I was lucky enough to spend an autumn weekend in Greyton and discovered that lavender was certainly the colour of the season.
Lavender Rose Cottage is just like the flower, in so many ways. It’s a rare kind of find, best shared with someone whom you find most enchanting. It can be found in the very first street as you arrive in Greyton; to the side of a narrow gravel road. Its quaint white walls, surrounded by a wooden gate and foliage, topped with thatch, made us feel immediately at home. Our hosts, Nicola and John met us with warmth that matched.
The interior was cosy, but cool. It boasted a fully furnished lounge, dining room and self catering kitchen with TV and fireplace for those romantic winter nights. You will find two neat double bedrooms upstairs, with a separate shower room; together with a full bathroom downstairs, together with lush garden for barbecues. The thatch was home to a few cobwebs, but friendly ones, like the ones you find in Charlotte’s Web. In fact, they blended in with the farm atmosphere. And I wouldn’t have changed it for the world.
Abbey Rose Restaurant on Main Road came recommended to us and we couldn’t have been more pleased. Within walking distance, a rustic welcome awaited us by Anita and Andre, and we felt as comfortable as the leaves on the patio that whispered in the wind in the dark night outside. A range of South African dishes and South African wines were available, but we could not resist the spare ribs, which were accompanied by the best potato chips ever. Corkage costs R20. We left the restaurant feeling very fulfilled and a bit tipsy as we waved goodbye to a table of friendly locals on the patio outside.
We spent Saturday noseying around the dusty streets, in between the leaves, in and out of old curio shops and plenty of quaint places to stop for tea. Vanilla Cafe was particularly special, definitely worth a stop. One shouldn’t miss out on the Saturday morning market (where we spent time scoffing down quiche, cheese and many other delicacies). I bought an old dusty book for a bargain price, so left with a smile, pleased as punch with my new found treasure.
It’s been three months since we were there (how life in the city flies!), so this blog comes your way, albeit a bit rusty – but while I squeeze my eyes tight to remember, the cobwebs brush aside and I reach into the back of my mind to draw an image of a perfect Lavendar Rose where even the fragrances become clear.
Contacts in Greyton
Greyton Tourism
www.greytontourism.com
Lavender Rose Cottage
www.greytonweekends.co.za/accommodation/self_catering/lavenderrose.html
Abbey Road Restaurant
Tel 028-254-9470
Email [email protected]
www.abbeyrose.co.za
Vanilla Cafe
Tel 028-254-9453
