Expect this and much more in the quaint unpolluted village of Tesselaarsdal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Settled in the heart of the Overberg (South Africa) between picturesque mountains indigenous fynbos and lots of<\/g> trees as a backdrop. Being only 21 km from Caledon and the N2, 38 km from<\/g> Stanford, 45 km from Hermanus and 150 km from Cape Town, it is ideally<\/g> situated to be a holiday destination within easy reach from every<\/g> part of the Western Cape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tesselaarsdal\u2019s potential tourism credentials are boosted by its colourful history.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Tesselaarsdal is named after Johannes Jacobus Tesselaar (1748-1810), son of a German immigrant who was the first<\/g> land baron after WA van der Stel rewarded him with 50,000 hectares (two farms near Hartebeesrivier, south of Caledon) for his work in the cavalry<\/g>. He owned slaves, had a wagon maker, horses and developed agriculture<\/g>. In a report done by the Tesselaarsdal Action Group (2009)<\/g> it was explained that Hartbeesrivier was named Tesselaarsdal farm 811 to avoid<\/g> confusion by the Post Office as there were two with this name and it<\/g> included everyone on farm 811 and adjoining small farms that have been<\/g> traditionally part of the Hartbeesrivier settlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Tesselaar died he bequeathed to his\n wife Aaltje van der Heide 38 slaves, 150 horses and other movable \ngoods, the couple were childless. His wife continued the farm for 22 \nyears and died in 1832. She died 2 years before slavery was abolished in\n the colony, bequeathed land to her slaves and those under the age of 15\n were to be educated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a South African context this simple act makes Tesselaarsdal one of the most politically correct settlements in the country.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It was way ahead of its time, with \npeople of mixed race owning and working their land since the early \n1800s, co-existing in the area. Though full legal title to the land only\n came in the early 1990s, the way of life in Tesselaarsdal remained \nlargely unchanged, with the descendants of Tesselaar\u2019s freed slaves and \ninheritors quietly getting on with life as history passed them by. So \nmuch has happened since the Mail & Guardian (9th Apr 2010) wrote\u201d \nIt\u2019s easy to see the attraction of Tesselaarsdal. The gently sloping \nhills are dotted with ancient farmhouses and outbuildings. Most have \nbeen around since Tesselaar\u2019s time, making the village a veritable \nliving museum\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tesselaarsdal population has grown to approximately 2000 people (excluding surrounding farms).<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Foreigners and locals alike are \nincreasingly drawn to this little village. More and more small \nself-sustainable farms have emerged. Amongst them you will find \nacademics, entrepreneurs, potters, craftsmen, distilleries, wedding \nvenues, guesthouses, country cuisine and much more hidden gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the 79-year-old and living legend of \nthe village Me Alida Smal Tesselaarsdal explained: you will find a \nprivately own bakery, builders, woodworkers, mechanics, teachers, \nnurses, etc.\u2026. all inhabitants which made Tesselaarsdal so unique and \nself -sustainable. She highlights the fact that there are several small \nhistorical grave-yards which are more than 100 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tesselaarsdal inspireer stadsjapies om die seisoene, kultuur- respek, veilige rustige omgewing en verskeidenheid fauna en flora te beleef. Hier kan jy stap en bergfiets ry, jou ideale trou lokaal kom kies, die warm en gulhartige gashere van verskeie gastehuise ontmoet en stop vir n lafenis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
a nursery, free-range eggs, several \ncrafts (e.g.: Decorative house ware, hiking sticks & doorstops, art \nfrom recycled items hand-made soaps, jams & preserves, metal work) \nto proteas, exquisite aromatic oils, creams & soaps, barley spirit, \nbakery, in season vegetables and several guesthouses and conference and \nwedding venues! Wine tasting is also a very popular excursion in this \narea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visit the SteamPunk Distillery of \nPietersarel de Bruin at Goedgegewe which is home to Overberg Single Malt\n Barley Spirit. He also distills rare aromatic oils for cosmetics and \nsoaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brendan and Sonia from the local country\n kitchen explains that they took a leap in faith and followed their \ndream. To them living in the country, means choosing a slower pace of \nlife. This doesn\u2019t mean that country folks don\u2019t have a lot to do. It \njust means they don\u2019t let the hustle and bustle of the rat race bog them\n down. Country folks relax a little more and aren\u2019t afraid to slow down.\n It is worth your while to taste their country kitchen\u2019s cuisine in \ntheir 1891 Restaurant \u201cDe Postkantoor\u201d. At their unique restaurant you \nwill not just experience warm hospitality but superb food\u2026fresh from the\n garden. In the words from Brendan \u201chere you chill\u2026don\u2019t be in a rush\u2026.\n enjoy the ducks crossing the street\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Tesselaarsdal, which can be reach via a scenic gravel road you will find the soul of the country.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The peace and quiet of country living \nisn\u2019t just about what you can\u2019t hear, it\u2019s also about what you can hear \u2013\n the rain hitting your roof at night, the calling of the blue crane, \nbleating of sheep out in the pasture or early morning rooster crowing. \nThese are the kinds of sounds that play a natural soundtrack to the \npeaceful, country life of Tesselaarsdal. Meet your caring neighbours; \nget those calls for a little bit of flour or a couple of eggs, and you \ndon\u2019t mind one bit because you know your neighbours will do the same for\n you. Roll up the tar road, experience ducks crossing the gravel road, \nbring your mountain bike, binoculars, sleep over, hear the roosters \nearly morning\u2026feed your soul, drink fresh air and restore your energy!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Tesselaarsdal, life is lived at a \ngentler pace, we take time to chat to strangers and we grow our own \nvegetables. You may see us out on an early morning horse ride. Explore \nthe fauna and flora; enjoy the farmlands and interesting characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During winter and early spring expect \nawe-striking views over rolling farmlands to wide vistas of wheat and \ncanola fields. During summer expect clear blue skies with yellow \nfarmlands and sheep wandering. Gather inspiration and celebrate \nmemorable moments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Expect this and much more in the quaint unpolluted village of Tesselaarsdal Settled in the heart of the Overberg (South Africa) between picturesque mountains indigenous fynbos and lots of trees as a backdrop. Being only 21 km from Caledon and the N2, 38 km from Stanford, 45 km from Hermanus and 150 km from Cape… <\/p>\n
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