50 SHADES OF GREYTON

CTE.com guest blogger Janine Laubscher lets us in on the well-kept secrets of Greyton

Just an hour and a half from Cape Town, discreetly hidden from the immediate gaze of the N2, you’ll find this peaceful and picturesque village, seemingly untouched by time. Positioned at the intersection of two rivers, Greyton measures out its slow days under the watchful gaze of the Overberg Mountains. And since words won’t do justice to this heart-breakingly lovely Overberg town, we’ve decided to let these pictures do the talking.

The quaint factor
Everything in Greyton reminds you of a whimsical, bygone era, from the two-pump petrol station and village grocery store to the donkey carts and decorative detail spotted on every corner. 

A flight of whimsy
Be transported to a Jane Austen novel when wandering down the residential lanes, with the sweet smell of jasmine filling the air.

Happy feet
All the cafes, restaurants and shops are practically within a two-minute walking distance, which makes exploring the town by foot or bicycle a dream.

A place to rest your head
Greyton has a variety of accommodation options. Perhaps best known is The Post House, a 1860s historical building that was declared a National Monument in 1993. It’s a beautifully restored four-star country house with 15 suites scattered around a tranquil garden setting, complete with pool and its own restaurant, which happens to serve a mean Ploughman’s platter for that late afternoon snack.

Feeding time
For a little town, this hamlet offers ample dining options, from French onion soup or Asian tapas at The Hungry Monk to proper home-cooked dishes at Abbey Rose. Its even got its coffee right, with cafes serving Origin, that local brew beloved of Cape Town trendsters. 

Lekker locals
Far from jealousy guarding their slice of paradise, Greyton’s people are welcoming – as are its animals. 

Photography Janine Laubscher