An unforgettable occasion requires a beautiful setting. Over three centuries ago, Catharina Ras, the founder of Steenberg Farm, embraced this philosophy and transformed the land into a versatile destination for travellers to rest and replenish. Her legacy lives on to this day.
Situated in the serene Constantia Valley and surrounded by the Constantiaberg and Table Mountain ranges, Steenberg is conveniently located 30 minutes from Cape Town’s CBD, away from the bustle of the city. It promises an uninterrupted time in spaces surrounded by natural beauty.
This luxury lifestyle estate started a series of refurbishments in 2019 and has taken every possible opportunity to develop environments that inspire and enhance quality time, creating exceptional moments for all to enjoy.
“The trick is to emphasise a space’s rich heritage with subtle additions that suggest a contemporary aesthetic and communicate a sense of honouring the past while celebrating the future,” says Louise Sweeney, Founder and Creative Director of Lulu Maison. Her interior design team were brought on board to assist with reimagining several spaces within Steenberg’s esteemed dining destinations, Tryn, and Bistro Sixteen82.
Tryn
The stylish Tryn restaurant boasts two refurbished terraces. The Oak Terrace, overlooking the hotel’s lush lawns, which used to feature a suite of generic wooden tables and chairs, instilling a monotonous tone, has been transformed. Now, round marbled-green tables sit atop conical bases, hugged by custom-made dining chairs with steel detailing. The chairs are upholstered in a hue that deftly resembles the rich Steenberg Merlot-Red. These changes adorn the terrace with intrigue and transport the sun-dappled stretch into the present, setting the intention for a leisurely rendezvous with friends.
Peruse Tryn’s extensive menu, which has something for every mood and every occasion, from vibrant Artichoke and Beetroot salad to their melt-in-your-mouth beef fillet and succulent, ethically-sourced fish. As you savour each bite of flavourful fare and sip on crisp Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc, relax into your seat’s plush cushions and take in exceptional panoramas of the hotel’s surrounding mountain ranges and manicured gardens.
Dining tables with honey-comb-patterned ceramic tiles, popular for their timeless style, along the front of the Oak Terrace, are an apt nod to the bees that pollinate the garden’s abundant flora and the weaver birds’ nests swinging from the oaks.
The Vineyard Terrace can be found through the contemporary interior of the historic building. An eclectic outdoor lounge space intentionally curated for relishing Tryn’s bevvy of bespoke cocktails and canapes amid soft, ambient music. The aesthetic of the Oak Terrace continues through the Vineyard Terrace with gentle colour variations, including uplifting yellow and ruby-red upholstery on the new banquette which winds along the terrace’s wall.
Indulge in sparkling Purple Plum Mimosas, adorned with shimmery accents, while they rest on the Cha Cha Occasional columnated coffee tables designed by Haldane Martin, a premium outdoor furniture designer based in Cape Town. These tables infuse the space with a sophisticated element of fun and glamour.
Complement your cocktail with something light from the Terrace Menu, such as the delectable Charcuterie and Artisanal Cheese Board. This board features locally-sourced cheeses, homemade preserves, and pickles, accompanied by artisanal ciabatta. Alternatively, pair a flute of Steenberg MCC with an exquisite bed of freshly shucked oysters topped with shallot vinaigrette. From the luxury of the cushy terrace lounge chairs, delight in the breathtaking scenery of the Steenberg Vineyards.
Bistro Sixteen82
Bistro Sixteen82’s’ name celebrates the farm’s founding year and represents a modern take on brasserie-style dining. The open-plan dining area is designed to create a cohesive flow throughout the space, with a light and airy atmosphere and a terrace that overlooks the restaurant’s sparkling infinity pools, fynbos garden, and an electric-blue feature sculpture by the famed abstract sculptor Edoardo Villa, nestled amongst the shrubbery on the bistro’s lawn creating an ‘outdoor indoor feeling’.
Lighting plays an integral role in creating expression and setting the mood in a space. Crocheted light sculptures handcrafted in Cape Town by lighting and industrial designer Ashlee Lloyd of award-winning STUDIO LLOYD, hang subtly over the locally-sourced tanned leather banquette seating on either side of the room, engaging in a harmonious conversation with the wooden light feature that traverses the centre of the space. The room’s champagne and olive-green colour palette presents a tasteful choice, perfectly setting the scene for a tapas taste sensation, accompanied by your choice of Steenberg’s award-winning wines.
One of the most exciting changes to Bistro Sixteen82 is the addition of the Terroir Terrace, the restaurant’s conference, private dining, and celebrations venue, located on the upper level. The space underwent a 360-degree transformation, with wooden flooring replacing dated carpeting for a polished look. Pastel pink and green accents, along with indoor plants, have brought renewed life to the space. Architectural adjustments to this unique location have allowed for more light and enhanced views to be enjoyed all year round.
The Hotel Terrace
The Hotel Terrace, adjoining the Cape Dutch-style reception area, provides an idyllic spot for guests to take in the sights, sounds, and scents of Steenberg. The freshly painted black barn doors and iconic heritage green shutters open onto a spectacularly tranquil setting. Make yourself comfortable in the terrace’s lounge area where face-brick paving has been swapped for ash-grey stone tiles to tie in with the herringbone-patterned top cushions. Guests can sink back into the soft, pastel pink throw pillows inspired by the hotel garden’s perennial Gauras and enjoy a moment of quiet with a good page-turner, or exchange notes on the day’s happenings with fellow guests over afternoon tea and cake. The Hotel Terrace’s paving extends to various pathways throughout the werf which light up at night for a charming evening stroll after dinner.
Steenberg’s refurbishment projects have instilled inviting, comfortable, modern, and bright energy into each space that complements the Farm’s heritage. Peppered with playful and dynamic décor, designed and locally-crafted for Steenberg – each space maintains a level of sophistication that is becoming of Steenberg’s personality and is ready for guests to relax, savour, and replenish.
“We have taken great pride in supporting the outcome of these refurbishment projects. It is rewarding to see the community and guests enjoying the new spaces, and bringing them to life! Their satisfaction makes our efforts all the more worthwhile” concludes Managing Director of Steenberg Hospitality, Catherine Schulze.
