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Visual feast : When there's a wedding at Halfaampieskraal, the table at Club Havana is layed out the evening before. -
Visual feast : Cutouts of white paper doves are used as decoration when Christmas is celebrated at Halfaampieskraal and nearby Arniston beach. -
Visual feast : Peach tart -
Visual feast : Jan-Georg is an avid collector, decorator and artist. His unique touch weaves a thread throughout the rooms and venues on the farm. -
Visual feast : A birthday picnic on the farm -
Visual feast : The cover of Halfaampieskraal Celebrates -
Visual feast : The cover of VISI 48, shot on location at Halfaampieskraal.
Halfaampieskraal Celebrates. Text by Maia du Plessis, Photos by Simon Scarboro (Human & Rousseau, R265 soft cover)
A 250-year-old wool, down and wheat farm near Napier in the Overberg – the location of our “Farm Values” decor and cover shoot for VISI 48 – has inspired an intimate cookbook that tracks a year’s celebrations on a truly South African farm.
During the past few years, Halfaampieskraal has become a much-talked-about function venue, forming the backdrop to many a wedding photo. Old barns have been transformed into inviting guest suites and the farm’s Cuban-inspired Club Havana has played host to more than a few raucous parties. The unexpected decor – the work of owners Jan-Georg Solms and Cobus Geldenhuys – has also inspired several editors to create eye-catching features for some of South Africa’s best-loved magazines.
Halfaampieskraal Celebrates documents the relaxed food, friendship and festivities that form the backbone of the farm, which is wonderfully traditional in its activities, yet also completely refreshing in its unique style. “The homestead is always evovlving,” writes Maia du Plessis. “A lamp found in a junk shop and given new life with some trimmings, a bounding puppy, a renovation that opens up a room and a new vista, or the addition of a huge fireplace on which Cobus grills lamb chops for supper – there’s always some detail that draws one in, and there’s always a story to tell.
At Halfaampieskraal honest food is served in generous portions, using fresh produce from the farm and the surrounding area. The book shares these bountiful meals with the reader in the form of indulgent recipes and striking photographs that truly capture the essence of this one-of-a-kind breakaway spot.
COMPETITION: VISI.co.za is giving away one Afrikaans and one English copy of Halfaampieskraal Celebrates / Halfaampieskraal Vier Fees. Send your details to web@visi.co.za to enter (be sure to use “Halfaampieskraal” in the subject line). Competition closes 30 October 2011.
More information: www.kraal.biz, www.nb.co.za
