Tulbagh’s answer to a real country wedding venue
The 80-minute drive to Morgansvlei Country Estate, from the Cape Town CBD, reminds one that the simple life is not far away, and by simple, I mean a place where time seems to stand still, and one can literally feel the stress leave their body.
Whether you take the N1 towards Paarl or the R304 towards Malmesbury, the view is magical.
In order to reach Tulbagh you need to detour from the main highway, which is a complete pleasure, as all you can hear is the wind in the trees and the quiet of nature.
As you turn by the blue Morgansvlei Country Estate sign, you are greeted with welcoming rows of sturdy Plane trees and adjacent vineyards. You have finally arrived in the real country!
Wedding Venue
Who wouldn’t want a venue all to themselves and loved ones? Morgansvlei offers that exclusivity, in that you can book the entire estate out for your wedding. With accommodation that can cater for up to 30, its own personal and quaint chapel and their Clearwater reception hall that can seat 180, you really could not ask for a better venue for a private wedding.
Lida Hanekom, the resident manager of Morgansvlei, had this to say when asked what made the estate different; “You will experience country hospitality at its best here. A photographer’s delight and a wedding couple’s little piece of heaven.”
While the venue is primarily geared to cater for weddings and conference functions, Lida welcomes overnight guests too. If you love a hearty and delicious breakfast, then you have to book your stay whilst travelling through Tulbagh.
The setting couldn’t be more perfect. As you leave your country-style room, you can take a relaxed walk around the little lake, walk out on to the old wooden jetty, or simply sit quietly on the bench, taking in the wonder of the picture-perfect surroundings.
The chapel nestles neatly next to the reception hall. So no matter the weather, the entire wedding party can move across without worries. And as for the possibilities of wedding photographs, you are spoilt for choice, with Green and lush garden areas, vineyard fun, lakeside poses, country walks and architecture from the 1700’s.
Accommodation
With the accommodation rooms, you’re swept into simple, but modern country décor, spacious and airy, with a fire place to warm the cockles of the heart. No TV for you here. This is pure off the grid. But, you really won’t want for more – crisp white linen and towels, and a self-catering kitchen equipped with a bar fridge, microwave, crockery and cutlery.
In summer you can take a dive into Morgansvlei pristine swimming pool, light up a few steaks at the outdoor braai area and enjoy close friends and family, whilst taking in the incredible sunset.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Morgansvlei with such a warm reception from Lida, tranquil surroundings and fabulous food. Besides the warm appeal of Morgansvlei, the little town of Tulbagh also has some hidden gems. Catering to the foodie lover in you, the wanna-be artist or history fanatic, a little of something for everyone.
We will most definitely be returning and hopefully before the snow melts on the mountains. Be sure to book your wedding at Morgansvlei soon, as this is fast becoming a popular venue, or simply consider an overnight stay on route.
For all enquiries and bookings, contact Lida Hanekom on 023 230 0877 or cell 027 84 584 1820; email morgansvlei@telkomsa.net or visit www.morgansvlei.com/contactus.php. Online bookings can be made at www.morgansvlei.com/weddings_bookingform.php.
Written by Lisa Bell
Photo credit: Geoff Easton at http://geoffeaston.com/
