East London - In Winter, when snow dusts the distant southern Drakensberg, the view must be spectacular. John and Colleen Viedge, owners of Bob’s Place, 8km from Maclear, say every day brings something different.
“Sometimes the mountains are pink, sometimes they are draped in mist,” said Colleen.
The day I arrived, an icy wind was taunting the countryside but tucked away on a veranda on the other side of the house we were completely sheltered.
John braaied a spectacular range of meat, while Colleen produced salads and a delectable apple charlotte desert with farm cream.
Afterward we drove around the farm, to check on the well-being of newborn calves in the long grass.
A secretary bird strutted importantly, crested cranes polished their mating dance routine, while sacred ibis flew overhead. The Viedge’s dog, an energetic kelpie, streaked up and down the rolling hillsides… anything that moved just had to be herded, be it bird or beast.
As we drove, John rattled off some fascinating local stories, like the one about a farmer who could not pay his outstanding debt and so offered his land in exchange.
Later, back in the cosy lounge, over drinks, John told me some of the family history. His grandfather, Robert Viedge, came to this country from Hanover in Germany. He and his brother, Henry, founded Viedge Brothers trading store in the Umtata district in the late 1800s.
After he died, his son Robert Viedge jnr bought Highfield farm (where Bob’s Place is) from a Mr Knowles, who had served with the British army in India.
Robert and his wife lived in the large old family house, which is over 100 years old, employing a bevy of servants.
“You’d need a GPS to find your way around it,” said Colleen. “You went through a bedroom to get to the dining room, and went to the bathroom through an outside door.”
Now the house is a little less challenging, and can be rented out, either to a large group or to individuals who need to use one or two rooms, as there are two kitchens, making each unit self-contained. Full of nooks and crannies, it is charming.
Then there are three self-catering cottages. One once housed the engine room and generator; the second the laundry, with wooden stove and heavy old irons; and another the storeroom where paraffin, bottled fruit and other necessities were kept.
Guests have the use of a separate dining room, which was formerly the dairy. All are charming and well equipped. Mine was compact, full of character and snug.
The next morning I woke up to the sound of hooves. Opening the curtains, I watched a horse galloping up and down the road to the main house. Cows on the other side of my cottage, lay contentedly munching grass. Tucked in bed, I was able to watch the sun rise and wait for the world to warm up before venturing forth. - Sunday Tribune
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