General Information:

Jan Harmsgat Guest Farm has seen a renaissance that captures its rich past, in a way that fits in with the discerning traveler's needs: Space, charm and an unsurpassed opportunity to indulge in an authentic country ambience and history. Guests are treated to understated elegance and comfort, combining the power of its original meter thick walls, yellowwood details, and authentic "Overberg" style while every modern convenience available. Jan Harmsgat Guest Farm has seen a renaissance that captures its rich past, in a way that fits in with the discerning traveler's needs: Space, charm and an unsurpassed opportunity to indulge in an authentic country ambience and history. Guests are treated to understated elegance and comfort, combining the power of its original meter thick walls, yellowwood details, and authentic "Overberg" style while every modern convenience available. The indulgence does not stop with the accommodation but is carried throughout your experience. With renowned chef, Lena Vergotini, creating her 5-course dinner menu, superb lunch and breakfast, every guest is sure to be filled with delight. Jan Harmsgat is registered and has been awarded the Fair Trade in Tourism S.A Trademark.

Accommodation: 

Jan Harmsgat Guest Farm has seen a renaissance that captures its rich past, in a way that fits in with the discerning traveler's needs: Space, charm and an unsurpassed opportunity to indulge in an authentic country ambience and history. Guests are treated to understated elegance and comfort, combining the power of its original meter thick walls, yellowwood details, and authentic "Overberg" style while every modern convenience available. The indulgence does not stop with the accommodation but is carried throughout your experience. Granted as a "freehold farm" in 1723, the historically significant Jan Harmans' schat ("Jan Harmans Treasure") featured in the writings of Lady Anne Barnard. Accommodation can be found in three separate buildings; The Original Wine Cellar (main house) The Slave Quarters and Van Eeden House. Each with its distinctive style and history, Jan Harmsgat tells its story.

Dining:

The indulgence does not stop with the accommodation but is carried throughout your experience. With renowned chef, creating her 5-course dinner menu, every guest is sure to be filled with delight. Famous for the artisan cheese making, preserves, and orchards, Jan Harmsgat provides an award winning dining experience. The Head Chef has been serving Jan Harmsgat guests for the past 16 years. With her sister, Susan, by her side, the kitchen creates dishes that deserve the national recognition they repeatedly receive.

All overnight guests are treated to a Jan Harmsgat Breakfast, which includes fresh fruit parfait topped with homemade muesli and yogurt, followed by hot breakfast of their choice, fresh squeezed juice and fresh brewed coffee or tea. Lunch and dinner menu changes frequently as the kitchen utilizes fresh produce grown in its own garden. Diners are sure to be pleased with choices such as rack of lamb, seared tuna, aged beef fillet, or our famous kudu fillet. All pastas are hand made and salad is picked fresh daily. It is often said dessert should be eaten first, for it is not to be missed. Pecan pie is a specialty made with the organically grown pecans from the farm and topped with homemade ice cream from the dairy.

Activities:

Guests may relax by the pool with a book from the extensive library or explore the surrounding wine routes, as well as museums and heritage sites in nearby Swellendam and surrounding areas. Activities at Jan Harmsgat include: Indigenous wildlife such as Springbuck, Grey Rheebuck and Ostriches are to be seen here. Explore the orchards of fruit, nut and olive trees on the 680 ha farm. Bass fishing - Swelledam is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa. Nearby Bontebok Park, Wine tasting in the Robertson Wine Valley and the Cape Agulhas (only because it is the Southern Most tip of Africa).