Invigorate your senses and walk through the gates of the historic 1811 Wildekrans Country House and step into a world of wonderment.
As one of nine homesteads participating in this year’s Elgin Open Gardens, this diverse landscape is guaranteed to enchant. The annual event is set to be held on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November, and Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November.
Situated at the foot of the Houw Hoek mountain range, the gardens at Wildekrans Country House are home to abundant birdlife and tumbling natural beauty.
Here you can wander next to streams and water ponds, heirloom roses heady in scent, shaded lawns, olive groves, fruit trees and contemporary sculptures.
Alison Green and Barry Gould have been avid art collectors for more than 30 years. Hence, Wildekrans Country House boasts a contemporary collection that includes works by Bruce Arnott, Deborah Bell, George Pemba, Wilma Cruise, Guy du Toit, Robert Hodgins, William Kentridge and Hylton Nel.
Every year, Green and Gould invite younger artists to exhibit on the estate during the charity garden show.
This year, they have specifically selected Joanna Lee Miller and Caryn McArthy, whose works sync magically with the wild surroundings.
Where Wild Things Grow is an exhibition of Lee Miller and McCarthy’s fynbos-and floral-inspired works.
To enhance the theme of natural beauty, Green and the artists are transforming the time-worn barn at Wildekrans into an Alice in Wonderland world of whimsy. Guests can expect fresh flowers, flowers, flowers and more flowers – against walls the colour of a magician’s cape.
The Wildekrans Country House gardens and art exhibition will be open to everyone for walk-in visits. Country-inspired refreshments will be on sale.
These gardens are open to the public only two weekends a year, so be sure to diarise your visit.
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To book a walkabout, a tour of the art collection, an overnight stay or a special visit, send an email to info@wildekrans.co.za.
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For further information, contact Theresa Gibbon on theresa@theresagibbonpr.co.za or 082?820 8437.
