Kurland

Baron Behr had big plans for the farm.

Alongside orange groves and youngberry bushes, he established a pine tree nursery with the ambition of building a timber business. Over the years, he planted an extraordinary number of trees, setting in motion a venture that would leave its mark on Kurland’s story.

The farm later passed to his son, Baron Nicolas Behr, who continued his father’s work, planting more pines and bluegums.

And so the Kurland story continued, with each generation leaving its own mark on this beautiful stretch of countryside.

More of the story soon!

So, what happened next? In 1941, Kurland found its next custodian.

Baron Peter Behr, a Russian émigré who had come to South Africa to work, bought the farm with his wife, Ena. He went on to acquire the neighbouring farms of Redford, Woodlands and Loredo, with a vision for what this beautiful stretch of countryside could become.

And the name Kurland? That came from the Baltic province where Baron Behr was born, and where his family had lived for generations. Quite a long way from the Garden Route.

Life here was simple and centred on the land. Water from the Salt River powered a grain mill, and the farm was very much a place of hard work and self-sufficiency.

It was the beginning of another chapter in Kurland’s story, one that would leave its mark on the place we know and love today.

More to come!

Did you know Kurland’s story goes all the way back to 1885?

Back then, it was a humble stopover for ox wagons travelling between the Cape and Port Elizabeth. The main road ran right past the dwelling, where weary travellers and their horses could stop for a rest before continuing their journey.

Quite a different Kurland from the one we know today. But every story has to start somewhere.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing more of Kurland’s history, the people and memories that have shaped it, and news about what lies ahead as Kurland begins its next chapter.

There’s quite a story to tell, so do follow along.

If you don’t know Katarina’s, it’s our rustic barn-turned-restaurant — a much-loved Kurland setting that has hosted so many memorable occasions over the years.

With views across the paddocks and mountains and character in every corner, it was the perfect setting for Sandy’s Leopard’s Feast during the recent gourmet weekend.

Katarina’s was transformed with warm reds, leopard print, rich textures and copper bowls, while the table was laden with Greek-inspired dishes.

We have a soft spot for Katarina’s...especially when we light the candles and enjoy good food together.

📷 Candice Searle

We just love the Villa — and she really sparkled at our recent gourmet weekend with Sandy’s

Di moved the dining table into the elegant pink sitting room, lit all the candles and set the table with fresh flowers, silver, beautiful crystal and a mix of lovely glassware.

It was one of those evenings when the Villa felt especially beautiful.

These beautiful photos by Candice Searle

Heading to Kurland via Plettenberg Bay? We have a couple of favourite stops for stocking up before you reach the Crags.

The Deli Factory for cheeses, olives, smoked salmon and something good to nibble on — and Robberg Fine Foods for excellent seafood and a generous selection of oysters.

Both were put to the test during our recent Gourmet Weekend. We can highly recommend.

Photos Candice Searle

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What a weekend! We ate, we cooked, we tasted, we arranged flowers, we drank rather lovely w**e… and, most importantly, we sat around the table together.

A few notes from Di’s notebook, before I forget it all…

Long time friend Sandy Wood kept us very happily busy, a few weekends ago for a culinary weekend at Kurland. The first evening was her Leopard’s Feast at Katarina’s, followed by a morning in the Homestead kitchen, where there was plenty to watch, taste and learn before sitting down to enjoy the spoils with a local w**e pairing.

Then Saturday evening brought one of my favourite moments — moving the table into the pink sitting room at the Villa, lighting the candles and settling in for a delicious Italian-inspired supper. After a busy day of cooking, tasting and flower arranging, there was nothing left to do but pour another glass of w**e and enjoy it all together.

Sunday took us to Sandy’s home in Plettenberg Bay for one final, Asian-inspired cooking demonstration, with a beach walk beforehand for some and, naturally, another lovely lunch afterwards.

Just the sort of weekend we love at Kurland. And already, we’re wondering when we can do it all again. Thank you Sandy’s

We’re rather fond of a Kurland morning — a quiet drive out to the farm, a bit of country air, a lovely spa treatment and suddenly you feel as though you’ve been away for much longer than a few hours.

Our September spa specials are running through the school holidays, so if you’re nearby, come and spend a morning with us.

WhatsApp us on 082 824 8801 to book.

Come and have a look around…

A little peek inside one of our Homestead rooms.