Villiersdorp

Villiersdorp in the Western Cape Overberg, central to Franschhoek, Elgin, Grabouw and Bot River, is a peaceful haven in an amazing setting.

Founded by the French Huguenots, the streets form avenues of towering oak trees – a shady canopy for the colonial architecture.

It is not surprising that Villiersdorp is known as the “The Pearl of the Overberg” – it is the centre of a prosperous apple-growing region, which also produces onions, peaches and apricots.

The town has also benefitted by the cool climate of the region in establishing some excellent vineyards. The wines of Villiersdorp cellars are available for tasting at the Kelkiewyn Farm Stall on the main road. The Farm Stall also offers coffee, baked treats, deli, moskonfyt and now, an excellent restaurant and tractor museum.

The nearby Theewaterskloof Dam is the seventh largest dam in South Africa. The Theewater Sports Club is one of the largest water based clubs in South Africa, supporting boating, skiing, sailing and excellent bass fishing. Large competitions are held across all these sports.

Theewaterskloof Golf Club, situated at the Theewaterskloof Country Estate on the banks of the Theewaterskloof Dam, is home to a nine-hole golf course, rated one of the top 20 nine-hole golf courses in South Africa by the SA Golf Digest.

The beautiful Kroonland 4×4 trail is situated in the Overberg on the farm Kaaimansgat, approximately 10 km from Villiersdorp.

A visit to the Dagbreek Museum will give some insight into the town’s heritage and the Huguenot lifestyle.

The Kelkiewyn Farm Stall on the Villiersdorp main road, is beautifully set alongside the Elands River with al fresco dining on the banks of the river. The Farm Stall is also the wine tasting venue for Villiersdorp Cellars and is neighbour to an excellent tractor museum, bound to keep the kids enthralled.

The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, en route to nearby Grabouw and the Elgin Valley, has hikes in a pristine environment, and a top kloofing trail for adrenalin seekers.

If you are in the area during the month of October, you can join the locals in celebrating the end of winter fruit season with their annual Harvest Festival.

Visit ShowMe for more information on the Cape Overberg