Kersefontein Farmer,
Aviator and Advocate
For eight generations, the farm has been handed down to the sons, with Julian Melck the present owner. A hardworking farmer, an advocate of the High Court of SA, aviator, musician and storyteller, this multi-faceted character has been aptly described as a modern Renaissance Man. It is here on Kersefontein that Julian continues the centuries-old tradition of quality farming practices to yield and raise the best possible product.
Julian remains closely involved with the surrounding community. For the guest house he sources as much as he can from the farm’s vegetable garden, including waterblommetjies, and beyond that visits the Saturday market in Hopefield which sells all sorts of home kitchen food that he can stock up on. The area is home to a well-settled community, and they thrive on supporting each
Step back in time
In Kersefontein
STEP BACK IN TIME in Kersefontein
KERSEFONTEIN FARM
Kersefontein is on the Cape West Coast some 150km North of Cape Town between Veldrift and Hopefield. Appearing to exist in a glorious and romantic time warp, the Cape Dutch manor house stands on the fertile banks of the Berg River, its original outbuildings resembling a village street. Starting with the remarkable success of settler Martin Melck, the history of the family has always been closely interwoven with that of Kersefontein. Sheep, cattle, wheat and horses have continued to flourish here over the past two centuries.
The Berg River is host to thousands of waterfowl every spring and beyond the house, the veld abounds in countless wildflowers during the late winter months and marvellous endemic botanicals year-round. Being a working farm, a variety of farming activities are to be seen, depending on the season. Complementing the luxury and comfort of the guest suites, are the excellent meals prepared by the Kersefontein team and served in the early nineteenth-century dining room.
EXPERIENCE THE NOSTALGIA OF A HISTORIC FARM WITH JULIAN MELCK
The Kersefontein experience starts as you enter through the gate posts, and the grace and beauty of a bygone era envelops you. This is the ultimate place to spend time enjoying the gentle pleasures of life – long walks along farm roads, a good read from Julian’s libraries, lazing on the banks, boating on the picturesque Berg River, or simply soaking up the peace and magic of this special place. All in the company of your dedicated and highly skilled hosts.
