Barton Dove near Hermanus – Pool & Hot Tub

Rental basis: Entire house or apartment
Number of bedrooms: 3; Number of other rooms with beds: 0
Number of bathrooms: 3
If you cause damage to the property during your stay, you may be required to pay according to YourRentals’s property damage policy.
Wake up to sweeping mountain and valley views stretching as far as the eye can see — and step straight out to your private pool. Dove Villa is a grand 3-bedroom estate on the working Barton Farm, set high above the Bot River Valley in the Western Cape. Steeped in fynbos, palm-lined gardens, and total quiet, yet just 40 minutes from Cape Town Airport and a short drive to Hermanus, Elgin Valley, and world-class wine farms. Space, soul, and scenery — this is your escape from the ordinary.

There's a moment, usually about ten minutes after you arrive, when you stop noticing your phone. You're standing at the edge of the pool terrace, a glass of something cold in hand, and all you can see is valley, mountains, and sky. That's Dove Villa.

Set high on a hillside above the Bot River Valley on the working Barton Farm estate, this expansive 350sqm Mediterranean-style villa is one of those rare places that feels both grand and deeply peaceful. Arched colonnades frame unobstructed panoramic views. A sparkling pool sits front and centre. Palm trees catch the breeze. And inside, there's genuine warmth — a farmhouse kitchen with a rustic table perfect for lazy mornings, a living room scented with fresh proteas, and bedrooms that invite long sleep.

Three generous bedrooms sleep up to 6 guests. The master suite opens directly onto the pool terrace through sliding doors — your morning commute is about four steps to a sunlounger. A third room with twin beds makes this an ideal home for families or small groups of friends who want space without sacrificing connection.

Outside, the property truly comes alive. A wood-fire braai, hot tub, outdoor dining area, tennis court, and a lawn that rolls down toward the valley give you every reason to stay put. When you do venture out, you're surprisingly close to everything: Hermanus and its famous whale-watching coast is under 40 minutes, the Elgin Valley food and wine market is a short drive, and Arabella Golf Course is practically on your doorstep.

Dove Villa is made for families looking for space and freedom, small groups of friends who want to eat, drink, and be outside together, and couples seeking something more soulful than a hotel. Golfers will love the proximity to Arabella and Kleinmond courses. Wine lovers will be in their element. And anyone who's been staring at four walls too long will find this view genuinely restorative.

Wildlife note: this is a working farm in the heart of the Western Cape — you may encounter snakes, caracal, or leopard on the property. It's wild and wonderful, and children should be accompanied outdoors at all times.

Guests have exclusive access to the entire villa and its grounds, including the pool, hot tub, braai area, tennis court, gardens, and all outdoor spaces. Check-in is via lockbox — you'll receive access codes and instructions before arrival. The Villa Manager is available to assist and can meet you on arrival if arranged in advance. Please contact us at least 30 minutes before arrival to coordinate. Early check-in from 12:00 and late check-out until 18:00 may be available on request.

The Farm manager and team are on-site to assist with anything you may need.

Bot River sits in one of the Western Cape's most underrated valleys — hemmed in by mountains, filled with wine farms, and completely free of the tourist crowds you'll find on the coast. It's a 'close enough to everything, far enough to exhale' kind of location. Hermanus and its world-famous whale watching is under 40 minutes away. The Elgin Valley — home to apple orchards, wine farms, and one of the Cape's best monthly markets — is even closer. Head in the other direction and you're on the N2 toward Gansbaai (for great white shark diving) or Kleinmond (a quiet fishing village with good restaurants). Cape Town International Airport is 40 minutes away, making this one of the most accessible farm escapes in the Western Cape.

From Cape Town International Airport, take the N2 toward Somerset West. Go over Sir Lowry's Pass — you'll pass the Peregrine Farm Stall on your right in Elgin, then Houw Hoek Farm Stall. Over Houw Hoek Pass, pass the first R43 turnoff (to Hermanus) and take the next R43 exit (Exit 90) toward Botrivier. Pass the Shell garage on your right and continue 300m — Barton Farm entrance is on your right. Allow approximately 60 minutes from the airport.

A few things to know before you arrive:

Wildlife alert: This is a working farm. Snakes, leopard, and caracal are present on the property. Children must be accompanied by an adult outdoors at all times.

Nearby sound: A brick factory operates nearby and occasionally uses TNT blasting materials, which can sound like distant gunshots. This is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.

Hot tub / fire: Please extinguish any hot tub fire before going to bed.

Quiet hours: 22:00 – 08:30.

Pets: Up to 2 dogs are welcome.

Smoking: Not permitted indoors. A designated outdoor area will be identified.

Small events and private dinners for up to 12 guests can be accommodated. Please enquire in advance.

A refundable damage deposit of ZAR 2,000 is required and collected 14 days before arrival.

Bot River sits in one of the Western Cape's most underrated valleys — hemmed in by mountains, filled with wine farms, and completely free of the tourist crowds you'll find on the coast. It's a 'close enough to everything, far enough to exhale' kind of location. Hermanus and its world-famous whale watching is under 40 minutes away. The Elgin Valley — home to apple orchards, wine farms, and one of the Cape's best monthly markets — is even closer. Head in the other direction and you're on the N2 toward Gansbaai (for great white shark diving) or Kleinmond (a quiet fishing village with good restaurants). Cape Town International Airport is 40 minutes away, making this one of the most accessible farm escapes in the Western Cape.