A fresh start for Southern Sun de Wagen
Following the recent floods which saw the Eerste River burst over its banks, it was good to see that things have started normalising in Stellenbosch again. Water stood ankle high in places at the Southern Sun de Wagen Hotel we’re told, and they had to evacuate their guests swiftly.
But, like with most things in life, there’s always a rainbow after the storm. In this case, it’s a well-deserved face lift for the De Wagen Hotel and its time-honoured structures. They reopened their doors on 4 August 2023 and we were first in line to celebrate the momentous occasion with them. During an early August visit to the Cape, we stayed at the boutique hotel for one night, affording us the opportunity to explore the heart of Stellenbosch after a too long Stellies hiatus.
The Southern Sun de Wagen Hotel consists of a collection of historic farmstead buildings that dates back to the early 1900s. The buildings have been reimagined into a storytellers’ haven, having been designed by the famous English architect, Sir Herbert Baker. With its white walls and Cape Dutch heritage, Southern Sun de Wagen boasts a self-catering feel with the bonus of hotel-style service.
We stayed in one of the 22 stylish units, located underneath an impressively large tree. Although one could argue that some of the room furnishings were mismatched, the overall atmosphere was inviting with modern marble bathroom flooring and vintage furniture scattered throughout. The incredibly comfortable bed was the best part of it all, though. After a full day’s seminar, a glass of wine at the streetside wine bar, The Meeting Place and finally dinner at the adjacent De Volkskombuis, we hit the sacks hard.
De Volkskombuis nextdoor dates back to 1902. The former Sir Herbert Baker-designed labourers’ cottages formed part of the then Vredenburg farm. It stood vacant for a while, until the Rupert family initiated its full restoration in 2016 and now, this warm, welcoming space with its large wooden beams welcomes both locals and tourists with delicious, hearty South African cuisine. It’s also here where Southern Sun de Wagen’s guests have their breakfast (which is included in the stay) and bookings can be made for lunch and dinner.
Southern Sun de Wagen, with its freshness, but also its rich history, is certainly worth a visit.
