Seniors Back to School.... Special!

Back to school offer with a difference! This one only applies if you are over 60... from the 15th - 19th January 2017 pack your bags for a unmissable 50% discount!! (Yes really..) so - share with all the old in numbers but young at heart people out there or give us a call now!

December greetings...

As the tortoise mountain stands guard over Wyndford, the other two tortoises were seen scurrying (yes, really, tortoises can scurry) as they were caught out last week.  We have had so many ‘nearly’ thunderstorms which came to nothing, that Perry and Charlotte got so blasé that when the real rain arrived in force they were as startled as the rest of us!!

Our dining room chairs are all looking smart in their new clothes, although there is one lucky chair that has a sprinkling of gold fairy dust…. It would appear that my painting skills while doing the Christmas decorations were not up to scratch…oops!

The sandstone  mountains resounded with the sound of the bagpipes this last week as barefoot, John serenaded us with Scotland the brave, Amazing 9Grace and others… with vocal accompaniment by Molly and Sprocket!  The jumping castle is being checked out, the pool lounger cushions are also newly covered – all we need is you!  There is still place available until the 15^th December with the added bonus of two nights Stargazing from the 12  - 14^th with the Faltemeiers.

Well, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas and to usher in the New Year with a ‘heave an a ho me matey’.. may we take this opportunity of saying to you all – Thank you for spending time with us this year, travel safe if you are on the move, enjoy family time… and if you are working through the season – a smile always makes it better!

Our Christmas treat winner is Chanel Brinkworth.  Congratulations, we look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season.

On a personal note… thank you to all who have written or phoned regarding the passing of my Dad and to all who took time and stopped for a chat in the garden to reminisce with him. 

Keep a lookout on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm for any last minute specials and up to date news or visit our website where you can enter our monthly draw at www.wyndford.co.za

On behalf of the Wyndford family we would wish you…Mary’s Joy, Joseph’s Wonder, Jesus’ Peace, The Wise Men’s Awe, The Shepherds Excitement and Gabriel’s Hope.

Our latest news...

This is a favourite time of year for us at Wyndford with the first flush of Roses in the gardens, as well as Foxgloves and Columbines adding their cheerful colour to the gardens.  The Icebergs are full albeit a little dusty since the ‘nearly’ rainstorm of yesterday didn’t deliver the much needed water we were hoping for! 

After the last weekend when the “Spiderman” joined us, one is never sure if guests are looking for bugs and bees or just smelling the roses.

The Piet-my-vrou has been singing, always wonderful to hear as he is supposed to herald rain…. I fear he is getting a sore throat, as it is still very dry in this part of the Eastern Free State. The wheat in the fields is looking good to my untrained eye… but we long for rain along with so many in our country. 

It seems, with just eight weeks to Christmas and New Year, that 2017 is rolling in fast.  We still have plans to recover all the chairs in the dining room and the black and white bunting for New Year’s eve is ready…. more about that later for those joining us!  There is still availability before the 9^th December if you can squeeze a four night stay in you will qualify for the 20% discount – what a way to celebrate the end of exams!!

We have some new residents in the bunny cage, who really enjoy the day the carrot and ginger soup is on the menu as there are lots of peelings… the nine chicks are flourishing and their mom is having a busy time trying to keep them all in place.

Thanks to our guest with a fancy drone, we have some wonderful aerial photographs of the farm. Here is one beautiful one which shows the origins of the Wyndford name – Scottish for wynding road to the ford… the crossing of the Caledon river.!

   Keep a lookout on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm for any last minute specials and up to date news or visit our website where you can enter our monthly draw at www.wyndford.co.za

This month our winner is Annie Davey.  Congratulations, we look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season.

Happy Greetings from the Wyndford Team.

Spring news....

 Wow, October arrived!  Wyndford has been particularly beautiful this Spring… not sure if it was the tiny bit of rain that did it, but colour seemed to explode wherever you looked. May bushes, Japonica, peach and apricot trees, Wisteria, Irises – just wonderful. The bright green of early spring is in evidence and the bowling green has had it’s first game played this season.

Unfortunately there are a large number of fruit trees and plants that have felt the brush of Jack Frost this last week with temperatures dropping to minus one on a couple of days. Still beautiful days just with chilly starts.

Molly and Sprocket – our border collie pups - are now nine months old and doing well. They are learning to walk with Dozer and the guests on hikes and to interact with the other animals on the farm. Unfortunately the ‘do not chase’ lesson seems to be taking longer to master, much to the disgust of horses, sheep, geese, cats, gardeners….. you get the picture!

We are often asked about the history of the farm, which has been hosting people since the early 1920’s, and especially what we call the Summerhouse.  It was built by the Italian prisoners of war sometime between 1942 and 1948 and has seen many happy morning and afternoon teas served, along with scrumptious homemade cakes and biscuits.

There is still time to book for Stargazing and Spider/ Butterfly weekends as well as the Steam Train and Cherry Festival in November – give the girls in the office a call now on 058-2230274 for more information.

Keep a lookout on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm for any last minute specials and up to date news or visit our website where you can enter our monthly draw at www.wyndford.co.za

This month our winner is Rene Claassen.  Congratulations, we look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season.

Enjoy your Spring, Greetings from the Wyndford Team.

August news...

It has been a busy time on the farm, hence the late news…

The guests have been buzzing  - unfortunately the bees are not… none in evidence at the hive yet - zip lining, walking, agate hunting, tractor riding – in fact I was sure I saw the horses wiping their brows when, at lunch time today, they were still doing rides up and down the driveway!

 Spring is definitely showing it’s face.  The bowling green has had its annual makeover and both tennis courts have been resurfaced and painted – waiting for all budding ‘Federer’s”!  The thatching on the new tree house is underway, nearly ready for a quiet read with a drink while watching the kids clamber or play tennis.

There are signs of blossoms and green shoots popping out, along with cameo appearances from all three tortoises – always good to see them come out of hibernation well.  The puppies (Molly and Sprocket) were not particularly impressed with these hissing and moving ‘rocks’, having forgotten that they met them in the summer when they were little. The tortoises seem unfazed by all the racket as did mommy pig today, who delivered three little piglets with a grand audience cheering on!

If you haven’t yet heard… (where have you been!) we have a Spring Special running from the 12 to 21 September 2016 only - 35% discount  for a minimum two night stay – and we will still feed you!  …Walking through the kitchen with the very delicious smell of fresh baked bread yesterday, I watched them prepare the broccoli and apple salad with its vibrant colours. Yum!  Don’t delay… round up the family and join us.

Looking ahead to October – two special weekends to remember are the Stargazing weekend from the 7 – 9^th and the Spider /Butterfly (and anything that wiggles) from the 21 – 23 October 2016.  These have proved great fun for young and old, and if you don’t particularly like spiders wonderful to be able to understand and enjoy them (Celvin doesn’t yell for Angelique nearly as often anymore!!)

 Keep a lookout on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm for any last minute specials and up to date news or visit our website.

Mary Van Wijk, you are our monthly draw winner!  Congratulations, we look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season.  Head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za

Enjoy your Spring, Greetings from the Wyndford Team.

July news... the Sepia Edition

Why the sepia edition? I hear you say….. well it seems that the Eastern Free State is painted  in shades of brown and gold at this time of the year. A sandstone palette, the mielies are being harvested leaving cream cornrows, bunches of golden grasses are being collected for thatching, the trees stand bare and the leaves crunch under foot … even the puppies blend in!

  Keeping in the brown theme of things we have three new calves… Mandy and a first for us, twin boys! Also recently arrived, little lambs the 6^th and 7^th!  (Our flock is growing)  Zazu did herself an injury, again, what is it with horses, but is looking well now and we were wondering if it was just an excuse to spend time being coddled in the paddock. Our first beehive is now in location and hopefully we will be able to offer you homegrown honey along with all our other organic produce in the future.

Well, our limited satellite internet is a thing of the past. After successfully installing fibre we can now offer our guests uncapped access, although it often takes just a few days on the farm for the gadgets to get sidelined!  Fresh air and free space beckons….

 

We have been brushing up on our chocolate mousse… white chocolate, coffee infused, chunky, smooth…Yum!  Although our crème bruleé still seems to take top awards!

 Remember that during the July / August school holidays the 20% discount for 4 nights applies as does the Senior Discount so round up the whole family!  Also, keep a lookout on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm for any last minute specials and up to date news.

Whoop whoop… Michelle Fuchs you are our monthly draw winner!  We look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season.  Head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za

Until next time stay well and warm, Greetings from the Wyndford Team.

Latest news...

Winter hit this morning with a minus five recorded…. Frozen water bowls for the animals and the geese pretending to be swans as they glide (or rather slip slide!) over the ponds icy surface… with very little grace!

   The hellebores with their delicate shades and flowers make the garden a little less bleak at this time of the year. Our winter seedlings are all planted and as long as the buck do not eat them for dinner, we can now look forward to springtime.  Our big tree was successfully taken down without any damage to the Ark, Summerhouse or dining room, unfortunately a few roses and pride of India bush were not so lucky. Guests have been enjoying the supply of wood in the form of hearty log fires in the dining room and lounge.

 On a quiet morning last week, our staff had a first experience…. they all went horse riding!  With much hilarity and not a single quiet moment, young, old, cooks, waitresses and housekeeping staff tentatively mounted up and clipped off down the drive. I can attest to the fact that the view from on top is wonderfully different!

 Many of you have asked how Dozer is, especially with the advent of the puppies in his life. They all walked with Celvin this morning and are getting along well.  Molly and Sprocket are quite used to a grumpy older brother in the form of Dodge, although having said that, the three of them had great fun chasing imaginary sheep around the garden before breakfast, with a constant commentary from our very vocal Husky!

After the recent snowy weekend and cold temperatures, we checked on the tortoises and they seem to be happy in hibernation.  Although we’re a little concerned as Charlotte is warmly tucked up, feet inside whereas Perry is spread eagle, legs outside ….. maybe it’s a boy thing?!  Button is doing well and snug in her warmed accommodation.

 As the schools break for winter holidays remember that during the July / August school holidays the 20% discount for 4 nights applies as does the Senior Discount so round up the whole family!  Looking  ahead, September and October are beautiful here in the Eastern free state and at Wyndford in particular and there are tours planned in November for those not wanting to drive.

Thanks to all those who entered the monthly draw… this month’s winner is Fransa Vorster.  We look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season. 

Head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za and we will keep you up to date on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm with all the news.

Warm Greetings from the Wyndford Team

Last minute getaway special...

Specials ... Weekend 24-26 June 16

10% discount minimum 2 nights!

Remember during the July school holidays

the 20% for 4 nights applies

as does the Senior Discount!

May news...

Well, it is hard to describe how beautiful the Eastern Free State has been lately. Pictures just don’t seem to do it justice, but clear blue skies and wonderful bright yellows and oranges splashed liberally around the countryside definitely give the ‘Wow’ factor! We have also had some soaking rains, fairly unusual for us at this time of year, but very welcome.

Cosy under floor heating and log fires keep everyone warm as the temperatures drop and winter steps into view.  Enjoy a brisk hike, cycle or horse ride to appreciate the scenery and get the blood circulating!  The puppies are enjoying their walks, and have persuaded me to do the bench walk there and back…. As one way round they get to the end, tails wagging with more written all over their faces!  Keeping up is hard to do!  One forgets how small they were and how much they have grown…. They now have to duck to get under benches that previously they sailed under – with slight concussion resulting when they forget about the extra inch on their legs!

Our special for May was so well received we have decided to repeat it for June!  ... from 3 - 13 June 35% off for everyone! (Min 2 nights) and yes, it does still include all meals and morning and afternoon teas! Also, remember during the June/ July / August school holidays the 20% discount for 4 nights applies as does the Senior Discount so round up the whole family! Book now to avoid disappointment..

Great excitement as we take delivery of another rescued tortoise. She is much smaller than Charlotte or Perry and will live next to Claridges for now, so that we can feed her up and keep her under a red light during the winter.

Our new tree house, near Belsteen manor (the old apricot tree died but we were reluctant to cut her down) is coming on well.  Just ready for the thatching, Adirondack chairs and another room with a view will be ready to enjoy that good book…. Or just a quiet snooze!

Thanks to all those who entered the monthly draw… this month’s winner is James Marallich.  We look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season. 

Head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za and we will keep you up to date on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm with all the news.

Warm Greetings from the Wyndford Team

June Specials....

From 3 - 13 June  35% off

for everyone! (Min 2 nights)

and yes, it does still include all meals

and morning and afternoon teas!

Remember during the school holidays the 

20% for 4 nights applies

as does the Senior Discount!

Our April news....

As summer fades into Autumn, we have the most wonderful crisp clear days here in the Eastern Free State. Chilly mornings turn into toasty days with jerseys required for the evenings.

Living with puppies is a fun and demanding occupation! They have got the ‘No’ word very quickly, maybe because it is the one we use the most…. And we are working on them avoiding nose butting toddlers in their enthusiasm to greet someone closer to their own size.  For those of you who know our trails, they have successfully done the bench walk three times, so will be following in Dozer’s paw prints before too long. As you can see they have grown in the last month and we watch with much hilarity as they get used to their longer legs… the back ones overtaking the front ones on occasions with gymnastic consequences!

Charlotte and Perry, our tortoises, have been scarce lately and no doubt preparing for hibernation (although rudely awakened by the puppies on occasions as they don’t quite understand the concept).

 We will be losing an old friend in the next few weeks as, due to the drought, our very large (2.6m around the base, 22m high) pine tree at the dining room has died, and we are having it taken down professionally while hoping that everything nearby remains intact!

Our May Madness Special is still on the go… 35% discount over the weekend of the 13 -15^th May 2016… and yes, we will still feed you!  All three meals and morning and afternoon teas… if you can’t make it tell someone who could (or maybe a belated Mother’s day celebration gift…)!

Talking of feeding… Jennipher has taken over the kitchen from Celvin who has moved outside to do walks, maintenance and generally look after you. (I can well recommend the new Courgette, Orange and Chocolate cake recently baked by Joy, recipe shared on our blog on the website!)

Thanks to all those who entered the monthly draw… this month’s winner is Colleen Gray.  We look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season.  

Head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za and we will keep you up to date on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm with all the news.

Happy hugs from the Wyndford Team

Scrumptious Orange, Zucchini and Chocolate Loaf... give it a try!

Orange, Chocolate and Zucchini Loaf

½ cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 cup sugar

2 tsp finely grated orange zest

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 ½ cup all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ cup loosely packed, coarsely grated zucchini

½ cup milk or dark chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat the oven the 350 F.  Grease a 9 – 5 inch pan and line the pan with parchment paper so that it comes up the sides.

Whisk the oil, eggs, sugar, zest and vanilla together in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Stir in the zucchini to coat it with the flour and add this to the wet mixture, stirring until blended.  Stir in the chocolate chips and scrape the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake the load for 50 to 60 minutes, until a tester inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean.  Cool the cake completely in the pan until turning out to slice.

The loaf will keep, well wrapped, for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

May Madness.....

Specials - May Madness .....................

Weekend of 13 - 15 May 2016

35% off for everyone!

and yes, it does still include all meals

and morning and afternoon teas!

Are we mad.... maybe - but you might also be if you don't call us soon....

March news...

Walking past Belsteen Manor this afternoon, one picks your way through the many bicycles of all shapes, sizes and colours lying on the lawns. Then this afternoon, delighted shrieks as the bike brigade roar up and down the driveway with echoes of ‘there’s Charlotte’ as they zoom past the tortoise slowly ambling across the grass.

Our new additions to the Wyndford family generate oooh’s and aaah’s of their own!  Molly and Sprocket, two brown border collie pups joined us two weeks ago and have rapidly wiggled and squirmed their way into the hearts of guests and staff alike.  Dozer is a little put out but getting better and Dodge, our Husky, has a new lease on life as the big brother.

All those keen birders out there will be interested to know that the large eagle mentioned in the last letter was not a snake eagle but the special European Honey Buzzard!  One, bird we would like to see and hear from is the Piet-my-vrou, especially as he announces the arrival of rain.  We have had some, but would like a little more, although it is still too late for our big old fir tree by the dining room which has died. We are watching the Willow by the pool anxiously as it has also taken strain, but did manage to shade us gently during the braai at the lunchtime. Jumping Castles, swimming and Ice cream cones with friends might change a little with the onset of the early Autumn chill, but then again there are log fires to look forward to!

As our last special was enjoyed, we have decided to spoil you again!!! Families (kids and all) will get a 50% - yes really – discount between the 11^th and 15^th April 2016.  Book now to avoid disappointment…

To all those who entered the monthly draw… there can only be one winner …and this month it goes to Elna Wijnbeek.  We look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season. 

Head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za and we will keep you up to date on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm with all the news.

Happy hugs from the Wyndford Team

Walking past Belsteen Manor this afternoon, one picks your way through the many bicycles of all shapes, sizes and colours lying on the lawns. Then this afternoon, delighted shrieks as the bike brigade roar up and down the driveway with echoes of ‘there’s Charlotte’ as they zoom past the tortoise slowly ambling across the grass.

Our new additions to the Wyndford family generate oooh’s and aaah’s of their own!  Molly and Sprocket, two brown border collie pups joined us two weeks ago and have rapidly wiggled and squirmed their way into the hearts of guests and staff alike.  Dozer is a little put out but getting better and Dodge, our Husky, has a new lease on life as the big brother.

All those keen birders out there will be interested to know that the large eagle mentioned in the last letter was not a snake eagle but the special European Honey Buzzard!  One, bird we would like to see and hear from is the Piet-my-vrou, especially as he announces the arrival of rain.  We have had some, but would like a little more, although it is still too late for our big old fir tree by the dining room which has died. We are watching the Willow by the pool anxiously as it has also taken strain, but did manage to shade us gently during the braai at the lunchtime. Jumping Castles, swimming and Ice cream cones with friends might change a little with the onset of the early Autumn chill, but then again there are log fires to look forward to!

As our last special was enjoyed, we have decided to spoil you again!!! Families (kids and all) will get a 50% - yes really – discount between the 11^th and 15^th April 2016.  Book now to avoid disappointment…

To all those who entered the monthly draw… there can only be one winner …and this month it goes to Elna Wijnbeek.  We look forward to welcoming you to Wyndford for your two night stay out of season. 

Head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za and we will keep you up to date on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm with all the news.

Happy hugs from the Wyndford Team

Correction...

... our bird sighting was not a snake eagle but the very special Migrating European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus).. at least that relieves the worry of having snakes in the garden!! Thanks to Michael and Sanet for the identification

Fab Feb news...

Sitting at my desk this morning when suddenly a big branch of the fir tree outside dipped and swayed. No wind in evidence, and on further investigation, I discovered a very large brown eagle sitting there. Much bigger than our resident Gymnogene (African Harrier Hawk), Celvin decided he was probably a brown snake eagle. Then I wasn’t sure whether to be happy he was hunting the snakes or worried that I could have snakes in our garden!

 

For those of you who have joined us on fun trips to the river crossing, this picture was taken one evening last week. As you can see, no water in evidence other than splash pools for wagtails.  Maybe we should call the outing the puddle pad until more rains fall!

We have an exciting special running from the 2 – 6 March which is a 50% discount for seniors staying for the four nights and for families, kids under 12 stay free for the weekend. (And yes, they do have to be yours!) Call now so as not to miss out. Go on…. Just do it!!

Well, our grape crop ended up more like raisins… far too hot and we have just picked the peaches so the kitchen is in full swing making jams and preserving peaches for the next year. Our pecan tree has not grown but the good news is that it is still alive! Spinach, rhubarb, carrots, rocket, tomatoes, lettuce and more means we have kept the pantry stocked with wonderful organic fare.

Well done Russell Thorndike, you are our monthly draw winner of a two night stay out of season for two people!   It could be you - head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za and we will keep you up to date on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm with all the news.

Happy hugs from the Wyndford Team