With just 40 days to the start of the eagerly awaited  Soccer World Cup and the arrival of plane loads of frenzied fans, the locals in Stanford have come up with their own solution to home grown hospitality. The Village has an impressive collection of talented chefs, artists, wine makers, bakers and warm wonderful people who are pulling out the stops to ensure that visitors, both local and from abroad,  experience the warmth of the Overberg.

The renowned country restaurant, Marianas, is offering cooking workshops  and her foodie fans will be delighted to hear that she will be open for Friday evening meals during June, with a special menu showcasing local produce.

Mosaic Farm invites their guests to indulge in a weekend of  ‘Slow Food and  Good Wine’ at the Spookhuis.

If you’re still hungry for culinary knowledge, you can join a cooking demo at Blue Gum Country Estate’s “Ready Steady Cook” while Dad and the children head into the outdoors on a nature exploration.

Children will be entertained while their parents enjoy their time out - adventure camps, playgroups, soccer tournaments on the village green, horse cart rides and a ‘Kidz Kamp’ on a nearby farm have been arranged to keep them happily and safely occupied.

There will be no excuse for feeling frazzled, or not being well groomed. Lots of specials are on offer at the spa, and Moms and the teenagers will be indulged and pampered.

The local pub will have live music and a cabaret show in the evenings and a foot-stomping, good ol’ fashioned Barn dance will be hosted by Stanford Hills Wine Estate. The regular Evening Market will ensure that guests sample the delicious local produce. Galashiels Lodge will share the secrets of the Scottish tipple at a Whisky tasting evening. For a touch of refinement, a traditional English High tea is also on the cards.

Our close neighbour in Baardskeerdersbos, renowned artist Niel Jonker will be sharing his bread-making secrets at the 2 day “Sourdough Experience”

Great specials are on offer for accommodation, so don’t let that long winter holiday get you down. The village of Stanford is warm and inviting, any time of year.

This quiet part of heaven always manages to lift my spirits and heal my soul. Driving over the mountain from Cape Town into a misty, wet afternoon I watched grey clouds hanging over the mountains and expected a cold and miserable week ahead. I was delighted by the glimpses of autumn shades on the orchards as I sped by and I looked forward to lighting a comforting log fire on arrival. A snug night, bundled up warmly, and deep restful sleep prepared me for any kind of day. Waking to a crisp blue sky with no trace of the grey mood was an unexpected  treat and I celebrated the sunshine with the brilliant sunbirds in the garden. A late afternoon walk through the quiet and gentle streets, bathed in golden fading light rewarded my senses again. I stayed out until the last traces of pink over the mountain had deepened to deep charcoal and drank in the peace and quiet and contentment. This village is a special place.