Jonkmanshof

There are some homeowners who effortlessly weave a rich story through the style and character of their home’s wares, who create a narrative for their houses to sing to those who wander through their open doors. Indeed, the owners, have spun a Cape Dutch fairy tale in the rustic and infinitely charming form of Jonkmanshof. The historic 1854 Cape Dutch farmhouse is situated in the tiny town of Montagu, in the western part of South Africa’s Little Karoo. Despite its modest population count, the little farm town boasts some of the most majestic of mountain landscapes. Painted in the traditional warm ochre hue, the gabled farmhouse front looks over the gravel garden, a bevy of small ponds, the generous farm pool, and the surrounding mountainous wilderness. The interior of this home is brimming with nostalgic, richly South African, old-world beauty. From the handmade clay tiles beneath one’s bare summer feet to the original river-reed ceilings, Montagu House is something to behold. Almost every room is inhabited by a curated collection of the most magnificent antiques, all of the well-loved and well-used. In the living room, the rich red walls seem to blaze with the light from the original fireplace, whilst the kitchen, as grand as it is inviting and cool, offers a respite from the summer heat and perhaps something to nibble on your afternoon walk through the citrus garden. The library, otherwise known as the ‘Room of Curiosities,’ is one of the owners’ favorite spots, amidst the century-old books, treasures, and talismans, take a seat, grab the nearest novel and escape. This is a getaway home of rare and dignified beauty. Once you leave it’s doors you will have made a generous, elegant, eccentric and richly distinguished new friend in the form of Jonkmanshof.

Area Info

Montagu lies nestled between two mountains. It's crystal clear air is free of any pollution. It is strategically situated between the Garden Route and Cape Town, offering a most picturesque drive.

The weather is perfect: far enough South to escape the heat of the Klein Karoo; far enough North to get away from the long wet winters of the Cape.

Montagu is host to less than ten thousand inhabitants, with a variety of entrepreneurs, hoteliers, a cabinetmaker, a cheese maker, a teddy bear maker, restaurants, and artists.

The area offers a rich history. The most interesting museums being the Montagu Museum, Joubert House ( the oldest local house/residence), the British fort and the natural gardens in town.

The Robertson / Ashton / Montagu wine route is known throughout South Africa. Some of the most well-known wine farms being Van Loveren, Graham Beck, Zandvliet, and Weltevrede.

There are a variety of footpaths to choose from. Lover?s Walk is ideal for an early morning stroll, especially with tortoises, dassies, guineafowl, Egyptian geese and the odd baboon or small buck that shows itself.

Montagu also have some excellent places to do rock climbing.

Niel Burger's tractor ride to the summit of the Langeberg and the optional potjiekos is a must.

Then there are the famous hot springs, situated less than 3kms outside of town at the Avalon Springs. Those who suffer ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism find the warm waters most beneficial.