GoTravel24.com | Stanford - A Village Green

Rosanne Turner
July 29th, 2009

Situated on the banks of the Klein River, about 1 ½ hours from Cape Town, in the Overberg region of the Western Cape lies Stanford - a village lost in time.

Regarded as one of South Africa's best preserved villages, its heritage is protected by both law, and an enthusiastic conservation trust. Stanfordians are proud of their village and its architecture, which traditionally consists of Victorian and Edwardian cottages.

Old homes are lovingly restored to former glory and new builds have strict guidelines to adhere to, in keeping with the town's quaint charm.

There are many angles from which to appreciate a getaway to Stanford, whether you are looking to sample home-style country fare, rejuvenate the soul, or just experience good country hospitality. Should your interests be gastronomic, you won't be disappointed.

The Klein River cheese farm is situated 7km outside Stanford, and is one of my favourite Sunday outings. It is not often that an eatery is ideal for both adults and children, and it is usually a compromise, with adults giving up delectable fare for a ‘kiddie-friendly' establishment.

Not so with Klein River cheeses.

Order a picnic basket and find your spot, either along the banks of the Klein River, or next to the extensive children's playground. Spread your blanket, or find a table, strategically positioned to watch the children at play.

On one such Sunday, we even had impromptu games of soccer on the expansive green lawns. Picnic baskets are laden with home-baked breads, preserves, cured meats, fresh salads, crackers and of course a selection of Klein River cheeses, including their award-winning gruyere.

Individual children's picnic baskets are also available, as is a selection of decadent cakes. Enjoy a bottle from local wine estate Raka, to complement the cheeses.

Madre's Kitchen and Country Grocer is possibly the best family lunch spot in the Overberg.

Talented chef and owner Madre Malan, inspires with her menu of modern country cooking.

The menu adapts according to what is fresh and available, and has even been known to include guinea fowl, shot for the pot by her husband.

Indoor and outdoor seating is available, with a jungle gym and trampoline to keep the kids busy while you enjoy the morning paper over a cup of coffee, taking in the mountain and vineyard views. Madre's is undergoing some changes, and will re-open after the winter, to include a gift shop.

Watch this space...

Other eateries that will please your palate include Mariana's Deli, which has won several awards including ‘best country restaurant' and Havercrofts, great for traditional Sunday roasts, Yorkshire pudding and all.

If your gastronomic indulgences lean towards the liquid form, there are several options to keep you happy.

Birkenhead micro-brewery is situated just outside of Stanford, and will allow you to sample local brew. Tours of the brewery take place from Wednesday to Friday, but weekend tours can be arranged in advance.

If beer is not your beverage of choice, there are several wine estates in the area. Raka is well worth a visit, try the Raka spliced.

If you feel a little guilty after the over-indulging, try out Stanford's version of the gym: a stroll through the chocolate-box pretty village streets to admire the gardens and architecture or along the river to marvel at the abundant bird life.

Stanford is a village of bird-lovers, and the annual Glendower Bird Fair is held each October. African Queen and Platanna River Cruises offer trips down the Klein River, an ideal way to spot local LBJ's (little brown jobs for non-birders).

For those looking for a more up beat pace of activity, Eco Quads operate from the Robert Stanford Estate, where Madre's Kitchen is located, or enjoy a horse ride through the fynbos.
There is nothing fast about Stanford.

This does not in anyway imply that the village or its inhabitants are backward or slow.

It does however refer to the pace of life and appreciation of all things good. Good food, slowly prepared, extended lunches with friends, no fast food.

Slow walks in beautiful surroundings as opposed to the rushed pace of city life. Lingering conversations take place on stoeps, and neighbours take the time to greet each other.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
- Robert Brault