Lifestyle Travel

Going Dutch in Harties

It is highly unlikely that you will visit Hartebeespoort without seeing the iconic Windmeul, or Jasmyn farm stall (plaaswinkel) the Dutch-style windmill and thatch-roofed farm stall building are hard to miss. The farm stall recently underwent a facelift, including some beautiful landscaping around the windmill that invites visitors to sit under the trees and enjoy the surrounds.

The farm stall sells fresh local produce: eggs, fruit and vegetables; honey, sweets and delicious Dutch treats like my childhood favourites: hagelslag and ontbijtkoek. The first time I visited, in 2013 was with my mother and we went slightly overboard with all the Dutch goodies. It felt like Christmas, all these familiar scents and long forgotten packaging that transported me right back in time. Aromas that reminded me of my Ouma. It was hard not to get carried away. This time, however, I practiced some restraint and only purchased 2 boxes of De Ruijter’s sprinkles.

There is a beautiful bookstore on the 2nd level of the building, which sells new and used books as well as CD’s, gifts and other literary-treats. There is also a small market held outside over weekends where you can pick up crafts, art and local produce.

I took a walk in the lush gardens surrounding the windmill and was greeted by the song of many birds, beautiful flowers, and small streams with quaint bridges going over them (perfect spot for a selfie). Next time I will bring the kids to enjoy the gardens and to select their own Dutch treats.

Hartbeespoort, informally also known as “Harties”, is a small resort town in the North West Province of South Africa, situated on slopes of the Magaliesberg mountain and the banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam. It is just an hours drive from Johannesburg and makes for a great day outing.

Die Windpomp Restaurant is extremely popular over the weekends, so be sure to book.

Dutch Jasmyn Farmstall

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