Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg

Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.

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Jenni Gillies and Dave Smith, a married couple who both had professions in the corporate world, bought the 200ha farm in 2005. Jenni now takes care of the cottages and farming activities, with Dave assisting when needed while still being involved in the corporate world.

They registered their horse stud as Phefumula, and the retreat inherited the name. The name means ‘take a breath’, and this is the ideal spot for guests to inhale deeply, relax and recuperate.

The restoration of existing buildings and additions started in 2010, and in the same year, Jenni and Dave received their first guests. Jenni tells Farmer’s Weekly that many of their guests are repeat visitors.

PHEFUMULA MEANS ‘TAKE A BREATH’, AND THIS IS THE IDEAL SPOT FOR GUESTS TO INHALE DEEPLY

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

The biggest challenge experienced on the farm is reliable electricity provision. However, any visiting coffeeholic will be pleased to know that a 35kVA generator is part of the solution, with gas stoves and hotplates in most cottages, ensuring that guests may have coffee at any time they wish.

There are no TVs in the units, but many pubs in the area allow guests to watch important sporting events while visiting Phefumula, that is, if the sporting event is more important than the person you are spending the weekend with.

One of the attractions at Phefumula is that guests may opt for self, partial, or full catering. A comprehensive menu offers splendid meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner, and guests also have the option to arrange for a picnic backpack when hiking up the Magaliesberg.