From City Streets to Cederberg Soil
Meet Norman and Karin, two people who were born and raised in the big cities of Gauteng, South Africa. Our paths crossed a few times during church events, but it wasn’t until many years later that our real journey together began.
A Move Back to Roots
In 1999, Norman’s dad decided it was time to return to his birthplace in the Western Cape, near Graafwater in the Cederberg. The move wasn’t just about coming home — it was also a chance for Norman to step away from the pressures of city life. Living with epilepsy in a fast-paced world had become too much.
The early days in the Cape were tough for Norman. But during a visit to a local government hospital, he met a surgeon who offered a life-changing solution: brain surgery. The procedure helped manage his epilepsy, and today it remains under control with medication. The trade-off? Memory loss, which brings its own set of daily challenges. Living with a brilliant mind and forgetful moments has shaped much of Norman’s path since then.
Taking a Leap of Faith
At the age of 40, Norman faced a truth: life wasn’t going to get easier on its own. He was feeling lonely and still living in the nearby town of Graafwater with his parents. That’s when the idea took root — maybe it was time to settle down, to find a partner, and to make a life on the farm.
That realization led to us getting married just nine months later. We packed up and moved to the farm. And then it was my turn to struggle.
My Turn to Adjust
I went from a busy working life in the city to a remote farm with no modern comforts. No easy access to family. No job. No running water in the taps at first. The challenges came fast, but so did the beauty of this place. Slowly, I began to see the magic.
As a hands-on, DIY-loving person, I leaned into farm life. I started fixing, crafting, learning, and embracing each small miracle we found — from wildflowers in bloom to the quiet rhythm of rural days
Learning to Love Rooibos
I’ll admit it — I didn’t grow up loving Rooibos. I was a coffee girl. My dad used to joke that Rooibos was just for people who were sick. But as I started learning about it, growing it, tasting it, and sharing it with others, I saw how wrong he was. Rooibos is powerful. It’s healing. It’s deeply rooted in this land. And now, I can’t imagine my days without it.
Our Story Continues…
That’s how we ended up here — two city kids living off-grid in the Cederberg, tending Rooibos, and finding joy in the unexpected. If you ever wondered how people trade city lights for starry skies, this is our version of that story.
Want to know what our daily life looks like? Read: Life at the End of the Gravel Road.
Got questions?
We’d love to hear from you. Send a message, drop a comment, or just say hi. Farm life can get a little lonely sometimes, and we’re always happy to connect with Rooibos tea lovers and kind souls.
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