Mardouw Country House

Whether you indulge in a little lure or fly fishing, golf, mountain biking or laze about in our luxurious pool, you will be left

Description

This magnificent Cape Georgian house has been beautifully restored, combining modern simplicity with historic elegance.

Mardouw is situated in the Western Cape Winelands on the R60, between Swellendam and Ashton, a mere two and half hours drive from Cape Town or George.

Mardouw offers two charming suites and three intimate rooms that boast breathtaking panoramic views of the Langeberg Mountains. All suites and rooms are equipped with five star facilities for your convenience.

Dining

Have you ever dreamt of a dining experience where every detail of the setting, the flavours, and the ambience are perfect, something to recall for the rest of your life? Your long wait is over . . . Dining at Mardouw is an unsurpassed encounter that will linger in your memory and on your taste buds for a long time to come . . . Both the romantic setting and the cuisine are show stoppers that will seduce you with their glamour and èclat.

Enjoy your first sip of perfectly chilled crisp white wine with tappas, which is served on the veranda as the sunset transforms the mountains to a soft rosy glow. Or you might enjoy your first tantalising tastes of the evening under the pergola, where herbal fragrances mingle temptingly with the fragrance of the food. You’ll feel the excitement of anticipation as you know that there are more exquisite flavours to follow . . . You will enjoy our gourmet four courses by candlelight under the stars, where the finest gleaming silver and sparkling glassware complement the gastronomic delights that Karen has perfected. Everything will remind you that dining at Mardouw is indeed a 5* encounter with fine food and wine.

Our chef Karen has honed her skills in Europe under the tutelage of some of the world’s finest cooks, and is passionate about the dishes she serves. She brings exciting new flair to Mardouw’s fare. At its heart is the freshest of ingredients from our own herb and vegetable garden, coupled with the best of game, fish and country cheeses. Her imaginative preparation provides subtle flavours, sophisticated tastes, and perfect presentation, which Karen has put to the test on many discerning guests. Combining fusion with African eclecticism, her cuisine will pamper your palette with tastes that are distinct yet harmonious, and quite unforgettable.

For those who book the entire country house for a family or group getaway, a special experience awaits. Dinner will be served in our boma, where the combination of fireflies in the gloaming, firelight and starlight, provides unique romantic dining under an African sky. It goes without saying that the dishes served for your delight will provide the essence of dining perfection.

As you round off your meal with our exquisite aromatic coffee and perhaps a liqueur, you will feel that your day has reached a heavenly end…

 The new owners, the Verder family, have tastefully transformed the old residence into a 5-star Country House, set on a flourishing olive and wine estate.

The Cape Georgian building was restored by Swellendam’s Jeremy Purén, sought after as a heritage specialist. The new owners requested that Mardouw be restored into a modern homestead, while maintaining its original style and using as many of its old doors, windows and ceilings as possible. The headboard in the De Luxe Suite formed part of the banister in the original staircase. Look for the brookie-lace pillar as you enter the herb garden, also an original feature. The fireplace in the lounge and the pool were designed by Belgian architect Danny De Munter.

Durban architect Maria Vidal designed the main gate and pillar at the entrance.

It was Cape Town architect Margie Walsh who redesigned the main house and restored the original barn to its present state.

Jan Hagen of Montagu was commissioned to landscape the rose garden, herb and vegetable gardens, the road leading from the main entrance to the house, the terraces and walls surrounding the pool and dam area.

Attractions

Mardouw’s driving range is situated to the north of the Country House, just a few minutes’ walk away.  A golf car is also available for golfers. A special Mardouw project involves the children of the estate in collecting the golf balls for you.  The children are in this way learning to count and improve their use of English.  The scheme was devised by Manager Mandy Marshall, putting her Montessori training to good use in the interests of the upliftment of the farm community.

Stroll through our scented rose garden or join the chef in our herb and vegetable garden as she makes her selection of fresh produce for the day.

Lure fishing can be enjoyed in our well stocked dam below the infinity pool or on two of the dams; a twenty minute walk away. Take a drive in our golf car to view the estate enjoying the sounds of nature looking for Springbok or exploring the Bywoner ruins.  Birdwatchers will enjoy viewing the herons and waterfowl, and other seasonal species that migrate to Mardouw. Take a picnic style lunch specially prepared by our Chef down to the water’s edge and enjoy the afternoon at leisure on the lawns.

Persons under the age of 18 who wish to ride a bike must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that our licence does not permit guests to make use of their own bikes on our property.

Accolades

:Tourism Council of SA Star Grading

TGCSA Star Grading

Facilities

Weddings

Mardouw strives to be the establishment of choice in the Overberg area by welcoming guests into the warmth and hospitality of its home.

Located 28km from Swellendam and 20km from Ashton, Mardouw is ideally situated in the heart of the wine growing area and one can explore the historic town of Montagu, and the Robertson and Bonnievale wine valleys.

A wedding or special occasion celebrated at Mardouw is always an unforgettable experience, enjoyed in an unsurpassed setting.

Country House

For 20 guests or less, the Country House itself provides an elegant and graceful setting for your special day. You could exchange vows in our magical garden beside the infinity pool, where colourful blossoms and sunbirds set the scene. Another choice for the ceremony is alongside our picturesque dam, bordered with lush vegetation and the home of colourful waterfowl. With your intimate friends and family celebrating with you, your reception on the verandah, with its lovely outlook, will be something to remember.

Marquee

If your party of guests numbers between 20 and 40, the marriage ceremony can take place in the gardens alongside the infinity pool. This tranquil setting will enhance the mood of your wedding as you exchange vows. For the reception and dancing, you will require a marquee. Our gardens are spacious, and even the presence of a marquee will not cramp the style of your very special occasion. Everything at Mardouw will contribute to the stylishness of your wedding.

Boma

If nature is your thing, why not choose our Meditation Tree for a uniquely alternative venue for the ceremony? The Meditation Tree is situated close to our Boma, which is the ideal local for a reception with a difference. The view of the mountains above, the smell of fresh air and the sound of birds, will provide a memory of a lifetime for you and your guests. If you are nature lovers, this is the ideal romantic venue for your wedding.

Accommodation

The Superior Suite - Nocellara del Belice

Sumptuous reds set off the quieter tones of African artifacts, and compliment the warmth of the fireplace in winter. The suite comprises lounge, dining area, inviting bedroom and bathroom, with separate toilet, and its special features, such as double handcrafted stone sinks and salt box. Private verandah and own entrance for your ultimate seclusion. This suite is on the ground floor and has direct access to the pool.

The Superior Suite offers the ultimate in luxury and privacy with its own lounge and dining area where guests may enjoy sumptuously prepared meals in the privacy of their own space.

A private verandah leads to the sparkling designer infinity pool whilst the seductive reds of its eclectic African décor set off some quieter neutral tones and complement the warmth of the fireplace. With its vibrant colours, the bedroom offers a unique take on décor and comfort.

This Suite allows for privacy and at the same time provides the space the bride will need on her wedding day. Hairdressers, the make-up artist and photographer will be able to move around comfortably. You could not be more at ease than in this Suite on your wedding day.

De Luxe Suite – Kalamata

This haven of tranquillity also has its own private lounge, sporting the farmhouse’s original stone-surround fireplace (complete with fossilized moss) and a spectacular collection of artwork by South Africa’s famous Father Frans Claerhout, and private view of the garden.

Glimpses of the mountains beyond merge with the sense of nature. There is a private verandah and direct access to the pool from this de luxe ground-floor suite, which is also wheelchair friendly.

The three Upstairs Rooms,
All three rooms have access to the west verandah, where you can enjoy views over the Infinity Pool and garden to the hills beyond. All rooms are equipped with mini-bars, electronic safes, hi-fi’s and DVDs, satellite television, hair dryers, coffee/tea facilities, towelling robes, slippers, telephone and internet access facilities. Each room has a private bathroom with a separate toilet..

Leccino

In keeping with the natural ambience of Mardouw, this luxurious double room is soothingly decorated in warm honey tones. Tasteful furnishings and eclectic art complete the picture of a relaxing retreat, where you can unwind in perfect privacy.

The sweeping view from the private balcony takes in the mountains to the east, and immediately overlooks sloping lawns and the magnificent trees that frame the picture. In the morning you might hear the call of the Piet-my-vrou from your sunlit room, and in the evening the hooting of the Cape Eagle Owl will lull you to sleep.

 Frantoio

This comfortable double room has a distinctly African feel, from the warm stone colours of the furnishings to the delicate Bushman sketches that adorn the walls. The ambience is warm and relaxed; the perfect place to contemplate your experiences of the day.

When you wander out onto your private balcony, bird calls will enchant, while the view of Mardouw’s symbolic olive tree with its stone surround will gently remind you that everything here is tranquil; perfectly designed to enhance your peaceful stay.

Coratina

Decorated in cream and the soft olive colours of the veld, this spacious twin room offers privacy and tranquillity. The tasteful graphic art and African bead hanging typify the simplicity of the earth and upmarket sophistication that Mardouw combines so well.

You might be welcomed on your private balcony by swooping swallows and the mysterious call of the Diederik Cuckoo. The view of the mountains to the east, sometimes scarved in mist, will invite you to relax in nature in this lovely country environment.

Location