Philippa Castle has shared an album with you.

2011-09-13T20:18:00.001+02:00

You are invited to view Philippa Castle's photo album: Stanford Birding Photographic Competition 2011

Accommodation in South Africa

2010-11-16T12:00:00.000+02:00

Sleeping-OUT, the premier South Africa accommodation guide.

The Cove Movie Trailer

2010-08-16T21:14:00.000+02:00

Angel Lighthouse

2010-08-14T19:27:00.000+02:00

Angel Lighthouse from Philippa Castle on Vimeo.

"Angel", lyrics and vocals by Johannes Basson

As a former Southern African Tour Guide of quite a number of years and manager of a guestfarm in Stanford... I am in a position to assist you with accommodation in the greater Overberg Area. This is the I.B.A. Important Birding Area...

So, wherever you want to stay and whatever you want to do, I can and will be of assistance to you. My fee is entirely negotiable, depends on your requirements and may, in fact, be free... i.e. paid by the establishment and activity operator... you may want to go shark-cage diving, or whale viewing by boat... take a trip on the African Queen or simply have a picnic at Klein River Cheese Factory.

Let me be your personal guide, I will make your stay in the Overberg and South Africa memorable beyond words... Email info@stanfordbirding.co.za or call 082 943 4327

Life Moves On... Alternative Accommodation Offers

2010-05-05T13:59:00.000+02:00

I am now in a position to offer you a selection of farm accommodation in the greater Stanford area. After years of marketing accommodation in the Overberg region, my name and cellphone number, together with a few websites, not limited to this blog, are frequent results pages in Google for Stanford Accommodation and activities.

I would like to offer you, our valued customer, to contact just me, with all your holiday requirements. I shall place you in the most suitable accommodation and shall be on hand to suggest and book, where necesary, any or all of your planned activities.

As a former Southern African Tour Guide as well as captain of the South African Women's White Water Rafting Team in 1995, I am well equipped to host your visit to our area and will gladly be on hand to offer my expertise.

Please contact me on 082 943 4327 or leave a message for me at my offices in Queen Victoria Street, for the Fijn Bush Telegraph. Alternatively you may contact me directly at ads@stanfordlocals.co.za or philippa@vectortech.co.za

Faith Like Potatoes...

2009-11-15T10:41:00.000+02:00

Yes, I have faith and God invented humour. Oak Grove Farm has been a 4 year labour of love and as they say in the classics, all good things must come to an end...

Seeing and meeting people who come here to look at the farm to take over our job makes me realise what a damn fine job we have done. We are being wise, thank you to all my owl friends!

From a building site and a farm overrun with alien vegetation to a successful 3 star self-catering business and a stunning farm.

We have learned much, had a fabulous time living on this side of paradise, near Nirvana and welcome the change that these times are bringing.

I look forward to our future with optimism and gratitude.

Philippa Castle
xxkx

p.s. with thanks to Shane and Lisa Lopion for all their superb gardening, fishing and friendship...

FIRST WEDDING IN THE FLOWER HOUSE, OAK GROVE FARM

2009-10-11T07:33:00.000+02:00

Yesterday Bruce and I hosted the first wedding at Oak Grove Farm and it was fabulous. The ceremony, to join together Sandra and Ian, was held under the Oak Grove, at noon, adjacent to the newly renovated Flower House. The weather was clement and the guests were in awe of the stunning setting of the farm. Bruce had rigged up an amp and speakers, so all could eaily hear the minister's words and Sandra and Ian's vows to one another.

Bruce and I, together with André van der Merwe's help, prepared a lamb & beef potjie as well as a chicken curry, which we served the 38 guests, seated in a beautifully decorated Flower House. Sirene and Venecia were on hand to serve the starters, main course and dessert and their help was invaluable.

Other than a couple of bottles of champagne there was no alcohol at the wedding and it was lovely. It's really good to see that people can enjoy themselves without any ot the usual crutches. The groom's brother, Hilton, ended up entertaining us with his awesome repertoire of songs and his fabulous guitar playing till "the cobwebs filled our heads" and everyone retired to their houses on the farm around 10pm.

Keep an eye on the blog for the photos which we have been promised as part of the "good deal" Bruce arranged for Sandra and Ian.

Invitation to view Philippa's Picasa Web Album - Stanford Birding Photographic Competition 2009 ENTRIES

2009-09-30T10:08:00.001+02:00

You are invited to view Philippa's photo album: Stanford Birding Photographic Competition 2009 ENTRIES

Stanford Birding Photographic Competition 2009 ENTRIES

5 Aug 2008
by Philippa

View Album
Play slideshow

Message from Philippa:

The entries into the 2009 Stanford Birding Photographic Competition are of such a high standard it is very tricky for me to judge. Please please please help me...

It's easy, simply follow the link, sign up for Picasa Web Albums (IT IS SAFE AND FREE), browse the photos and click the "like" button. Feel free to leave a comment too as this will be useful to me. The judging will be finalised by tomorrow morning (Thursday, 1st October) and the best will be on display at Stanford Arms Lounge.

If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=Philippa.Castle&target=ALBUM&id=5366775352977941265&authkey=Gv1sRgCJmxguKY5_OM3QE&feat=email

To share your photos or receive notification when your friends share photos, get your own free Picasa Web Albums account.

I can't see the wood for the trees

2009-09-29T07:59:00.000+02:00

Come join me on Stanford Birding on iPeace

2009-07-31T16:42:00.001+02:00

iPeace

Sharing Peace - Making A Difference

Philippa Elaine Castle

Philippa Elaine Castle has invited you to join Stanford Birding on iPeace

Hi there, this is a new group I have started on a very important networking website. Please join iPeace and support the Stanford Birding Group.
Thanks,
Philippa.me

Birds, birders, birding, avi-toursim, habitat conservation. The entire Stanford, Overberg / Overstrand region in the Western Cape is now classified I…

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Created By: Philippa Elaine Castle

Check out Stanford Birding on iPeace:

http://www.ipeace.me/group/stanfordbirding?xgi=0pU7UxV

About iPeace

iPeace is a community of PEOPLE who believe that peace isn't just a dream.

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Kogelberg Bioshpere Reserve - A Celebration of Fynbos

2008-11-24T08:41:00.000+02:00

Celebrating a South African First.

Just an hour or so out of Cape Town, stretching along one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives and up into the fertile valleys of the Elgin orchards, lies the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve…South Africa’s first UNESCO designated biosphere reserve.

The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve was signed into being 10 years ago. Its claim to fame is not only its breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, with towering fold mountains tumbling into the ocean. No, it has a less obvious uniqueness…the greatest number of plant species for its size anywhere on earth!

A Celebration of Fynbos and the KBR! For the last 4 years KOBIO, (the Kogelberg Biosphere Association) has staged a festival in Kleinmond to celebrate this special place. Each year the Fynbos Festival has grown…and now it’s become a 4 day celebration, each with its own theme!

Saturday 13 December has a ‘Fynbos & Food’ focus. There will be guided fynbos walks and talks, fynbos plant sales, plenty of delicious sea-food, wine-tasting of local wines, dried fruits and nuts plus food specials and live entertainment.

Sunday 14 has an ‘Ecoscape’ focus; walks to see SA’s only wild horses, mountain bikes for hire in the core of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, sand-boarding on SA’s highest sand-dunes in Betty’s Bay, horse rides through the fynbos and other outdoor adventures.

Monday 15 December is the ‘Kids Carnival’ with slippy slides, jumping castles, face painting and more.

On Tuesday 16 December, it is ‘Market Mania’ - the local animal welfare will hold its traditional ‘rarities and collectibles’ stall and every trader will have bargains to browse…

And on each and every day, Kleinmond’s Harbour Road will be buzzing with crafts, stalls, indigenous plant sales, fynbos-friendly Christmas tree sales, live entertainment and the “Green and Holistic Living” expo.

Although the Harbour Road Waterfront (a year-round tourist favorite) remains the core of the Festival, other KBR villages will also be participating on the fringes. There will be guided walks at the Stony Point Penguin breeding colony, Betty’s Bay, attend a talk at the beautiful Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay…or do a tour of the Green Mountain wine route and overnight at the coast ready to hit the “Green and Holistic Living Expo” at Harbour Road and the book fair and flower photography lecture at Mthimkhulu Eco-Village, Kleinmond. For beach lovers, Pringle Bay’s ‘Windgat Festival’ kicks off on 16 December.

So for anyone with a love of nature, good food, books, bargains or adventure…this is the Festival for you! Keep in touch with the programme details on http://www.ecoscape.co.za or call the friendly Hangklip-Kleinmond Tourism Bureau (028) 271 5657…they also provide a free accommodation booking service.

Oak Grove Farm joins Fynbos Ecotourism Forum

2008-11-17T18:42:00.002+02:00

NUUSBRIEF / NEWSLETTER 8 (2008/11/14)

As usual the Fynbos Ecotourism Forum workshop of the 16th October was a great sucess and all present found it very informative and enjoyable. Steve and Linda Castle of the Stanford Valley Guest Farm hosted the workshop and the beautiful, rustic setting of the venue was in perfect harmony with the theme of the day, “Our feathered Friends”. Wilfred Chivell van Dyer Island Cruises was die eerste spreker en het gesels oor die Brilpikkewyne (Spheniscus demersus) van Dyereiland, waarvoor hy ‘n groot passie het. Die seevoëllewe op die eiland en omliggende kus word veral, soos oral, bedreig deur die onnadenkende optrede van mense en die bewaring daarvan is uiters noodsaaklik. Dyer Island Cruises is nie net ’n lid van die Forum nie, maar as gevolg van Wilfred se passie is die Dyer Island Conservation Trust gestig. Omdat daar vroeër jare ghwano op die eiland geraap was, is die natuurlike habitat van die pikkewyne vernietig, sodat ontmoontlik is om daar te broei. Neste is ontwerp wat op die eiland, asook ander broeiplekke aan die Kaapse kus, geplaas word waarin die pikkewyne kan skuil. Besighede en die algemene publiek kan van die neste aankoop en sodoende help om die bedreigde Brilpikkewyn se voortbestaan te verseker. Besoek gerus die trust se webtuiste, www.dict.org.za om meer van hulle werk te wete te kom. Wilfred se belangrikste boodskap was dat die mens moet ophou mors met God se skepping.
If you visit the Western Cape Birding website (www.westerncapebirding.co.za), you will only find information on the Flamingo Birding Route on the West Coast and the Overberg Birding Route. Dr Anton Odendal, Bird Life Overberg and other role players have launched the Overberg Birding Route during the Stanford Birding Fair in 2004 and they are still working very hard at developing the route. He gave a very interesting talk on the necessity to develop birding routes in the Western Cape and why ecotourism as such would benefit from it. According to Anton, bird watchers are the largest group of ecotourists internationally and they often visit areas outside peak seasons, most likely in the deep rural areas. They spend money where others do not and therefore the local people, as well as the greater region, will benefit greatly through various opportunities, such as guides, accommodation, crafts, etc. For instance Limpopo Birding Route contributes R40 million and Zululand Birding Route R15 million to their respective regional economies on an annual basis. Birding tourism has a much lower impact on the environment as other outdoor activities. In the Overberg we have a diverse bird population and that is why it is essential to develop and market this route. Unfortunately we were not able to enjoy the slide show of birds photographed by Mr Nico Myburgh, as he was in hospital. We hope that he will fully recover soon.
‘n Heerlike middagete is voorafgegaan deur ‘n wynproe wat deur die volgende kelders geborg is: Lomond, Raka en Appelsdrift. Birkenhead Brewery het gesorg vir diegene wat bier verkies en Kleinrivier se kaas het dié proe-sessie afgerond. Ons opregte dank vir die bydrae tot ‘n suksesvolle werkswinkel.
Recently on a British Airways flight from London, while paging through the onflight magazine, a photograph caught my attention, because the place look familiar. It was wonderful to read about Farm 215 as one of the places which Angelina Villa-Clarke recommended in her article Navigator. Congratulations, Maarten and co. We are proud of you.
Bruce and Philippa Castle of Oak Grove Farm has joined the Forum and we welcome them and hope they will benefit from our organization. For more information on the Forum, contact Aletta Groenewald, tel 028 388 0551, or Mariaan Burger, tel 028 388 0384
Mariaan Burger.

The Managers at home in Stanford

2008-11-17T11:56:00.000+02:00

2008-10-24T12:31:00.000+02:00

Hi there

My aim with post is to begin to make a photo collection showing the changes that have been made on the farm since Bruce and I moved here Xmas 2005. Our first guests stayed with us just before Easter 2006 and so almost 3 years down the line, we wish to share with you this magical journey of transformation. 13 000+ photos later, I am sure I can come up with some interesting combinations, collages and stories.

Cheers 4 now,

Love Philippa

HALLOWEEN AT RESTAURANT PAPRIKA

2008-10-22T17:44:00.003+02:00

We will be feeding the living and the dead (the brain dead, however, can go hungry) at Restaurant Paprika on Friday, 31st October 2008. Our MENU FROM THE MORGUE, is to DIE OF ! So get your reservations in early. Tel. No. (028) 341 0662. Those of you who normally look scary (you know who you are!), come as yourself, the rest, please dress up.
Be at the restaurant at 7:00 for our delicious, delightful PUTRID PUNCH.
R 105pp

MENU

Starter
Franken Fingers with Crisp Bat Wings
(smoked salmon mousse with melba toast)
or
Alien Face stuffed with Chunky Chuck Up
(avocado with fruit salsa)

Mains
Hermanus Human Heart
(chicken breast in a capsicum cream sauce)
served with
Liposuction Lard, Maggotty Leiwater Slime and Monster Tonsils
(mashed potato, spinach, sauteed with pine nuts and sultanas and cauliflower)
or
Gansbaai Roadkill
(black bean stir fried beef on Chinese noodles)

Dessert
Phlem Brulee

Elgin Valley Market - Saturdays 9am - 2pm

2008-10-15T12:30:00.006+02:00

Hi there friends of Oak Grove Farm, yup, this is me! This is surely the only place to stop on the way to Stanford... (well, almost!) to pick up all those delicious country delicacies.

And of course we Stanfordians like to make friends on our travels. I knew this picture would be needed one day and therefore grabbed the moment on my Samsung mobile. I must be psychic or something?? A few weeks later this car was written off - ostensibly by the suspension collapsing - caused by the unkempt main road, in Hermanus, near the golf-course. Ouch! But thanks for the cool pic, Mr Pierre Martheze, racing stud farm owner.

Baardskeerdersbos Art Route

2008-09-11T12:38:00.001+02:00

Hello Everyone

We would like to welcome you all to the next Baardskeerdersbos Art Route which will be on Saturday and Sunday 27th & 28th September, 10.00 - 5.00.

There is a new map available which I have attached for your convenience.

Following on from the last art route in May, we have organised exciting and healthy food which will be available at two of the exhibiting artists, as well as tea, coffee, wine and other beverages at most of the artists studios/homes.

To see more about the food or in general about the art route, you can go to our web site www.freewebs.com/artroute

If you have any questions feel free to contact me via email or my cell number below.

Kind regards and we look forward to seeing you again!

Amanda

Amanda Jephson
Artist/ Landscaper
ND Land Tech; BAFA; MAFA
Cell 084 3502025
Email: topiary@whalemail.co.za
Web: www.freewebs.com/assegaaibosch
www.freewebs.com/artroute
www.southafricanartists.com/home/AmandaJephson

5th Stanford Glendower Bird Fair 3-5 October 2008

2008-09-04T15:56:00.001+02:00

Dear Friends

The birds are flocking and getting ready for the 5^th Annual Glendower Bird Fair, taking place from Friday 3 October to Sunday 5 October 2008.

Should you be in a position to share this information with others, we shall be most grateful.

Another way of showing you support the birds is to consider placing an advert for Oak Grove Farm blog on http://www.stanfordbirding.co.za/ or simply logging on to http://www.facebook.com/ and loading the Stanford Bird application – a unique way of telling your friends about the fair what prizes they can win!

With kind regards and thanks in advance,

Philippa Castle

Stanford Glendower Bird Fair Committee

Email info@stanfordbirding.co.za

Website www.stanfordbirding.co.za

Tel 028 341 0570

Mobile 082 943 4327

Blog www.stanfordbirds.blogspot.com

P Consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

STANFORD GLENDOWER BIRD FAIR

FRIDAY 3^RD UNTIL SUNDAY 5^TH OCTOBER 2008

www.stanfordbirding.co.za

Stanford is preening itself for the Annual Bird Fair; this is again sponsored by Glendower Whisky and Overstrand Destination Marketing Organisation. Now in its 5^th year, the focus is more bird related with additional festivities arranged by Stanford Tourism.

Avitourism, being the fastest growing outdoor activity worldwide, is also happening in South Africa. Birding Routes, Important Birding Areas and Birding Weekends are the order of the day and are occurring everywhere.

Outstanding speakers will enrich and educate us with their knowledge and expertise. Two special outings are also planned. Guided bird watching walks through Stanford are offered to those who do not wish to drive. There will be a guided Heritage Walk on Sunday, viewing some interesting buildings earmarked during Stanford’s 150^th celebrations.

So, come to Stanford for a weekend and enjoy our natural beauty, our restaurants and cafés and our walks and talks. Some of the highlights are listed below and most are FREE of charge.

SPEAKERS

Peter Ryan – conservation biologist will talk on sea birds

Peter Chadwick – world renowned outdoor and nature photographer presents a talk on Cape Vultures and the Birds of De Hoop Nature Reserve

Marijke Honig – plant ecologist, landscaper and regular contributor to African Birds & Birding magazine will tell us how to garden for birds. Her talk will be followed by a visit to a local garden.

Phil Hockey – overseer of the monumental production of the 7^th edition of Roberts – Birds of Southern Africa, will present a talk entitled “Avian sex: honesty or deception”. He will be our guest speaker during the Saturday evening informal function.

OUTINGS AND EVENTS

Glendower Whisky Tasting Friday night – snacks provided. Dave de Beer will do a short presentation on the officially recognised status of the Overberg as an Important Birding Area. (IBA)

Blue cranes - Bronwyn Botha of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) will inform us on the Western Cape Crane Conservation Project. The route covers farming areas between Hermanus and Caledon. She will highlight the need for cooperation between private land owners and nature conservators. Blue Cranes are common in and around the Overberg but the size of their national population is still low and unstable.

Flower Valley Farm - Phil Hockey will guide a walk on Flower Valley. A Trust was formed to conserve highly endangered lowland fynbos. Flower pickers are taught sustainable harvesting.

Live show - Eagle Encounters with live raptors.

BIRDING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

All keen photographers please enter your photographs of birds taken anywhere in South Africa. Your photograph of a bird could win you any one of these wonderful prizes:

· First Prize: Shark cage diving experience with Marine Dynamics

· Second Prize: Flight of Giants with African Wings

· Third Prize: self-catering accommodation at Oak Grove Farm

· Forth Prize: a meal at Stanford Gallery

· Fith Prize: a year’s subscription to Africa Birds & Birding

"GUESS WHO" Band playing in Stanford 3 October 2008

2008-09-02T17:25:00.002+02:00

GUESS WHO

VENUE: MARKET SQUARE, STANFORD

Stanford Country Carnival

DATE: FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER 2008

TIME: 19:00 – 23:00 Entrance free

REPERTOIRE

ADDICTED TO LOVE ALL RIGHT NOW AMAZED

BABY CAN I HOLD YOU BAD MOON RISING BAND ON THE RUN

BEHIND BLUE EYES BLACK MAGIC WOMAN BLUE BAYO

BLUEBERRY HILL BOESMANLAND BORN TO BE WILD

BRICK IN THE WALL BROWN EYED GIRL BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP

CANDLE IN THE WIND CAN’T GET ENOUGH COCAINE

CLUB AT THE END OF THE STREET DANIEL DE LA REY

DIED IN YOUR ARMS DOES YOUR MOTHER KNOW DON’T STOP

DON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER ME EVERBODY HURTS EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE

FIRE GIVE A LITTLE BIT GO YOUR OWN WAY

GRASSADE GUITAR MAN HE AIN’T HEAVY

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN HEARTACHE TONIGHT HEMEL OP TAFELBERG

HOLD THE LINE HOTEL CALIFORNIA I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

I’D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME I’LL BE YOUR BABY TONIGHT I’M A BELIEVER

IF I SAID YOU HAD A BEAUTIFUL BODY I NEED MORE OF YOU INTO THE NIGHT

IT’S A HEART ACHE IT’S MY LIFE IT’S NOW OR NEVER

I WANT TO BREAK FREE JOY RIDE KAROLIS

LADY IN RED LET YOUR LOVE FLOW LIEFLING

LIEWE LULU LODI LONELY SKY

LOVE IS ALL AROUND LYING EYES MUSTAND SALLY

MY LIFE NEW KID IN TOWN NEW YORK NEW YORK

OLD TIME ROCK AND ROLL ONE LAST KISS PAMPOEN

PEACEMAKER PURPLE RAIN RADAR LOVE

ROCK AND ROLL IS KING ROCKING ALL OVER THE WORLD ROOIROK BOKKIE

SISTER GOLDEN HAIR SOOS BLOED SPROEITJIES

STAAN NET N BIETJIE STIL STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART SULTANS OF SWING

PLUS MANY MORE…

Birkenhead still open for business

2008-09-02T12:41:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone

Just a bit Stanford history is that Bruce designed the website www.birkenhead.co.za and both of us did a lot of marketing for them. Times change and so do people… all is forgiven J

Philippa

----- Original Message -----

From: Andy Mitchell

To: Janeen Vallenduuk

Sent: Monday, September 01, 2008 10:24 AM

Subject: Birkenhead still open for business

Hi Janeen

We had a few Stanford people in over the weekend, and the impression seems to be that we have closed our kitchen. We did close during August for renovations and repairs (and to accommodate leave for staff).

So this is just an info email to let you know that our Kitchen has reopened along the lines of a Pub Menu operation, under new kitchen management. We have redecorated our Pub and want to welcome Stanford and the Overstrand to come back and try our food and Beverages (Beers, Wine and Water). The newly decorated Pub is very warm and friendly, and it was good to see a few locals coming back to kuier over the weekend.

Unfortunately we will not be catering for functions.

Please spread the word.

Thanks

Andy Mitchell

Restaurant Paprika offers HPF Wine and Food Pairing 5 & 6 Sept 08

2008-08-30T10:48:00.002+02:00

RESTAURANT PAPRIKA

30 Shortmarket street, Stanford

5^th and 6^th September 2008

R150pp

For a 5-course meal with an appropriate wine from Hermanuspietersfontein accompanying each course.

For reservations, contact Dolla on Tel. No. (028) 341 0662 or e-mail: paprika@omail.co.za

FW: signs

2008-08-29T19:17:00.001+02:00

From: Stuart Findlay [mailto:stuart@finessetextiles.com]
Sent: 29 August 2008 02:41 PM
To: Oak Grove Farm
Subject: signs

Hooray,,

They are up!! Mind you, I am not sure I can see where this one is. Are the others up at the end of our drive?

Glad you are still taking pics of the farm. It looks quite different without leaves on the Oaks!

As much as I would like to retain the ruin, and the two dams, I am afraid it will not be possible.I look forward to refurbishing Bottlebrush and upgrading Lavender, when we have some cash!

Keep up the good work and am pleased to see you love the place as much as before. Let us make it viable!

Stuart

Winter Sunshine at Oak Grove Farm

2008-08-28T18:15:00.022+02:00

Hello Friends of Oak Grove Farm.

I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Two and a half years have gone by whilst dealing with all the red tape involved in processing municipal signage applications.

When the sun came out I was on a mission to photograph our smart new Oak Grove road signs, which are the envy of all in the local tourism business.

As I drove up the road towards Elim, Papiesvlei and Salmonsdam Nature Reserve, I had an almost bird's eye view looking up towards Oak Grove Farm, neatly nestled in the valley beneath the towering peak of the Akkedisberg.

All that can be seen of the houses on the farm from this road are the manager's house, namely, Honeysuckle Cottage (Yes, I know Anne Robinson thinks the name is cliché!) on the top left, adjacent to the shed. Rooibos House's NE facing verandah is shown on the bottom right, near the small Blue Gum Forest. As these photos are taken in late August, the majority of the Oak Trees are without many leaves.

Receiving 3 telephone calls about accommodation whilst I was out walking didn't deter my photo mission as thoughts of Stuart
Findlay saying "take a photo from up above the farm" kept me away from my office
and PC. Aah, it's such a tough life in Africa, but someone's got to
do it!

The farm is looking beautiful. "Bruce and his Girls" (11 women & 5 men many days) put in a lot of effort to help make Oak Grove Farm the talk of the town. These beautiful pink Protea Repens are amongst the first Proteas to bloom after the

This picture is taken from halfway up the front of the farm looking over our Pine Forest to Stanford.

The Black Headed Heron perched beautifully on one of the old dead trees at the trout springwater dam and calmly stood there while 3 dogs, myself and a cat walked past. It was a good reminder for me to keep my camera at the ready. His sillouette in the mid-morning sunshine is just too exquisite for words and a definite candidate for my new Stanford Bird application on http://www.facebook.com/. With elegance and grace the Stanford Birds are doing their thing for the 5th Stanford Glendower Bird Fair, taking place from Friday 3 October to Sunday 5 October 2008. These two white-faced ducks were literally only metres away from the Heron. From this angle above the dam, it makes a lovely picture of Fynobs Cottage, Protea & Water Lily Studios and Lavender Cottage.

In this next photo we could have an acceptable entry into the Stanford Birding Photographic Competition with this close up of the White-Faced Duck. Unfortunately I am the organiser of the competition and have been the one to source the prizes. Take a look:

Your photograph of a bird could win you any one of these wonderful prizes.
First Prize: Shark cage diving experience with Marine Dynamics
Second Prize: Flight of Giants with African Wings
Third Prize: self-catering accommodation at Oak Grove Farm
Forth Prize: a meal at Stanford Gallery
Fith Prize: a year’s subscription to Africa Birds & Birding
. Then the White-Faced duck couldn't handle all the attention... :)

The NE-facing view of all the accommodation units on the farm.

Here is Rooibos House in the foreground with Fynbos Cottage on the left, adjoining the double storey unit, of Water Lily Studio. The front door of Protea Studio can just be seen poking it's head out in the middle, set back as it is, on the balcony above the swimming pool deck. Lavender Cottage, with it's pet-friendly self-catering home and enclosed garden is the first house you see when you come up the entrance driveway to Oak Grove Farm.

A closer look at Rooibos House with the new sheltered terrace deck above the private, heated swimming pool.
Lavender Cottage is of course the prime stand-alone home-from-home with all the privacy and views one could wish for.

This close-up of the front entrance to Protea Studio, shows the lovely sheltered pool deck, communal to the top houses. The fig trees are yet to get their leaves, but it won't be long now.
Fynbos Cottage, the old main house on the farm, is looking spritely in it's refurbished state and has many happy a guest gazing out of those big lounge windows.

Now this is a part of the farm that is going to look beautiful when fully restored and renovated. Lets hope that somehow the lovely house at the back can also one day be restored and brought in under the Oak Grove Farm banner. It really feels part of the farm, especially with those springs and stunning fresh water dams. This really is one of the most sheltered parts of the farm and it was for good reason that over 100 years ago these homes and outbuildings were positioned where they are!

The four horses in their paddocks, also enjoying the warm winter sunshine. The next picture shows the shed on th left, the reservoir in the centre and Honeysuckle Cottage under the Oak Trees. (See there are some leaves aready!)

And, lastly, here is Sarie enjoying the beautiful evening sunset with her nearly 3 year old colt (I'd say stallion) blissfully content with his new home...

Good night :)

Flock to Stanford for Double Celebrations from 28th September

2007-09-23T11:55:00.000+02:00

INTERNET MARKETING CONSULTANTS

WEBSITE DESIGN & MAINTENANCE

DIGIVID VIDEO BROCHURES

Stanford Technology Centre

Shop 7b Queen Victoria Street, Stanford

P O Box 141, Stanford, 7210

Western Cape, South Africa

www.digividsa.co.za info@digividsa.co.za

Tel 028 341 0946/0570 ~ Fax 088028 341 0570

Mobile 082 943 4327 ~ 072 135 1687

Hello Philippa

We are all a flutter with excitement as our 4^th annual Stanford Glendower Bird Fair draws near, this year being exceptionally special as the Bird Fair kicks off the 150^th Anniversary celebrations for the village of Stanford.

Together with our fellow Stanfordians we have pleasure in inviting you, your family and your friends to join us in our celebrations. Come and take part in what we trust will be another wonderful weekend for birds and birders alike, with plenty of other exciting events and activities for the whole family.

Events and celebrations begin at 8:00 am on Friday, 28^th September and continue until 5 pm on Sunday, 30^th September.

For the full bird fair program, go to http://www.stanfordbirding.co.za/program.html

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

Lectures and talks

· Morne du Plessis, CEO of World Wildlife Fund SA

· Nico Myburgh, Famous bird Photographer

· Dalton Gibbs, Rondevlei Nature Reserve

· Norman Larson, author and photographer of spiders:

· Louis Nel of Kleinmond Posduifklub

Live animal displays

· Cheetah

· Monkey Town

· Eagles & more raptors

· Spiders

· Snakes & other Reptiles

· Racing Pigeons

Bird and nature film festival

· March of the Penguins

· Happy Feet

· An Inconvenient Truth

Mini ID course on Overberg birds.

Guided bird outings

STANFORD BIRDING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

Prizes:

· Flight of the Giants with AFRICAN WINGS

· Pet friendly accommodation at OAK GROVE FARM

· Stanford Technology Center gift pack

· 1 hour outride for 2 people with AFRICAN HORSE CO

· Meal for 2 at BIRKENHEAD MICRO BREWERY plus runner up prizes of Honey Blonde Ale, Premium Lager, Malt Stout, Red Reloaded & Crystal Fynbos Still & Sparkling Water

Simply email each individual entry, in a separate email, to info@stanfordbirding.co.za. Include your full name, age, location the photo was taken, the correct name of the subject matter and your own unique caption.

De Waal Steyn, Media Manager of www.dieburger.com, says the video footage filmed a few weeks ago at Oak Grove Farm, of me promoting Stanford’s double celebrations, will be on the home page of the website on Thursday 27^th September.

STANFORD 150TH CELEBRATIONS/GLENDOWER BIRD FAIR - PROGRAMME

DATE	EVENT	COST
Ongoing	Photographic competition and display
Ongoing	Photographic tribute to senior citizens
SEPT: Mon 24	Ukuxhela Traditional Ceremony	Free
SEPT: Fri 28	Street Bash and naming the RDP township	Free
SEPT: Fri 28 - Sun 30	Police displays & demonstrations	Free
SEPT: Fri 28 - Sun 30	Fynbos & Flower display	Donation
SEPT: Fri 28 , 08:00 - 17:30	Bird Fair Exhibition Centre	Free
SEPT: Fri 28 @ 09:30	Cheetah. Live demonstration by Cheetah Outreach	Free
SEPT: Fri 28 @ 11:00	Monkey Town. Live demonstration	Free
SEPT: Fri 28 @ 12:00	Nico Myburgh. Famous bird photos slide show	Free
SEPT: Fri 28 @ 12:30	Bird puppet show	Donation
SEPT: Fri 28 @ 15.45	Snakes & other reptiles. Live demo Cape Reptile Club	Free
SEPT: Fri 28 @ 15.45	Bird watching river trip on African Queen boat	R80pp
SEPT: Fri 28 @ 18:00	Official opening, whisky tasting, Music by ZAMAR. Dinner	R75pp
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 07:15	Bird watching river trip on African Queen boat	R80pp
SEPT: Sat 29, 08:00 - 17:30	Bird Fair Exhibition Centre	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 08:00	Glendower Bird Spotting game	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 09:00 - 17:00	Country Carnival: Stalls, entertainment, etc	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 09:00	Snakes & other reptiles. Live demo Cape Reptile Club	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 10:00	Film: An Inconvenient Truth	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 from 10:30	NG Kerk Bazaar	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 from 10:30	Magic Show	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 11:00	Rope Skipping demonstration: SA Gymnastics Federation	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 11:00	Habitat talk by Dalton Gibbs of Rondevlei Nature Reserve	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 12:00	Falconer & Black Eagle. Live demo by Eagle Encounters	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 13:00	Marinba Band	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 13:30	Spiders & other goggas. Norman Larson	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 14:15	Dance Variations: Maypole Dance	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 14:45	Prof Morne du Plessis talk. CEO World Wildlife Fund SA	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 15:00	Gumboot Dancers	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 15:00	Film: Happy Feet	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 16:00	Bird watching outing to Mosaic Farm	R50pp
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 16:45	School of Rock	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 17:30	Street procession.Wear Bird Mask! Klopse, drummies, etc.	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 @ 18:30	Dance Variations: Spanish Dancers	Free
SEPT: Sat 29 from 18:30	Street party. Bring your own or buy. Live music.	Free
SEPT: Sun 30 @ 07:15	Bird watching outing to Mosaic Farm	R50pp
SEPT: Sun 30, 07:30 - 12:00	Mini Bird ID Course by Dr Anton Odendal	Free
SEPT: Sun 30, 08:30 - 15:00	Bird Fair Exhibition Centre	Free
SEPT: Sun 30 @ 09:30	Interdenominational Church Service, ProMusica Choir	Donation
SEPT: Sun 30 @ 11:00	Monkey Town. Live demonstration	Free
SEPT: Sun 30 @ 11:00	Regiment WP march & wreath laying	Free
SEPT: Sun 30 @ 12:00	Racing pigeons release/talk L. Nel Kleinmond Posduifklub	Free
SEPT: Sun 30 @ 13:30	Spiders & other goggas. Norman Larson	Free
SEPT: Sun 30 @ 15:00	Film: March of the Penguins	Free
OCT: Fri 5 - Sun 7	Fynbos & Flower display	Donation
OCT: Fri 5 - Sun 7	Unguided Heritage Walks with map	Free
OCT: Fri 5, 16:00 - 17:30	"Forced Removal History" walk	Free
OCT: Fri 5 @ 18:30	"Stanford 150: Portrait of a Village" Photo exhibition	Free
OCT: Sat 6 @ 09:00	Dog Show
OCT: Sat 6, 08:30 - 11:30	Farmers Market	Free
OCT: Sat 6, 10:00 - 14:00	Vintage/Old car, tractor & farm implements display	Free
OCT: Sat 6 from 10:00	Scarecrow display/competition	Free
OCT: Sat 6, 11:30 - 13:00	"Forced Removal History" walk	Free
OCT: Sat 6 @ 11:30	Renovations at Die Spookhuis	Free
OCT: Sat 6, 14:00 - 18:00	Workshop	R60pp
OCT: Sat 6, 17:00 - 19:00	Wine Tasting of local wines	Free
OCT: Sat 6 @ 19:00	Country dinner @ Kobus' house	R250pp
OCT: Sun 7, 11:00 - 12:00	Devotional Music Performance	Donation
OCT: Fri 12, Sat 13	Stanford play	Yes TBA
OCT: Sat 13	Six a side soccer finals	Free
OCT: Sat 13	Egyptian Odyssey: A Journey Thru Ancient Egypt	R50pp
OCT: Sat 13	Traditional Skuurdans
OCT: Sun 14	Cricket Tournament	Free
OCT: Fri 19	Do It Day	Free
OCT: Sat 27	St Thomas church Fete	Free
OCT: Sat 27	Prizegiving of photographic competition
OCT: Sat 27	Adamsappel Concert/Show	R60pp

For more information about the celebrations and activities planned for Stanford’s 150^th Anniversary, visit Stanford Tourism Bureau online, email stanfordinfo@overberg.co.za or call 028-341 0340

So Philippa, flock to Stanford and do it with the birds! We look forward to welcoming you here in the heart of the Overberg.

Kind regards

Philippa Castle

Partner

DIGIVID

p.s. I am dancing in the Spanish Dance Production “El Deseado”, being staged by The Dance Variations Co., in the Marquee on the Stanford Village Green

p.p.s. Be sure not to miss the "Stanford 150: Portrait of a Village" Photo exhibition by Annelize Mouton of Village Life fame, being held at Stanford Galleries.

Tyla announced she wanted to come and stay at Oak Grove Farm...

2007-08-27T14:32:00.001+02:00

tyla visit aug 07

I think she really liked the look of the new printed brochure which Stuart and Penny put together in the UK. Very smart, very professional and a creates a perfect impression of what to expect when one visits Oak Grove Farm. Well, I'm sure for my 7 year old neice, Tyla, it wasn't the descriptions, but the pictures which captured her imagination. Oh, and of course she wanted to spend some time with Aunty Pippa and Uncle Bruce. Click on the picture if you would like to see the album of her visit.

What you put in... You get out...

2007-08-24T23:59:00.000+02:00

Online Marketing for Oak Grove Farm - Google Results

Some people call me Rainbow Warrior...

and then I went a little further and had a hand in marketing the Stanford Glendower Bird Fair

Bruce & Babi complete irrigation at Rooibos House

2007-08-13T09:15:00.000+02:00

Bruce spies the camerawoman with her zoom lens whilst hard at work getting the final touches of the irrigation system set up to water the lawns of Rooibos House!

Babi, the cool dude who has lived on this farm longer than anyone else...

Hobbes looks on and ensures all is well, but who is up there on the hill taking the photograph he wonders?

The Coral Tree pokes it's green leaves into the photo to show how it is thriving in its new position, after having moved to it's 3rd home!

Bonfire away!

2007-08-13T03:13:00.000+02:00

The view to the top of the farm

Afternoon wood clearing and bonfire preparations...

2007-08-13T00:02:00.000+02:00

Sir is probably wondering if the camera is permanently attached to his wife...

Pulling out dead alien trees is not back breaking work Bruce!

Gooi it on the pile...

The damp weather does make for safe, but smoky fires.

Doing it for the Birds...

2007-07-25T03:51:00.000+02:00

Dear Stanford River Talk readers

It is Stanford Glendower Bird Fair fever time, this year coinciding with the actual date of Stanford’s 150th anniversary on Saturday 29th September 2007. Events kick off at 8am on Friday, 28th September with the opening of the information and exhibition centre at Okkie Smuts Hall and the start of the Glendower Bird Treasure Hunt where there are many prizes to be won. At 9am you can view the opening of the Fynbos & Flower Show at the NG Kerk and the Children’s Bird Art Exhibition & Sale.

To get in on the action, see the full program details, accommodations, restaurants, etc. Visit our website at http://www.stanfordbirding.co.za/

Where Birds of a Feather, Flock Together

STANFORD BIRDING AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
Birds, birding & birders and their habitats in and around Stanford.

PRIZES
FLIGHT OF GIANTS with AFRICAN WINGS – Win the ultimate whale viewing experience for 2 people and get an Eagles eye view of whales undisturbed and unaware of human presence. Valued at R1 500
PET FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION at OAK GROVE FARM – 3 Star self catering for up to 5 people in three bedrooms and your pets. Win 2 nights midweek, to be taken up before 1 April 2008, subject to availability. Valued at R2 400.
STANFORD TECHNOLOGY CENTRE gift pack incl. 1GB flash disk, optical mouse, writable CD’s, stationery, A4 Laser colour prints of the winning photographs.
AFRICAN HORSE CO offers a 1 hour outride for 2 people in the Stanford Valley region.
MEAL FOR 2 at BIRKENHEAD MICRO BREWERY plus runner up prizes of Honey Blonde Ale, Premium Lager, Malt Stout, Red Reloaded & Crystal Fynbos Still & Sparkling Water

Get creative, get funny, get wet… and go birding! The amateur photographic competition is open to all and consideration will be given to young aspiring birding photographers.

To enter, simply email each individual entry to info@stanfordbirding.co.za, together with your full name, age, location the photo was taken, the correct name of the subject matter and your own unique caption. All photos submitted will become the property of http://www.stanfordbirding.co.za/ and may be used for future marketing purposes.

You may enter as many photographs as you like as long as each photo is sent in a separate email. Closing date for entries is 5pm Friday, 21 September 2007.

Invited judges: Annalize Mouton, Village Life; Kerri Brokensha, Stanford River Talk; Peter Younghusband and Nikki Miles, Stanford Gallery; Anton Odendaal, Birdlife Overberg; Elsa Gebhard, Bird Life Walker Bay; and Philippa Castle, Stanford Glendower Bird Fair.

Calling all photographers...

2007-07-24T07:00:00.000+02:00

To enter the STANFORD BIRDING AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION simply email each individual entry to info@stanfordbirding.co.za together with your full name, age, location the photo was taken, the correct name of the subject matter and your own unique caption. All photos submitted will become the property of http://www.stanfordbirding.co.za/ and may be used for future marketing purposes.

Dancing in the sunlight...

2007-07-23T00:49:00.000+02:00

Annalize Mouton of Village Life Magazine came up to Oak Grove Farm to take photos of me dancing at Rooibos House. Annalize is compiling a special edition for Stanford and the 150th celebrations. She is also compiling a coffee table book on the history and present day of village life in Stanford.

She mentioned 7 photographs are being selected for display in the Stanford Gallery, as well as being part of her exhibitions is Worcester, Germany, Holland and the USA.

This excerpt from her email to me really made my day...

"It was an amazing experience. The photos are really exquisite. A friend, a professor in Psychology visited today and ordered three of the photos of you dancing on the lawn. She is a beautiful person herself and said your photos should be titled after Kundra's "The incredible lightness of being". To me in some of the photos it looks as if the clouds and the sky are giving birth to you and the dance. And we were successfull in capturing the movement, not only of you but the wind too. Thank you."
I thank Annalize for the opportunity and, as I am a former St. Cyprian's school girl, I offer my best dancing courtsy...
p.s. In the one month I was invited for 4 separate photo shoots. More about this subject later at my Rainbow Healing blog.

Advert for Stanford 150th Celebrations

2007-07-17T02:10:00.000+02:00

I designed this advert with the help of Hanlie Allen specifically for the Stanford 150th Celebrations booklet.

Let's go for a little walk...

2007-04-26T02:47:00.000+02:00

Enjoying a walk around the upper section of the pine forest whilst checking for alien regrowth after last year's veld fires is thirsty work. Hobbes and Baloo are seen here, not so subtly hinting that it is time to return home and get a drink!

The photographer / joint inspector reckons that being able to take photos at Oak Grove Farm is worth the investment in his fancy new Canon Digital SLR and the exercise is surely good for his body, mind and soul...

Reiki @ Oak Grove Farm

2006-12-31T11:57:00.000+02:00

Do you need rest & relaxation, peace & tranquility and some energy balancing on an emotional, physical, mental and/or spiritual level?

Take some time out to give to yourself and allow the Universal energy (Chi or Ki) to replenish, ground, balance and uplift you or simply just fill you with inner peace and love.

2006-12-30T21:45:00.000+02:00

El Carousa
is out of the bloodline of Al Mufti and National Assembly
Born Nov 2005.
Elcarousa is welcomed into the greater Oak Grove Farm family, but more specifically to his proud new owner, Penny Findlay, in partnership with race-horse breeder Pierre Martheze of Riverside Stud, Stanford.

"Life as a colt in Stanford is idyllic..."

Riverside Stud at Blue Moon Farm

Photos by Philippa Castle

2006-12-30T15:51:00.000+02:00

D'Ville Ads

This is the advert I put together with the help of the designers of D'Ville Ads Publications, for insertion into a special Overberg feature, being distributed Dec 06 and Jan 07 on the Cape west coast area. I know we have had one direct call from this advert thus far and we shall keep tabs on the effectiveness of this type of advertising.

A gentleman, we'll call him Larch, leaving the farm two days ago returned yesterday to collect a small silver charm necklace which his daughter had inadvertantly lost and Bruce had managed to find, much to her delight, glinting in the garden in the evening sunlight near the barbeque area where the family had enjoyed themselves the previous evening. Larch, from the Kirstenbosch Botanical Society, said something to this effect: "When you close your eyes in Onrust (where they went on to vacation for a further 3 days) all you hear is shouting and splashing kids, noisy children, cars..." as he closed his eyes and soaked up the peace and tranquility that is Oak Grove Farm, albeit even for only another moment.

2006-12-30T15:02:00.000+02:00

Evidence of the fire having literally licked the leaves of the Oak Trees is seen here in this photo of me in the lower dam with Hobbes and Baloo, one of the places where I practice my art of Reiki Healing for animals.
This photo shows the expanse of the farm as yet unestablished in the landscaping arena. Note the bare area around Rooibos House
Of course one needs to take time out to relax after getting fit running up and down the hill between the units. It had been quite some time since I considered myself fit in any way and the guage of one's fitness level is judged by one's rate of recovery - so I practised that a lot!! The burned pine forest in the distance still looks virtually identical
Yes, and there the dogs and I were, running up and down the hill - again! Just for the photo though... I am always looking for new photo opportunites for my other blogs, like Rainbow Kidz

2006-12-30T13:42:00.000+02:00

BEFORE THE FIRE...

This is how the farm was in our first month of being here - before the fire! Before the houses were finished, before the gardens were planted, before, before, before...

We had just completed the wire fencing job on the white picket fence around Lavender Cottage, to ensure that our two rather large hounds, suitably named Hobbes and Baloo after their cartoon namesakes, would remain confined when necessary - and, of course, to have an accredited "pet-friendly" establishment in the future.

Note the large alien vegetation in the bottom left photo which soon got burned out! Now it has regrown after the fire to about 1m already and we are using poison donated by the DWAF Working for Water program to create areas of completely rehabilitated Fynbos land.

Personal note from author: One sometimes wonders what it is all about when your neighbour goes out hunting for the indigenous Rooikat under the auspices of them taking lambs... And that Fynbos behind Baloo in the picture of him with the Red Hot Pokers, well that is already all gone, for sheep food. I ask merely, what happens to that land if the rains don't come? Where is the respect, where is the love, where is the conscience, are we not all connected?

Fire Fire Fire...

2006-12-30T11:00:00.000+02:00

FIRE ~ FIRE ~ FIRE

This is where we were 11 months ago!

Stanford's burning
Stanford's burning
There're no engines
There're no engines
FIRE! FIRE!
FIRE! FIRE!
Beat with the Wattle
Beat with the Wattle

28 January 2006

Note from author: The fiery rage which had burned inside me down at Reiersvlei - for various reasons, was made beautifully manifest by the awesome power and humbling ferocity of this fire, which raged around us for 15 days. On the last day when it was once again necessary to receive outside assistance, we were inadvertantly having lunch with the retired Chief of London's Fire Dept, Frank Mees, OBE to the Queen. We received a call from Stuart Findlay that we ought to get back as the helicopter was having to put out the flames coming closer to our new home, Lavender Cottage, as well as the rest of the units up at the top of the farm!

2006-07-04T23:08:00.000+02:00

Sunset Cocktails on the stoep of Rooibos House, the new Cape Dutch designed home from home. 4 separate sumptuous en-suite bedrooms with heated towel rails to boot!

A warm and friendly atmosphere welcomes you to Oak Grove Farm.

Photograph courtesy of Mr Van der Merwe of the Stanford Technology Centre and Kerri Brokensha of Stanford River Talk.

2006-07-04T22:55:00.000+02:00

That thing that makes your day!
The new owners of Oak Grove Farm tell their African story.

Standing on the stoop of Rooibos House, the newly built farmhouse of Oak Grove Farm near Stanford, the three owners, two English and one Dutch, tell all about their African adventure. “After a holiday in South Africa we decided to buy a holiday home as we wanted to stay here now and than for a month or so. We decided for Hout Bay. Although being happy there, we thought it after all a bit too townish and too busy. We always wanted a farm, and after a nightly break in, the decision to move was easily made. We sold the house and started searching in the Overberg region, an area we always loved because of its nature and people. After a few months we found this beautiful retreat in the hills, just 10 km from Stanford. We are overlooking the Klein River Valley and the mountains, and have views stretching all the way to Hermanus. We believe it’s the best place on earth.

Although the farm is not huge, there were several existing buildings in good condition and also some ruins. The old main house, a traditional South African farmhouse with 7 bedrooms, was not exactly what we wanted. We always had a Cape Dutch style house in mind, and found Maureen Wolters prepared to do the plans for it. It has become a balanced layout in a rather classical way, with a big living and on each corner a bedroom/bathroom. Lots of old wood has been used. But the place to stay is definitely the stoop. That thing makes your day.

From the beginning of the construction work we had Jason Woest as a project manager on the spot. He checked all details, bought materials, rushed around all the time in his bakkie to find the old oregan pine and other old stuff we needed. It should be a house giving that old majestic feeling. We ourselves came over from Europe now and than to assist Jason (and probably also to disturb his daily ritm.) Beginning 2006 one of the English partners and his wife came over for the finishing touch and to move the furniture from Stanford Storage into the house . Than again a period of work started as we needed blinds, a drive way, upgrade electricity, improve water supply, seed grass around the house etc. You name it and it was on the list. On top of organizing all those things, they had to cope with the bush fires, as they reached our boundary from two sides. That was not funny anymore. Several times they were prepared to evacuate. Thank God it was not necessary.

Having decided to build our new house, the question came up what to do with the other buildings? It was an easy decision: The old main house has been divided into more units which will be let out as self catering cottages. With their own stunning view and their own swimming pool we think people will love to be here. Slowly we also will renovate the other old buildings as much as possible in their own old style.

We found Philippa and Bruce Castle, a couple with experience in the tourist business and well known in Stanford. They now live on the farm and are the managers of Oak Grove Farm. They are responsible for the lettings. They love Stanford and the Overberg and are the best to market our farm and the region.

Aah Baloo...A Red Hot Poker view... from Oak Grove Farm

2006-06-22T07:35:00.000+02:00

Baloo, my big baby boy, at the bend in the driveway with the Red Hot Pokers (Knipphofia uvaria) (Afrikaans: vuurpyl) that grow naturally on the South-facing slopes of Potberg, Soetanysberg and other coastal hills in the area between Clanwilliam and Port Elizabeth. Flowers October to January.

The views in the background stretch accross the Klein River Mountains all the way to Hermanus Lagoon and Hermanus itself.

2006-06-20T09:35:00.001+02:00

Video Video Video

Model: Philippa Elaine Castle http://www.philippacastle.blogspot.com
Camera: Alan Robb +27 (0)72 538 8317
Date: May 2006
Editing: Alan Robb
Copyright: Digivid http://www.digividsa.co.za

2006-06-20T09:26:00.000+02:00

Aah, such is life in the country! Our advert to be appearing in the July to December issues of Country Life magazine. Spot the bird overhead...

2006-06-08T06:00:00.000+02:00

Rooibos House next to the Oak Grove showing the greenness appearing after the 15 days of fire which rages through the Overberg in January and February this year. The Buffalo grass planted in March is coming along well, so were the weeds and winter grass which were taken out by hand and dumped and later burned.
View of inside of Protea Studio. Angeline, the local seamstress has since tailored the curtains to fit just above the kitchen counter.

2006-04-10T21:21:00.000+02:00

Oak Grove Farm, Salmonsdam Road off R326, Stanford, Western Cape, South Africa.

Tel: +27 (0)28 341 0570

Cell: +27 (0)72 135 1687 +27 (0)82 943 4327

www.oakgrovefarm.co.za

info@oakgrovefarm.co.za

Farm Accommodation in Stanford and Swellendam, Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa

Winners Stanford Birding Photographic Competition, 1 - 10 plus a few photos which received commendations... to the lovely sounds of Freshlyground