Stanford is the delightful epitome of a small South African village. Stanford's setting on the Klein River is beautiful, the bird life extensive. The village hasn't been spoilt by crass architecture like so many of the towns along our coasts, but retains the influence of the Cape and Victorian eras. The restaurants, such as Mariana's (voted Best Country restaurant) and Havershams are top-class. Wondering around the antique and craft shops or going to the Saturday morning local produce market brings you into contact with the friendly, very sociable locals. One of the few places where I saw kids freely riding their bikes and playing outside.

Stanford has been through a tough time in the last couple of weeks, with fires raging on the surrounding mountains, threatening many of the local farmer’s crops. But, not for the first time, I was reminded of what makes this place so special. Besides the obvious beauty of the surroundings, Stanford has a very special soul. The community stands together in times of trouble. Our own farm was under threat during this time, and the whole village and surrounds jumped in without hesitation to help where they could. There were amateur but dedicated firefighters, sandwich makers, people up and down delivering sustenance to those fighting the blaze. The professional firemen commented that they had never been so well looked after. That’s Stanford for you. Aside from all there is to see and do, visiting will show you what real community spirit looks like.

We stopped over in Stanford on our way up the Garden Route and it was so quaint and friendly that we now make it a regular weekend getaway. Far from the madding crowd of Hermanus and so beautiful with a wonderful river to canoe on and great country gravel roads for mountaining biking. If you come on the last Friday of the month there is an evening market which is great fun with good food and you can taste and buy the wines of the Stanford area. Brunia was my personal favourite and Stanford River Lodge is definitely the place to stay - reasonable rates and right on the river! Stanford is a must ... I want to tell everyone ... but I dont want it to change!!!!

A quaint and friendly village where children still ride their bicycles in the street and walk to the shops; where everyone knows the name of your dog; and where dreams really do come true!

My family and i frequently visit Stanford, each time its harder and harder to come back home. What else could you ask for in a place! Stanford gets my vote all the way.

Kai Richards