Bakenhof Guesthouse is situated on the 155 hectare "Bakenhof" farm, a typical Boland farm at the gateway to the Paarl wine route, 5km from Wellington and 7km from the historic town of Paarl.



The property offers easy access to historic attractions, quaint villages, antique shops and local art galleries with, of course, the ever present appeal of the countryside and natural surroundings.

Enjoy the Farm

• Rest and relaxation at the poolside is encouraged!
• Amble through vineyards or explore the surrounding countryside on mountain bikes.
• Take long walks through the vineyards whilst soaking-up breathtaking views.
• Observe the gentle buzz of farm life from a high vantage point on the farm where you can sit down to a picnic whilst overlooking the town of Wellington.
• During cooler months, snow-capped mountain views and fresh country air will invigorate you. In the evening, seek warmth from one of the many inviting indoor fireplaces. We use our own dry vines as fuel and, if necessary, rooms are heated with under floor heating.
• Experience the Boland's version of a 'game-drive" on our vineyard tractor-ride. Unwind with a sundowner and an indulgent picnic while we share our farming practices and passion for wine and grapes.
• Click here to learn more about our wine, grapes and people

Activities in Paarl (7km's from Bakenhof): Ideal for a scenic drive, the beauty of the Paarl Valley reveals her natural splendour and the inviting opportunity to visit some of the many wine farms in the area. The picturesque town of Paarl proudly bears the title of the third-oldest town in South Africa and boasts the longest Main Street - 11-km long - in the country.

The town is tucked away between the Paarl Mountain and the towering Du Toitskloof Mountain range. The sun's reflection on the magnificent 50 million year old granite boulders of the Paarl mountain, resembles enormous ,shining pearls, which is what prompted Abraham Gabbema to name it Peerlbergh, giving rise to its modern-day name of Paarl. Standing amongst these magnificent boulders you will find the imposing Afrikaans Language Monument. Erected 1975, it is the only language monument in the world.

• Visit the Strooidak Church. Built in 1805, it is the oldest church building in S. A. and is still in use.
• Spoil yourself with the variety of hand-made gifts and local products at various art & gift shops.
• Experience timeless, magical views from the 50 million years old granite boulders at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. Picnic spots and walking trails are available.
• Play a round of golf at Boschenmeer Golf and Country Estate, one of the finest golf estates in the country.
• The Paarl Museum is a must for its Cape Antiques and contemporary exhibitions of Paarl.
• The Ikhwezi Centre is the home to Bhabhathane weavers and artists from Mbekweni.
• In the Arboretum there are 700 indigenous and exotic species of trees. A footbridge across the Berg River gives access to paved walkways on the river bank.
• The Bird Sanctuary along the banks of the Berg River features 136 species of birds. Species include the beautiful Malachite Kingfisher, Maccoa Duck, African Marsh Harrier & African Fish Eagle.
• Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm.
• Butterfly World.
• Lion Park.

Activities in Wellington (5km's from Bakenhof):

Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the historic town of Wellington lies in a picturesque valley with the majestic Hawequa Mountains standing guard on its eastern border. The town lies in the heart of the Boland and is rich in cultural, religious and educational history. This is an unsurpassed area in terms of enjoying the Winelands and scenery of the Western Cape in South Africa.

Wellington was a small farming community, until the opening of the pass through the Bain's Kloof Mountains in 1853. The railway followed ten years later, and Wellington swelled, becoming a stop-over point for transport in the area. Despite its historical growth, the Wellington of today has retained its small town charm and warm hospitality.

Guided horse trails in the foothills of the majestic Hawequa Mountains allow you to submerge yourself in the glory of nature, surrounded by indigenous fynbos, olive orchards and vineyards, whilst stopping to taste some of the local produce en-route.

• Explore the mountain bike trail which runs through the foothills of the Hawequa Mountains and offers spectacular views over the Berg River Valley. The full trail is 30km long and is suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Permits are required - contact the Wellington Tourism Bureau.
• There are a number of hiking trails and picnic sites in the mountains where some of the most rare and exquisite species of wildflowers can be seen at certain times of the year.
• The scenery in the Berg River Valley and the Hawequa Mountains is absolutely magnificent. This, coupled with the green fingers of some of the Wellington residents, have resulted in some superb, award winning, local gardens.
• Visit Die Vonds Snake Park. A centre for the breeding and conservation of snakes with 40 different types of snakes as well as tortoises, lizards, legavaan (river monitor) and other reptiles and animals. It is situated on the R45 between Paarl and Wellington, 3km from the R45/R44 four way stop.
• Visit Bartholomews Klip Farmhouse. Situated at the foot of the Elandskloof Mountains, where rolling wheatfields meet pristine fynbos,
• Eland graze in the serene landscape and the distinctive call of the Fish Eagle can be heard overhead. The sight of shepherds and their sheepdogs herding flocks of sheep across the wide open farmlands whilst tractors plough the fertile soil completes the image of the typical pace and dignity of farm life.

Visit the Wellington Wine and Brandy Route:

We quote the Wellington Wine Route Committee:

"The fact that the majority of South Africa's vine-cutting nurseries (better known as "stokkieskwekerye") are found in the Wellington area, is due to the excellent soils and climate of the region.

The Wellington wine and brandy route is small and compact and the cellars within easy driving distance of each other. Only 45 minutes from Cape Town, the area is known as the heart of the Boland.

Members of this route are all open to the public, some only by appointment, and will welcome wine lovers to come and taste their products in a friendly and informal atmosphere.

Make personal acquaintance with the winemakers and learn more about their wines which have achieved many medals on both national and international wine shows.

We cordially invite you to taste the Boland hospitality at our wineries where quality of life is restored in one visit! Therefore, after a visit to our Wine Route you will admit, like so many others, that you have been truly conquered."

Visit the local wineries:

• Andreas Wines
• Bosman Family Vineyards
• Bovlei Winery
• De Compagnie
• Diemersfontein
• Doolhof Wine Estate
• Dunstone Wines
• Jacaranda Winery
• Klein Optenhorst
• Kleinfontein
• Linton Park Wines
• Malan de Versailles
• Mischa Estate
• Mont Du Toit
• Nabygelegen
• Oude Wellington
• Savingnac de Versailles
• Schalk Burger & Sons - Welbedacht
• Siyabonga
• Smit Boerdery
• THE BRANDY ROUTE
• Upland Estate
• Wamakersvallei Winery
• Welgegund
• Wellington Cellar
• Welvanpas

Visit other wine estates in the vicinity:

• David Frost Estate
• Horse Mountain
• Bernheim
• Vondeling
• Scali
• African Terroir
• Ayama
• Anthony Smook
• Perdeberg
• Oude Deneboom
• Ridgeback
• Windmeul
• Domaine Brahms
• Nelson's Creek
• Rhebokskloof
• Under Oaks
• Veenwouden
• Boland Paarl North
• Le Joubert
• Nederburg
• Klein Parys
• Juno
• Vendome
• KWV
• Laborie
• The Masons Winery
• Landskroon
• Seidelberg
• Fairwiev
• Zabdwijk
• Simonsvlei
• De Zoete Inval
• Lindhorst
• Glen Carlou
• Noble Hill
• Backsberg
• Drakensig
• Vrede en Lust
• Anura
• Freedom Hill
• Val de Vie
• Avondale
• Lallasat
• Boland Dal Josafat
• Veenwouden

Visit other neighbouring towns:

• Franschoek
• Stellenbosch
• Riebeeck Kasteel
• Worcester
• Tulbagh
• Durbanville