The Beginning | Blue Gum Farm was purchased by the Gibson Family from a widow in 1999. The sheep and potato farm once tended by her Husband was a dream she could no longer fulfil. Zane and Marian Gibson (aka Oupa and Nana) bought the land, with only the Original Farmhouse, a Labourer’s Cottage and 2 x shearing sheds on the property (located where the Cafe now stands). Oupa and Nana left the city of Cape Town, with some of their teenage kids in tow, and began a new life in Stanford and quickly forgotten were the days of suburban school runs, office hours, shopping malls and municipal services. Farm life hit hard with immediate and lengthly TO DO lists. Not only were they embarking on a New Life, it was a huge adjustment and a huge project to undertake with Renovations, New Builds, New Infrastructure and Farm Problem-Solving becoming a massive all-consuming task. And so began, Blue Gum Country Estate – a 4 Star Graded Guest House and Restaurant. Hospitality at it’s finest.

Growth | The project of design & development was quick. Oupa never worked slow. He raced on ahead, at the pace of a work-aholic bringing his City Work Ethic to the countryside. Over time the endeavour became bigger than him, and the hospitality industry took it’s toll. Partners and management were brought in and possible sales & new ownership were on the cards – every avenue a new “opportunity” to relieve the challenge of the ever changing and growing machine. A full time job, no off days, no holidays, early mornings and late nights. Striving, growing, pushing, go-getting. At a point Oupa was ready to Auction the property, and it was at this time his daughter & son-in-law, Tarryn & Anton de Kock, decided to relocate from the city they had always known and begin the dream – bringing up their kids & growing old in the countryside. 

Challenges | All the while Blue Gum – the place and the people, took strain. There have been many floods and fires changing landscapes, and even more staff, business partners, family, management and relationships broken down. A season of struggle – Learning, Growing, Birthing a NEW Blue Gum, in 2025.

The Present 2025 – A New Normal | Nana, Tarryn, Anton and their 4 children now live on the Farm. Our strong Oupa passed away in June 2025 and although we miss him so, it feels more settled on the farm with a steady, unified purpose and hope for the future. The dream of a 4 Star Hospitality Business has taken a backseat. The striving & business pressure with it. Our new vision is towards STILLNESS and Sustainable Farm Living – that we hope to share with our guests. A hidden countryside breakaway, with humble basic amenities that encourage our guests to connect with one-another & embrace the Creator’s beauty that surrounds us. The services on the Farm will change, as the seasons do. Allowing us time and capacity to remain steadfast and serve God to the best of our ability at any given time. Focusing on Family & our Ministry of HOME for our guests, family & friends.