.
Beyond this, Fields of Gold hosts, Sandi and Chelsea, ensure that you feel welcome before you even set foot on the property with their efficient, warm correspondence, which includes directions and a detailed guidebook that Sandi has carefully put together for her guests.
In-room Amenities:
To name just a few of the in-room amenities on offer at the Fields of Gold Farm, you have:
- Luxury bedding
- Closets
- Bedside tables and lamps
- Extra blankets and pillows
- Air conditioning
- Fast, stable Wi-Fi throughout
In the main farmhouse, you can also enjoy the following amenities and appliances:
- Lavish bathtubs and showers
- Cleaning products (there was even bubble bath and guest soap provided in each bathroom)
- Fridge and freezer
- Wash room (off from the main kitchen)
- Microwave
- Coffee machine (as well as an electric kettle, stove-top kettle and plunger)
- Flatscreen TV
- Braai utensils
- Coffee and tea
- Oven
Restaurant, Bar or Pub On-site?
No, there is no restaurant on-site. All meals and most drinks (excluding coffee) are self-catering.
They do provide some basics, like lovely coffee or tea, and there is a well-equipped kitchen and outdoor braai grill. (You will need to buy your own braai wood/charcoal and blitz though.)
However, if you prefer to dine out, there are a handful of malls, wine farms and eateries all within close driving distance.
As a bonus, the farm is also just next door to Freedom Hill Wines, which is worth a visit for some good quality wines.
If you wish to head more into Paarl or the surrounding farmlands, some lovely cafes, restaurants and wine farms I can personally recommend include La Paris Bistro, Avondale Estate, Laborie Estate and Stoep, Spice Route Destination, Babylonstoren, Sadie Coffee, Schoon Laborie, Cafe del Sol (at Val de Vie) and Noble Hill to name a few.
If you wish to explore Franschhoek’s wine farms instead, I recommend the following wine farms for picnics, wine tastings and meals: Boschendal, La Motte, Leopard’s Leap Restaurant and Wine Farm, Mont Rochelle and La Bri.
On-site Spa?
No, there is no on-site spa. Check in the area for local spas to enjoy during your stay.
Family-friendly?
Definitely! The farmhouse is great for families with kids.
It might be more challenging for freshly mobile babas, just due to all the furniture, staircases, open pool and outdoor paving – but we stayed with a very busy toddler without issue.
Pet-friendly?
Fields of Gold Farm welcomes well-behaved dogs by prior request.
Service animals are always welcome.
Please note: There are farm cats and a dog. But if you don’t want any feline visitors during your stay, just let the owners know.
Budget-friendly?
In terms of what you get and the options you have when booking here, absolutely!
If you book out both the Tuscan farmhouse and the cottage, you can easily enjoy a large family or friend trip and split the costs accordingly.
For smaller stays, the flatlet or cottage are ideally priced for couples or solo travellers.
Outdoor Facilities
Shared outdoor amenities include:
- Braai grill
- Fire pit
- Secure parking
- Natural rock pool
- Hammock
- Garden spaces (enclosed by a fence and security gate)
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining spaces
- Sun loungers
Location, Location
Fields of Gold Farm is located between Paarl and Franschhoek, off the R301, Western Cape, South Africa.
Interleading or Family Rooms?
As mentioned, the main farmhouse can sleep 10 guests.
The two upstairs bedrooms can sleep a family travelling together easily as it has a king- and queen-sized bed respectively.
While the downstairs flatlet has two single beds = and the fourth bedroom has a queen bed and a day bed.
The hosts also provided a camp cot and spotless baby chair for our toddler, which was a really kind gesture and so helpful to us! 🙂
Website for More Information:
Fields of Gold Farm is available on Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to connect with and follow them there!
Booking Link:
To book your stay directly at Fields of Gold Farm, please see here for the Tuscan farmhouse, Simunye cottage or guest suite/flatlet respectively.
Contact Details:
For queries or booking assistance, please contact the hosts directly: fieldsofgoldcottages@hotmail.com
Hosted or Fully Paying:
I was kindly hosted by Sandi and Chelsea for a beautiful two-night stay (for three adults and one toddler).
However, as always, all views and opinions remain entirely my own.
How It Rated:
For our group stay, it’s an easy 10/10. We three adults all loved it and our toddler had a glorious time too.
Fields of Gold Farm truly is paradise in every sense.
After our stay, I can confidently say whether you are craving a secluded couples’ retreat, family stay or a getaway with loved ones, Fields of Gold Farm is the magical place you don’t know you need till you arrive.
And once you settle in here, you won’t want to leave…
In Closing
Thank you so much to Sandi and Chelsea for hosting us for this incredible two-night stay and for allowing us to bring our dear friend along too.
We loved every minute at Fields of Gold Farm!
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