monastery of the moon

A wellness sanctuary in a restored monastery is giving travellers a different take on South Africa

WORDS GRAHAM WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY WARREN HEATH PRODUCTION SVEN ALBERDING

BUREAUX About six years ago, Abigail Rands was exploring a potential art project in the small Western Cape town of Tulbagh when she stumbled on a remarkable building. Her family owned a wine farm nearby, so she felt a strong connection to the area. Besides, she explains, “I like beautiful architecture, raw materials and good art.” The house had bucketloads of all three. It was one of the oldest buildings in the town – “the first monastery and mission school, established in 1797,” says Abigail. Its distinctive gables, thick whitewashed walls, wooden rafters and thatched roof were the very embodiment of traditional Cape winelands architecture. “Those old buildings are made from the finest raw materials, old thick clay and stone walls. The walls breathe, and the buildings stay warm in…

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Inside Out (Digital) - 1 Issue, January 2024

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