SNOW at Twin Falls Farm!

On the 28th August 2021 there was heavy snow in the Karkloof area – the last time this happened was over 35 years ago! We couldn’t contain our excitement when the first graupel started to fall and then became real snow, falling for over 4 hours. It was particularly exciting as it is so rare to see snow right around the Twin Falls Farm self-catering cottages, Ellem and Chimes (and not just higher up on Mount Gilboa). The snow lasted in the shaded areas until lunch time the next day. What a spectacular day. Warm sunshine, blue skies, steam rising and the tinkling of melting ice. Magic! Here are a few photos of our Twin Falls Farm winter wonderland.

Beauty all year round!

While bringing the cattle down from the high grasslands down to the lower winter grazing grasslands, we came across these stunning flowering aloes. This rocky outcrop can be accessed if you follow the plantation road, up past the TwinFallsFarm cottages, pass through the cattle gate (please close after passing through), and once you come out of the natural bush and are in the grassland, then follow the path up the mountain on the left. Only 4×4 vehicles would manage this drive, but it is a lovely walk – and I would recommend the walk as you experience so much more of the environment that way!

Drone photographs

We have just received these drone photographs of Twin Falls. Enticing to come and enjoy the bush and beautiful waterfalls for yourself.

After the strict lockdown restraints this peaceful and tranquil retreat provides solace for the soul. 

Address any queries to info@twinfallsfarm.co.za

Phenomenal Visit

So thrilled to receive this email.

“Just wanted to say thanks for a phenomenal stay at your farm over the weekend. 

My husband and I absolutely loved it!! It is such a magical place you have. 

We would very much like to book it again for next years Three Cranes race. The dates are not official yet, but it should fall on the same weekend as this year. In fact, we’d like to try and convince as many friends as we can to join us, and book both the cottages for that weekend. As soon as the dates are confirmed, I will let you know. “

A Tranquil Walk: musings of a visitor.

Twin Falls Farm – Sunday, 24 November 2019

Jess organised a Restorative Silent Nature Walk at a secret venue. Her secret revealed itself to be Twin Falls Farm! Together with her we were five like-minded people, of whom all except one I knew already – and the fifth, well, a friend of a friend is a friend already!

We started at the recently rebuilt homestead, which is now self-catering accommodation.  I immediately envisaged spending some time there with my wife. Everything available in two, very spacious ‘cottages’ – but, above all, an exquisite setting nestled amidst forested hills at the end of a Karkloofvalley, and part of a Natural Heritage Site. And, to top it all, a crystal-clear stream in front of the cottages.

The Walk! Jess arranged that, once we crossed the stream, we would maintain Silence. There is something so liberating about practising silence, especially when in Nature. No distractions from social exchanges, even when with friends. Yet my experience suggests that silence actually promoted a deepening of our communication. 

Indigenous forests and running water unlock something deep within. Our Silence allowed me to hear all those sounds in Nature that one seldom hears, particularly the bird calls.  All my senses come alive, increasing my appreciation even of the humid air and the luxuriant undergrowth.  

Traversing paths, rather than pushing one’s way through the undergrowth, enhances the quality of the experience. What gratitude I felt to those who laid out and now maintain these paths. 

Restorative the walk certainly was!  And a walk in such beauty and in the fresh air enhances one’s appetite for the picnic breakfast that we enjoyed on our return to the cottages.

Twin Falls is definitely worth a visit, and even more so a stay-over, so as to thoroughly imbibe its tranquillity and beauty.

Ross Haynes
December 2019

An early Sunday morning walk

Jessica Dreamtime took a small group walking in the forest. They visited both waterfalls and then spent time on their own. One of the group –
Kate Brown wrote this:
The best kept secret in KZN. A truly beautiful unspoilt area to commune with the diversity of nature. Absolutely fabulous and unforgettable.

Open Gardens at Braco

What a wonderful way to celebrate Heritage Day. My grandparents moved into their home as a newly married couple in 1905. Over the weekend 160 people came to share the beauty of this farm. The indigenous mist belt forest, the krantz over which Grey Mare’s Tail falls, and the magnificent old trees planted over the years in the garden, provides a glorious setting.

The garden was at its best with camellias still flowering, azaleas, blossom and clivia providing beautiful colour and annuals lining the edge of beds. It is hard to select only a few photographs.

If you would like to visit Braco at any time and bring a picnic please just contact us.

Heritage Day Weekend

There were a host of activities in the Karkloof with many people taking a long weekend with Heritage Day on Tuesday. Temperatures soared extremely high on Friday & Saturday then plummeted on the Monday & Tuesday.

Ellem and Chimes were both occupied with guests participating in the 100 miler. A couple who travelled from Namibia said on their departure – “we are ready to move in tomorrow.” What a lovely complement. The other family asked us to update our information to share that there is a stove in the kitchen.

So herewith a list of how the kitchens are equipped. You will find a stove, microwave, toaster, kettle, hot plate & fridge. There is also a portable braai and small Weber. You do need to bring your own charcoal. Ellem has crockery and cutlery for 10. Chimes for 4 people.

The bed configuration is 2 double beds in the en suite bedrooms in Chimes while Ellem has a double bed in the en-suite room with 2 singles in the additional 2 bedrooms.