Stanford

Stanford, in the Cape Overberg, is a serene village, steeped in history. The charming cottages of Cape Victorian and Edwardian architecture are protected by law, resulting in Stanford’s status as one of South Africa’s best preserved villages.

The original farmhouse, built in 1785, is one of the oldest houses still in existence in the Cape Overberg and the beautiful stone Church is thought to have been built in the 1700’s as well, although the records have unfortunately been lost.

Situated on the beautiful Klein river, Stanford is surrounded by magnificent countryside, with vineyards, wheat and canola fields, and, for the birder, prolific bird life. Just 1 ½ hours from Cape Town, visitors to Stanford will enjoy the relaxed, laid back rural atmosphere; the many excellent coffee shops; the restaurants where you can enjoy delicious slow lunches sipping local wines; the quaint shops, museums, art galleries and of course the historic village itself.

The Stanford Saturday Morning Market is the meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. Open at 9am, on Stanford’s main road, Queen Victoria Street, plenty of wonderful goodies are brought in – fresh bakes, preserves, and delicious home-made food, plants, clothing and collectibles – a wonderful selection.

Stanford is central to many attractions in the villages that are close by – Hermanus, famous for whales and wine, De Kelders, known for land based whale watching and Gansbaai, the shark cage diving mecca of South Africa.

There is a wonderful 263km self-drive circular day trip that offers scenery, vineyards, marine life, beaches, walks, birds, historic towns, missionary villages, scenic harbours, artists, great places to eat, and special attractions.

Just a short drive from Stanford, on the R326 is Birkenhead, a micro-brewery and vineyard with beautiful surrounds, offering their premium beer on tap; the Klein River Cheese Farm, where you can sample award winning cheeses and enjoy a magnificent picnic on the banks of the Klein River,and the kids can play in the large playground. Further on is Raka, an award winning wine cellar.

Walk the “must do” 3km Wandelpad, along the Klein River, which winds its way to the Hermanus Lagoon or paddle down the Klein River at Stanford to the bird sanctuary with its more than 130 species of birds. Take a cruise on the African Queen River Cruises, located on the Klein River to enjoy the scenic beauty. Tel: +27 (0)28 341-0929 or 082 732 1284.

Just 20km east of Stanford is the Salmonsdam Nature Reserve, renowned for its mountainous landscape twittering with birdlife. The fynbos covered slopes, waterfalls, forested kloofs with towering Cape beech and spoonwood trees, attract birders, hikers and anyone who loves nature. The Vaalvlei working farm, just 9km from Stanford, is set in the Klein River Mountains, with awesome views. But, more than that, this is an excellent fly fishing spot, with rainbow trout, brown trout and bass in two spring fed lakes.