Sterrekopje Farm
Franschhoek | South Africa

Sterrekopje Farm: A Healing Sanctuary in Franschhoek’s Hills

A Regenerative Sanctuary in Franschhoek’s Soulful Valley

Nestled in the foothills of Franschhoek’s Groot Drakenstein mountains, where morning mists curl through olive groves and the peppery scent of Cape fynbos lingers, Sterrekopje Farm spans 50 hectares of biodiverse wonder. This regenerative retreat, born from the vision of founders Nicole Boekhoorn and Fleur Huijskens, is a soulful sanctuary where ancestral wisdom and conscious living converge. With 11 unique sanctuaries, a chakra garden, and a kitchen that celebrates the land’s bounty, Sterrekopje invites guests to rest, heal, and rediscover their inner spark through a transformative dance with nature.

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A Dream Rooted in Healing

Sterrekopje’s story began with a serendipitous meeting between Nicole and Fleur, partners in life and love, who shared a dream of creating a haven for regeneration. In 2022, they transformed a historic 1694 farmhouse in Franschhoek, South Africa, into a place where the earth, body, and soul could flourish. Inspired by their global travels and a deep connection to nature, they envisioned a sanctuary that nurtures the “inner child” through play, creativity, and rest. Working with interior designer Gregory Mellor, they restored the estate with feminine energy, painting it in soft pinks and filling it with art, handcrafted furniture, and vibrant textiles. Their “soil-to-soul” philosophy, which sees the land as a foundation for personal growth, guides every aspect of Sterrekopje, making it a home for guests to reconnect and grow.

A Biodiverse Tapestry

Sterrekopje’s regenerative heart beats through its biodynamic gardens, orchards, and vineyards. Under the care of Leon, the “guardian of the soil,” 60 varieties of plants, vegetables, fruits, medicinal herbs, and wildflowers thrive without synthetic chemicals, fostering soil health and biodiversity. Olive trees yield rich oil, vineyards produce grapes for local wines, and heritage plants like fynbos add ecological depth. The chakra garden, a colorful labyrinth inspired by energy centers, invites contemplation, while ponds and waterholes teem with life. Composting programs and natural water filtration systems ensure zero waste, with every harvest feeding the kitchen or apothecary, where herbs are crafted into oils, teas, and balms.

This commitment extends to the broader ecosystem. The farm’s 50 hectares, cradled by mountains, are a haven for native birds, insects, and wildlife, preserved through sustainable practices. Guests can join daily harvests, learning how to nurture the soil, or explore the farm’s regenerative rhythms on guided tours, fostering a deeper connection to the land that nourishes them. Sterrekopje’s kitchen operates with minimal waste, sourcing from local artisans for ingredients like cheeses and fish, ensuring every meal supports the region’s economy and ecology.

Sanctuaries of Rest and Renewal

Sterrekopje’s 11 sanctuaries, scattered around the historic farmhouse and gardens, are havens of curated comfort. Six Intimate Sanctuaries in the main house offer cozy elegance with four-poster beds, draped in Egyptian cotton or natural linen, and private terraces overlooking lush gardens. Five Rejuvenating Suites, nestled among the farm’s landscapes, provide more space with living areas, verandas, and unique features like outdoor showers or private pools. Each room is a work of art, blending antiques from Nicole and Fleur’s travels with vibrant murals, silk lampshades, and handwoven fabrics. Bathrooms, equipped with eco-friendly toiletries from the farm’s apothecary, feature deep tubs and rain showers, some opening to starlit skies for al fresco bathing.

Common spaces radiate warmth and community. The kitchen, the heart of the house, doubles as a gathering spot for meals, reading, or quiet moments. A Moroccan-inspired hammam, adorned with intricate tiles, hosts cleansing rituals, while the Mongolian yurt welcomes yoga, breathwork, and cacao ceremonies. The Atelier, a creative studio, invites guests to paint, mold clay, or draw, and the Soul Shed offers energetic healing through sound therapy and chakra work. The orangery, reading rooms, and poolside nooks, all bathed in soft pinks, create a feminine embrace that encourages deep rest.

A Culinary Celebration of the Land

Sterrekopje’s dining is a soulful ode to its biodynamic harvests, guided by a vegetarian-forward philosophy that celebrates seasonality. Chef Carine Smit crafts daily menus based on the morning’s harvest, with dishes like gnocchi with sesame-lime butter, beetroot salad with pomegranate vinaigrette, or wood-fired pizzas bursting with garden greens. Breakfasts dazzle with homemade granolas, chia puddings, local cheeses, and omelettes, like the guest-favorite spinach and mushroom with smoked trout. Meals are served at communal tables under candlelit trees or in the cozy kitchen, fostering connection among guests who often become friends by dessert.

Drinks are equally inspired. Sip mushroom hot chocolate with cordyceps and tahini, or unwind with an Ashwagandha Sleep Tonic infused with nutmeg and dates. The minibar, stocked with farm-made snacks and herbal teas, adds a personal touch. Guests can join baking classes, forage with chefs, or simply savor the flavors of a cuisine that honors the land’s gifts while minimizing waste, creating a dining experience that feeds both body and spirit.

Experiences That Transform

Sterrekopje is a playground for healing and creativity, with no rigid schedules, only invitations to engage. Join morning harvests, hike up Sterrekopje mountain, or borrow bikes to explore Franschhoek’s winelands. Daily activities include yoga in the yurt, pottery in the Atelier, or horse grooming with the farm’s gentle steeds. Holistic rituals, led by practitioners, range from hammam cleanses and full-body massages with local oils to reiki, sound therapy, and moonlight fire ceremonies. Seasonal retreats, like the Wise Women Retreat or Family Retreat, delve deeper, exploring themes of sisterhood, gratitude, and personal growth through group circles and individual sessions.

The farm’s serene spaces, waterholes, meditation gardens, or the chakra labyrinth encourage quiet contemplation, while communal dinners under twinkling lights spark laughter and connection. Guests describe Sterrekopje as a “transformative” refuge, where the absence of alcohol and stimulants during retreats enhances clarity, and the warm staff, led by Nicole and Fleur, make every moment feel like coming home.

A Vision for Regeneration

Nicole and Fleur’s dream is to create a sanctuary where nature catalyzes personal and planetary healing. Their regenerative practices, biodynamic farming, zero-waste systems, and community empowerment set a standard for conscious living. By hosting retreats and sharing their “soil-to-soul” philosophy, they inspire guests to reconnect with themselves and the Earth. Sterrekopje’s support for local artisans and its role as a creative hub for artists and healers strengthen Franschhoek’s cultural fabric, fostering a legacy of growth and gratitude.