Nestled in the gentle embrace of the Strandveld foothills, where the mountains of the Overberg district rise in quiet majesty, lies Avoca farm. Just 20 kilometers from the coastal town of Gansbaai, famous for its great white sharks, Avoca sits peacefully in a valley, surrounded by a lush tapestry of vibrant greenery.

The farm’s name, Avoca, comes from Irish origins, meaning “meeting of the waters.” It is said that Irish land surveyors named the farm, enchanted by the serene valley’s resemblance to the Vale of Avoca in County Wicklow, Ireland. The gentle slopes, adorned with pale rocks and soft pink fynbos, create a tranquil landscape that evokes both wonder and peace.

A crystal-clear mountain stream flows quietly beside the homesteads on the farm, its waters reflecting the unspoiled tranquility of the land. Captivated by this untouched beauty, the Joubert-Naudé family purchased Avoca in 1981, where today, the third generation of the Naudé family lovingly tends to the farm.

Avoca’s story began with the cultivation of soft citrus, but soon the family discovered the true treasure of their land—the wild beauty of naturally occurring fynbos. With its delicate proteas and unique blooms, the farm transitioned into fynbos cultivation, supplying both local and international markets. Among its admirers, the floral markets of Germany fell in love with the striking colors and textures of Avoca’s dried flowers.

Fynbos flowers are harvested from both cultivated fields and naturally growing areas on the rocky mountain slopes. The valley’s rich ecosystem thrives, home to small deer, baboons, and occasionally the elusive mountain leopard. Birdsong fills the air, adding to the serene beauty of the land, where every sunrise feels like a fresh beginning.

For the Naudé family, it is a privilege to share the exquisite beauty of their fynbos with people from all over the world. Avoca is not just a farm; it’s a haven where nature’s finest gifts are cultivated and cherished, inviting everyone to experience the magic of the valley.

Waking to the scent of morning dew, the crackle of woodfire ovens, and the aroma of fresh coffee brewing, while the Hadada Ibis calls out its greeting, life at Avoca is as peaceful as the land it rests upon—a true meeting of nature’s waters and people’s hearts.