Go for a drive to this apple farm in Elgin

From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings

Last updated: Wednesday, 26 April 2023

The dirt road leading to Cheverells – surrounded by white rose bushes, rows of orchards heavy with crisp, juicy apples and  views of the rolling hills of the Elgin Valley – is just a taste of all you can expect at this working apple farm, just one hour from Cape Town. 

Enjoy fresh country cuisine in a sun-soaked apple-shed-turned-country-café, go apple picking in season, stay in a charming cottage and more at Cheverells Farm. 

Cheverells is just over an hour from Cape Town, making it a scenic day trip spot. Image: Cheverells Farm

DAY TRIP IDEA: LUNCH IN AN APPLE SHED  

A highlight of the Cheverells experience is the Cheverells Farm Shed, a modern country café that used to be an old apple shed. The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the café with sunlight and allow for a wonderful view of the orchards and surrounding hills.  

Founder Catherine Boome has a background in food and nutrition, and this shows in the menu. It’s small and diverse, with wholesome food that is colourful and fresh. 

Favourites include the salmon, avocado, edamame bean and sushi rice bowl, or the fruit salad made with fresh apples, yoghurt and homemade cinnamon granola. 

Cheverells homemade cinnamon granola is so popular that you can even buy it from the Shed’s gift shop. Image: Cheverells Farm

PICK UP A HOBBY: PAINT, GROW FOOD, DO YOGA 

Cheverells hosts regular events in the Shed, with activities like jewellery making, gardening, painting and floral arranging. 

They’re led by experts like artist Tamzin Heyns (whose art is available in the Shed’s gift shop, a treasure trove of goods made by small local businesses) and usually include coffee and brunch or lunch. If you’d prefer a more active outing, there are also apple-picking events during season. 

Cheverells even boasts its own yoga studio, a brightly-lit chic space atop the Shed. With clean air and the type of quiet you’ll only find in a small town, it's a tranquil spot for meditation. 

Check the upcoming events schedule and book your slot.

The yoga studio is flooded with natural light, thanks to the large windows that look out over the orchards. Image: Tascha Seccombe 

STAY FOR A NIGHT (OR TWO) 

Cheverells Farm is just over an hour away from Cape Town. There are also two self-catering farm cottages: The sweet Kiku and Braeburn (named after apple varieties). The cottages are fully kitted out, with wifi, a well-equipped kitchen (including a coffee machine) and 400-thread count linen. 

There are plenty of plush cushions, blankets and even a small fireplace in each cottage, making it an ultra cosy winter getaway, too. 

Wrap yourself up and get comfy in a deck chair on the charming stoep, overlooking the garden that’s full of rose and lavender bushes. It’s a quaint spot to sit and unwind with a book, coffee or  glass of wine. 

Summer or winter, the Cheverells Farm cottages make for a charming out-of-city getaway. Image: Tascha Seccombe 

FINE DINING, BUT IN THE COUNTRY   

Cheverells Farm also hosts classy evenings dedicated to good food, good wine and good company. 

These are some of the most popular events held on the farm. Cheverells partners with a local wine farm and a gourmet chef to design a fine dining menu with wine pairings. The chef talks through the carefully-curated menu, with an introduction to each wine by the winemaker.  

Like the fine dining evening, the watercolour events are particularly popular. Image: Sasha West

TAKE A DRIVE TO CHEVERELLS  

The Farm Shed is open: Wednesday to Sunday, 8am - 3pm
Find it: 55 Highlands Rd | Elgin Valley (a 5-minute drive from Peregrine Farm Stall)
Contact details: cheverellsfarm@gmail.com, 060 861 1044, @cheverellsfarm
See upcoming events: Via the website

By Julia Rowley 

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EXPLORE OUTSIDE THE CITY 

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