Myrtle Ryan Experiences A Winter Wonderland at Wyndford Guest Farm
The sandstone cliffs above Wyndford Guest Farm in the Eastern Free State, eight kilometres from Fouriesburg, on the banks of the Little Caledon River and within a stone’s throw of Lesotho, peered shortsightedly out from behind the veil of mist which swathed them.
At their feet, the bushes were dusted in a gossamer mantle of snow.
The previous night the inky sky had been spangled with stars winking icily.
Snuggled beneath my duvet I’d longed for snow, but chances seemed remote. However, in the middle of the night, it turned cosy enough to tentatively put my arms outside the duvet …the typical warmth which often heralds the arrival of snow.
By morning the falling sleet turned to fat snowflakes. The world was hushed; Wyndford had delivered! The thatched roofs of the cottages were the first to flaunt a coating of snow, then the plants and shrubs, and finally the ground coated in a thin blanket of pristine snow.
Watching the animals’ reactions added to the charm. Luna, the Labrador border collie cross, did some snow bathing and then sought the comfort of the under-floor heating after getting uncomfortably wet.
Felix, like a typical cat, soon found the best place to snuggle in the garden – next to the chimney pipe linked to the wood-burning stove. The wall and pipe radiated heat which clearly met with Felix’s approval.
Taking a walk down to the paddock, I found one of the horses rolling contentedly on its back, legs flailing in delight, while the dogs, perhaps bewildered by this unusual response to the white stuff, barked excitedly as they bounded around the horse.
The beauty of the different seasons is one of the highlights of Wyndford. Spring brings the flourish of flowers, Summer the birdsong in the lush foliage. I’ll never forget arriving in Autumn to find the ivy, which creeps along the tennis court fencing and winds its tendrils up the light pole alongside the court, ablaze in gold, brown and crimson. Just then a shaft of sunshine shone directly on the scene …a perfect cross against the intense blue sky.
This Winter, the chilly conditions made the thick creamy soups extra welcome, so too the tasty baked puddings and filling, warming meals which hit the right spot. The cold is kept at bay by the underfloor heating and the air is invigourating encouraging one to breathe deep, lace on your boots and brace the weather.
And that’s my winter take on Wyndford. Hit the road and check it out for yourself.
A further sweetener: Wyndford is running a pensioner special – a whopping 50 % discount.
– Myrtle Ryan
