The gorgeous Penhill Estate oozes countryside charm and history. A scenic 90-minute drive away from Cape Town, you’ll spot its towering twin palms long before the outcrop of white-washed buildings set against endless emerald lawns comes into view.

It’s rare to find a country retreat as unique and authentic. Built in 1840, the manor is an outstanding example of Cape Dutch architecture.
It’s easy to imagine this wonderfully historic place as it was some 300 years ago when it was first built as a refreshment station on the busy route to Stellenbosch, Swellendam, and Graaf Reinet.

Guests have access to all five lodgings on the estate for a total of 12 bedrooms. The layout of the various lodgings, Penhill West Grange, Penhill East Grange, Penhill Manor House, Penhill Fruit Barn, and Penhill Pepper Tree, also allows for plenty of room to breathe, which is what sets it apart from so many other places.

Having been lovingly resorted, Penhill has quite literally gone back to its roots, although, rather than a stop for ox-wagons and travelers, it’s now a private, special place for groups of up to 24 people to relax and replenish their bodies, minds, and souls. It makes for a lovely entertaining space as well, perfectly suited for hosting fabulous parties, from formal affairs to alfresco bashes that make the most of the glorious natural surroundings.

Featuring twelve bedrooms and resting on 30000 square feet, Penhill is nothing short of an oasis in the ruggedly beautiful Nuy Valley! A relaxing experience with all the comfort of modern life, including free WiFi and wireless routers in all cottages/units (excellent signal).

The main House, Penhill Manor is a modern delight in the countryside. Sleeping 8, in 4 bedrooms, it has great living spaces including comfortable sitting rooms, kitchen, and dining room. The main house has a great position with beautiful views over the valley and luxurious finishings.

The Fruit Barn has been converted into accommodation for four people in two double bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and sitting room. It is air-conditioned and has a wood-burning stove, satellite TV, WiFi, and sound system. With its pool, it has magnificent views of the Riviersonderend Mountains.

Pepper Tree Cottage” as it is now called, has been refurbished to accommodate four people in two double bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and sitting room. It is air-conditioned and has a wood-burning stove, satellite TV, WiFi, and sound system. With its pool, it has magnificent views of the Naudesberg in the distance.

The West and East Grange building has been converted into luxurious accommodation. Each unit sleeps four people in two double bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. They have fully equipped kitchens, dining rooms, and sitting rooms and are air-conditioned. They have wood-burning stoves, satellite TV, WiFi, and sound systems. With their jacuzzis, the Grange has magnificent views of the Riviersonderend mountains and the Nuy Valley in the distance.

Enjoy a week in rustic elegance at The Penhill Estate.