Pregnant mom of two (1 toddler and 1 furbaby) seeks oasis of calm and tranquility, away from jackhammers, cement and dust, for a few nights of peace and quiet. Must have bath and bubbles.

If I had written a lonely hearts ad for myself last week, it would’ve said this. And what do you know? the greatest husband of all time aka the Beard managed to whisk me away from the builders for a couple days of heaven in the most magical place. I didn’t plan a thing – which is why we ended up without milk or butter – but I’m not complaining – have you seen this place?

This, my friends, is Orchard Stay. It’s in Wolseley, near Tulbagh and Ceres, which means it has the added bonus of being just an hour and a half from Cape Town. It’s a 2-bedroom place in the middle of pear orchards next to…nothing. There is a beautiful bath (without water restrictions) to make us all happy but to top even that there’s an outside wood-fired jacuzzi and plunge pool. I mean really.

There isn’t anything there, which is kindof the point. There is wifi but no TV, and fireplaces inside and outside. When we arrived it was pouring with rain so it was the perfect weather for snuggling on the couch and reading. Or talking – the Beard doesn’t enjoy reading as much as I do so he kept on talking to me. The next day was a bit overcast with sunny patches so we had a braai for lunch and a jacuzzi for sundowners. What else do you want from some time away?

 

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