La Cotte Farm justifiably claims to be where Heritage and Natural Beauty meet. Right on the edge of the village, with tranquil gardens and elegantly restored historic buildings it is well worth visiting, whether to stay over in the hotel or one of the cottages or for a meal in the restaurant. Now there is another reason visit. The ancient water mill has been restored and now houses a coffee shop and artisanal bakery.
The mill, which lays claim to being the oldest in Africa, has been meticulously restored by mill expert Andy Selfe and beautifully decorated by Dominic Touwen. It was probably built during the ownership of Johannes Marais (Maree) and his wife Sara Delport, who acquired La Cotte in 1733 shortly after their marriage. It is listed in the transfer deed to their son. It has a wooden 6-spoke overshot wheel that was originally fed by a mountain stream, that was led along the top of part of the ring wall.
The cool oak-shaded building with flagstones on the floor, green walls (in a shade called Botticelli) hung with antique blue and white serving platters and copper kitchenware and the sounds of the mill at work immediately takes one far away from the concerns of daily life and back to a simpler time. The aromas of coffee and freshly baked artisanal breads – not to mention delectable pastries – invariably make one want to stay there longer than one had planned! Choose to sit at one of the kitchen tables inside or sit on the shaded stoep with its glorious views and soundtrack of water and birdsong.
Pastry Chef Keshia Louw’s creations are hard to resist… macarons, madeleines, Basque cheesecake and more tempt the sweet-toothed visitor, while ciabatta, croissants and a variety of sourdough loaves tempt gluten addicts. What you can’t have with your coffee you simply have to buy to try at home!
The Mill House is open Wednesday – Sunday, 08h00 – 15h00.
millhouse@lacottefarm.com | 021 207 3907