If you're eager to explore a part of South Africa nestled between mountains, apple orchards and vineyards, consider the quaint countryside town of Elgin in the Western Cape. The Elgin Valley, just one hour outside Cape Town, is the home of natural fresh food and farm produce, and cool-climate wines. It is a perfect spot to relax and escape from the city.
One destination that has made Elgin its home is the very unique Old Mac Daddy Trailer Park. Dont fear the words 'trailer park' - this is not your run-of-the-mill vacation spot. The Old Mac Daddy might be one of the most unusual hotels in the world and offers a choice of individually designed and decorated trailers. Each trailer is dressed to its own theme, personally designed by a mindfully chosen South African artist.
The brainchild of the Daddy's Group - the original Grand Daddy Hotel founders - the idea began as a groundbreaking 'trailer park' on the roof of the Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town. Its success saw the need to expand, and what better spot to pick than the picturesque Elgin Valley? Old Mac Daddy's vision is to evoke the nostalgia of camping - without the fuss. With an unpretentious and unfussy heart, Old Mach Daddy is an exciting and captivating place to visit. If the land is not inspiration enough, then the park's creativity, decor and attention to detail will certainly relax and inspire even the most worn-out city slicker.
The trailers sit beside a hillside and overlook vineyards, mountains, dusty paths, lakes and farmland. Each trailer - an authentic vintage Airstream - was imported from the United States. They sleep up to two people; however, a wooden deck with a lounge and bathroom just out the front, making the space more child and family-friendly (younger children can bunk on the couch). The park was built with eco-responsibility in mind and has been contructed using eco-friendly materials wherever pissible. With 13 trailers to choose from - an themes ranging from Give Bees a Chance, Mills & Boon, For Better or for Boerewors or The Private Life of Plants - you'll be tempted to stay in more than one trailer or come back for more.
The park's resident restaurant, Brinny Breezes, encourages communal socialising over thin-crusted pizza and farm-fresh, rustic food - free-range and organic wherever possible. For the thirsty, opt for a draft of the area's local Everson's Cider or Birkenhead Honey Blonde Ale, or choose from a range of Elgin's best wines. A basic kiddies menu is also available. All ingredients are locally produced and sourced, promoting support of the local farmers.
The park is also a beautiful venue for conferences, celebrations and weddings that can be held in the upstairs boardroom. With Pederson and Lennard furnishings, light fixtures, and bucket stools, it is an impeccably designed dream. A children's playroom, The Big Apple, has a large indoor jungle gym and play area (also creatively designed, naturally). Take a stroll around the lake, hike in the mountains or visit some of the area's wine farms. With so many outdoor options to wander, and a fun inventive trailer to come home to, time spent at the Old Mac Daddy in Elgin will be an experience all on its own.
Old Mach Daddy Luxury Trailer Park
112 The Valley Road, Grabouw
For reservation enquiries contact: 0861 4DADDY (32339) or 021 844 0241
Email: reservations@oldmacdaddy.co.za
www.oldmacdaddy.co.za
With acknowledgement to SPAR Savour Magainze.