Bloemhofkaroo Guest House, Hygge away from Home

The annual migration from Johannesburg to the coast has become an institution for our family. Perhaps surprisingly, the 15hour drive with three kids, two grandparents and a dog (not in order of importance) is something we look forward to, almost as much as the long holiday stretching out before us. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, we find the trip cathartic, a therapeutic cleansing of the busy period leading up to the Xmas break. The second reason is the Bloemhofkaroo Guest House.

The Bloemhofkaroo is located 25km south of Richmond on the N1, an 8hour drive from Johannesburg. As a result, it is over the half way mark to both Cape Town and Kenton-On-Sea, so purely by the virtues of geography it suits us perfectly. However, to say that this is a pit-stop of convenience would greatly undermine its appeal. This can best be illustrated by the fact that we have never just stayed one night, two is the minimum, but three we think is perfect.

What makes the place so special?

Well, I could wax lyrical about the beautiful historic home with well-appointed rooms, or the legendary long sunsets beheld from the stoep with a gin and tonic in hand, or how the stars at night punctuate the black sky with their bright beaming light. You can see some amazing pictures on the website, so please take a look. I could write about the hiking, the biking and the safari’s, all of which help the restless, rest. I do want to mention the food, which is unpretentious, plentiful and utterly delicious. No slate plates, smoke infusions or foam here. Just great family food, morning, noon and night.

What I want to talk about is how the Bloemhofkaroo makes us all feel. The best word in the English language would be ‘welcome’ but the Danes would say ‘hygge’, which is probably better. Staying at this guesthouse is like one long consistent embrace, from the friendly staff, from the comfortable rooms, from the private dining room where our family can sit and eat together, from the slow plodding tortoises and from the whinnying horses. Each and all, takes our merry band with a grace and patience that very often I don’t feel us-especially after a long drive. As we drive off the N1 we take a collective sigh of relief, tinged with excitement, for we know for the next few days we will be welcomed.

Best stop over from Johannesburg to Cape Town

The Bloemhofkaroo is different from other guest houses because they offer a home and not just a house or a bed for the night. This isn’t easy to replicate. Its not easy to find. But lucky for you, you know just where it is.

For more information and to check availability please see their website here: http://bloemhof-karoo.co.za/