You know you have arrived somewhere special when your heart starts beating slower as you drive down the oak tree lined driveway and approach the entrance gate to Vergelegen Estate. This historic farm was granted to Governer Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700. Here he built an estate that reflected the Renaissance influence of wealthy estates and palaces in Europe with their symmetrical plans and ornate gardens. Vergelegen was laid out with a double walled octagonal garden, radial avenues, and four flanking outbuildings - the slave lodge, water mill/stable, the wine cellar and the pigeon house. 

The gardens are vast and many hours can be spent exploring them. When the estate was taken over by Anglo American group in 1987 they tasked their team to restore the grounds to the historic core of the estate and this emphasis can clearly be felt. There are 17 unique gardens to explore and wander through including: Octagonal Garden, David Austin Rose Garden, Reflection Garden, Rose Garden, Sundial Garden, Bamboo Garden, East Garden (In front of Stables), Agapanthus Garden, Camellia Garden of Excellence, Wetland Garden, Fynbos Garden (Cellar), Hydrangea Garden, Yellowwood Walk, Maple Garden, Oak Arboretum, Camphor Forest, Ginko Trees, and the Children’s Adventure Garden.

The Octagonal garden is bordered by a pergola covered walkway along the perimeter and a beautiful garden within this formal enclosed space. A herbaceous border has been planted on either side of the pathway leading to the Homestead with more large Camphor trees adjacent the building.

There is so much to see on this beautiful estate that you may not fit everything in. I advise exploring the gardens in a clockwise direction from the Information Centre. Starting in the Sundial Garden first make your way to the Octagonal Garden, then the Rose Garden, Camphor Forest, Wetland Walk, Reflection Garden, and ending at the Stables restaurant. If you have kids they will have fun in the play area while you enjoy a glass of wine (or coke) after all the walking. If you still have energy you can do the maze which is made from non fruit bearing vines. Depending on how much time you have will also determine if you can fit in the Maple Tree and Yellowwood Walk into your visit. Remember Camellia peak flowering times are June to August so make sure to fit that in if you’re visiting in winter.

The Camphor Forest is absolutely breathtaking. You feel as if you are transported into another world as you walk through this enchanted landscape. The trees have been grown from seedlings from the ‘Big Five’ which are the five original Camphor trees planted in 1700 situated at the front of the Homestead.

You may also be interested in the refurbished and exquisitely furnished buildings such as the Homestead and Library as well as dining at one of the three venues: Camphors at Vergelegen is the signature restaurant overlooking the lawns and gardens located next to the historic Homestead; Stables at Vergelegen is a more casual dining experience with a lovely play area close by and stunning views of the Hottentots Holland mountain range; and finally the Picnic at Vergelegen can be pre-booked and enjoyed in the incredible Camphor tree forest between November and April.

Vergelegen has a vast and rich history and diverse and beautiful gardens that they clearly put a lot of time and effort into maintaining. A visit to this special estate is a rich and rewarding experience.

(Some of the Photographs are from my visit in 2016 and others were taken at my most recent visit - April 2021)

Contact Info

Address:
Vergelegen Estate | Somerset West, South Africa

Phone:
+27 21 847 2100

Email:
info@vergelegen.co.za