The story began fifty-five years ago with the meeting of Harald’s parents, Rainer, a young German man, and Doret, an Afrikaans lady, in the small town of Walvis Bay, Namibia. Drawn to the stunning landscapes of the Garden Route in South Africa, they made the decision to relocate and settle down in Hoekwil, where they created their life together.
They purchased a property now called Hilltop Getaway Retreat, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey that has lasted for nearly fifty years and still continues to this day.
Back then, there was no electricity or running water on the property. A modest wooden house sat solitary, enveloped by forests and fields where cows grazed and sweet potato plants flourished. Neighbors were scarce, with only a few villagers residing nearby. In those times Hoekwil was a name known to very few.
WHERE THE STORY BEGINS
The journey of transforming the land into a resilient permaculture system started with a dream. In his twenties, Harald imagined a space that would sustain and nourish his family as well as his friends throughout their lives. He felt inspired to create an abundance-filled environment and to adopt holistic practices for growing food and medicine, avoiding fertilizers and pesticides. His aim was to establish a lasting legacy for future generations, a testament to the beauty of nature’s harmony.
About thirteen years ago, motivated by his vision, Harald chose to take a permaculture course led by Geoff Lawton, a renowned pioneer in the field. Upon earning his certification, he was determined to dedicate a part of his life to implementing permaculture principles on the land, aiming to restore and regenerate it. He was eager to apply his knowledge to the beautiful small holding where he had grown up.
Following discussions with his parents and siblings, it was agreed that Harald starts reshaping the property, with the incredible and unwavering support of Doret and Rainer, marking the start of this exciting adventure.
THE DREAM
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
 |
For several years, volunteers from around the world gathered at the farm to help transform the land into a permaculture setup. They planted indigenous and fruit trees, moved earth, shaped swales, started a plant nursery, etc. Their diverse skills, enthusiasm and hard work played a crucial role in creating a functional, vibrant and flourishing environment.
In 2017, just days before the devastating Knysna fire, Miléna, a French artist seeking to volunteer abroad, arrived at the farm. Eager to explore the world’s natural beauty and learn about sustainable practices, she formed a quick bond with Harald, who shared her vision, love for nature and adventures. Within a few days, they fell in love and Miléna made a life-changing decision to stay in South Africa to join a dream she believed in. To this day, she dedicates herself to the project while also pursuing her art and engaging in various activities.
Today, thanks to a lot of commitment, faith and hard labor, we enjoy a thriving and functional permaculture design, which is an ongoing work in progress. The landscape features a variety of fruit trees, a vegetable garden, two dams, and a section of native forest accessible through small walking paths, providing a safe habitat for numerous bird and wildlife species.
Our goal is to share what we are co-creating with the world and educate others about sustainable practices that nurture a harmonious relationship with the Earth and its inhabitants. We aim to empower individuals by providing them with the skills needed to ensure food security of the highest quality.
THE FARM OPENING UP TO THE WORLD
Together, we can create a more sustainable future for all
