Your Ultimate West Coast Lifestyle Destination: Langebaan Country Estate located on the West Coast Way Foodie Route
Langebaan Country Estate was not at all what I expected it to be. For a non-golfer, golf establishments have the stigma of being elite, and maybe even a tad pretentious. I knew the venue would be beautiful—I’d already seen photos of the rolling lawns and impressive landscape—but I never expected it to feel so relaxed and welcomed.
Langebaan Country Estate has a little something for everyone. Obviously, it’s a golfers dream, offering a big 18-hole experience for its guests. The course is challenging and scenic, with the tee off times currently starting at 7.30am and ending at 5 pm (In December this changes to 7.30am and 6 pm). If you’re a golfer, but still want to get out and experience the field you can try the following:
18-hole Mashie Course: A lot more informal, but still just as challenging, and a great place to take your adventurous kids. There is also a mini clubhouse at this course, with refreshments, so you can make a full day of it.
9-hole Foot Golf: This takes place on the mashie course, and is played in a similar fashion to regular golf, except players use a soccer ball instead of a golf ball. This is a huge hit with both kids and adults, and right up my alley. Also, if you do badly, you can just blame it on the wind.
Pro Putt Course: Harder than it looks, this cleverly designed course is a great place to improve your putting, great for kids, and perfect for those who don’t want to spend a full day out on the course.
Langebaan Country Estate offers two types of accommodation: Golf lodges and golf suites. The golf lodges are impressive and spacious, with a choice of two double story units (four en-suite bathrooms) or one-bedroom apartments. They are fully equipped, with patio, lounge and braai facilities included. A lot of thought and pride has gone into these apartments, and it shows in every detail. Overlooking the golf course and lake, it’s the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or evening wine. My first thought when viewing them was, “When can I move in?”
The golf suites are ideal for smaller families and shorter getaways. There are forty two bedroom apartments, all within walking distance to the clubhouse. And if you don’t want to walk, you can hire a bike or take a short drive. Like I said, the place has something for everyone. We were lucky enough to stay during spring season, so the flowers embraced us in full bloom during our walk.
The rooms might be self-catering, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always want to cook. Thankfully, there are two places on the estate to eat (also open to the public). Situated at the Clubhouse is the Horizon Restaurant, which overlooks the beautiful golf course. With seating for up to 80 people you can also hire this for your next venue. My favourite part: the pizza oven on their attached patio. Friday nights are pizza night (as all Fridays should be) and we enjoyed the Boerklong Shank Pizza (biltong, cherry tomatoes, feta and avo) and the Albatross (caramelized onions, blue cheese, parma ham and figs). Both amazing. Thin based, and delicious. We didn’t leave a slice.
If you looking for a quick bite to eat, you can also pop into Breeze Café to enjoy a breakfast, lunch or quick snack. And if you’re looking for a cocktail (aren’t we always?) then Blaze Bar is the place to go.
Langebaan Country Estate is not only open for residents. They’re a welcoming bunch and encourage members of the public to come by and enjoy their facilities. They’ve also got big plans for the future of the estate, so they’re constantly striving to improve. We enjoyed a two-hour tour of the entire estate (by golf cart, not by foot – it’s huge!), by the wonderful Kate and Chantal who obviously take great pride in the establishment.
I love places like this. Places where the staff are excited to show their guests around. The sense of pride was evident, and I could easily see why. I’d like to extend a big thank you to Langebaan Country Estate for having us and I look forward to coming again.
Make a trip out of it.
Langebaan Country Estate is on the West Coast Way Foodie Route. Combine your stay here with a
road trip to Darling for some wine tasting at Ormonde Private Cellar, cocktails at Russells on the Port, or a lunch at one of the many restaurants in Paternoster. Visit www.westcoastway.co.za for more information on the best #westcoastway experiences. Here you’ll find five route ideas, each offering their own unique attractions!
Facilities available at Langebaan Country Estate in the West Coast:
• Accommodation • Self-catering • Child-Friendly • Bar • Restaurant • Swimming Pool • Children’s Entertainment Centre • LCE Oxigym • Zest Spa • Conference Facilities • Wedding and Function Venue • Wheelchair friendly premises & toilets • Tennis Court • TripAdvisor
Langebaan Country Estate is located on the West Coast Way Foodie Route
Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 116km
Where: 1 Oostewal Road, Langebaan
Coordinates: S33:04:20.6. E18:03 :15.6
Contact: (c) +27 (0)22 772 2112 | [email protected] | WWW.LCE.CO.ZA
Written by Christine Bernard Photos by Warren Bernard
Photos by Warren Bernard (www.flatwhiteimages.com)