The Scone Shack: A Haven of Simple, Sustainable Living

4 mins read
sustainability farm-to-table

The Scone Shack is a sustainable eatery in Cape Point, Cape Town, founded by Karl Odendaal, a minimalist committed to off-grid living. The Shack is eco-friendly with salvaged windows and wood scraps, self-sufficient in energy, and reliant on solar power for electricity and alien wood for its wood-burning oven. Visitors can enjoy vegan and gluten-free options and walk barefoot while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the space. The Shack is a sanctuary of peace, a throwback to simpler times, and a celebration of a conscious, sustainable lifestyle.

What is The Scone Shack and what makes it unique?

The Scone Shack is a sustainable eatery located in Cape Point, Cape Town. Founded by Karl Odendaal, a minimalist committed to off-grid living, the Shack provides simple, consistently tantalizing treats that celebrate rural life. The building is eco-friendly with salvaged windows and wood scraps, self-sufficient in energy, and reliant on solar power for electricity and alien wood for its wood-burning oven. Visitors can enjoy vegan and gluten-free options and walk barefoot while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the space.

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An Oasis in the Rural Landscape

Nestled in the picturesque Cape Point lies a charming and rustic establishment known as The Scone Shack. Far from being a simple eatery, this place signifies a philosophy that supports an authentic, sustainable lifestyle deeply intertwined with nature.

The architecture, predominantly consisting of windows, provides more than just shelter. It serves as a welcoming portal for visitors and the local fauna that reside on the farm. This unique setting, so uncommon in urban cafes, bestows upon The Scone Shack a unique appeal that distinguishes it from the crowd.

The Man Behind the Vision

The creation of The Scone Shack is credited to Karl Odendaal, an ex-yacht chef who purchased the farm almost thirty years ago. His tenacity and vision transformed a farm overrun with invasive bushes into a sustainable sanctuary. Odendaal’s commitment to minimalist, off-grid living was reflected in his first dwelling on the farm – a treehouse.

The establishment of the Lalaphanzi Succulent Nursery in 2018 on the same farm led to the creation of The Scone Shack. As visitors traverse the nursery to reach the Shack, they are introduced to the guiding principles of the place: harmony with nature and the celebration of rural life.

Odendaal’s concept for The Scone Shack was not a bustling eatery but a sanctuary providing simple, consistently tantalizing treats, inspired by his mentor, Ming Taylor. The outcome of this vision is the star of the Shack – the modest yet irresistibly delicious scone.

Sustainable Architecture and Culinary Delight

The eco-friendly principles of The Scone Shack are mirrored in its distinctive architecture. The building, originally a farm laborer’s home, was refurbished into a kitchen area using salvaged sash windows and wood scraps. The Shack is also self-sufficient in energy, relying on solar power for electricity and alien wood for the wood-burning oven that bakes all the scones.

The Shack caters to various dietary preferences offering vegan and gluten-free options. The scones are accompanied by farm-produced accompaniments, and visitors can also purchase organic eggs from the farm’s free-range chickens. All baking is carried out on demand throughout the day, ensuring the produce is always fresh.

A Welcoming Ensemble of Farm Animals

Visitors to The Scone Shack are welcomed by an assortment of farm animals. Whether it’s pigs longing for a belly rub, or ducks and chickens hoping for an accidental crumb, the Shack embraces a variety of cohabiting species.

Although scones are the crowd’s favorite, an array of other delightful desserts are also available. With Odendaal’s commitment to quality, all ingredients are responsibly sourced, and recipes have been refined to perfection. The menu reflects the Shack’s commitment to serve fresh, seasonal produce and changes with the seasons.

Sustainability is the cornerstone of The Scone Shack. To minimize packaging waste, there is no takeaway service. Visitors are encouraged to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the surroundings. They can walk barefoot, swing on the swings, or simply relish the serene atmosphere of the space.

A Variety of Offerings

During the summer, savory scones with cheese and preserve are added to the menu, and fresh juices are made to order. A variety of hot and cold beverages are available, including plunger coffee, assorted teas, hot chocolate, chai latte, milkshakes, and homemade iced tea.

The Scone Shack transcends being merely an eatery. It stands as a sanctuary of peace, a throwback to simpler times, and a celebration of a conscious, sustainable lifestyle. So, when the city life gets overwhelming, take a step back, reconnect with nature and relish the humble simplicity of The Scone Shack.

Located on the Lalaphanzi Farm in Cape Point, Cape Town, The Scone Shack is a place worth visiting. For a memorable experience, call them at 079 045 1318 or connect via their social media handles SconeShack, @scone_shack.

What makes The Scone Shack eco-friendly and sustainable?

The Scone Shack is eco-friendly and sustainable in many ways. The building is made of salvaged sash windows and wood scraps, and the Shack is self-sufficient in energy, relying on solar power for electricity and alien wood for the wood-burning oven that bakes all the scones. All baking is carried out on demand throughout the day, ensuring the produce is always fresh. Visitors can also enjoy vegan and gluten-free options and walk barefoot while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the space. The Shack is a celebration of a conscious, sustainable lifestyle.

Who is the founder of The Scone Shack?

The Scone Shack was founded by Karl Odendaal, an ex-yacht chef who purchased the farm almost thirty years ago. His commitment to minimalist, off-grid living was reflected in his first dwelling on the farm – a treehouse. The establishment of the Lalaphanzi Succulent Nursery in 2018 on the same farm led to the creation of The Scone Shack.

What is the specialty of The Scone Shack?

The star of The Scone Shack is the modest yet irresistibly delicious scone. Visitors can enjoy sweet scones with farm-produced accompaniments, as well as savory scones with cheese and preserve during the summer. All ingredients are responsibly sourced, and recipes have been refined to perfection. The menu reflects the Shack’s commitment to serve fresh, seasonal produce and changes with the seasons.

What is the atmosphere like at The Scone Shack?

The Scone Shack provides a serene atmosphere, a throwback to simpler times, and a celebration of a conscious, sustainable lifestyle. Visitors can walk barefoot, swing on the swings, or simply relish the surroundings. The Shack is a sanctuary of peace, a place to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

What other offerings are available at The Scone Shack?

Apart from scones, The Scone Shack also offers an array of other delightful desserts, hot and cold beverages including plunger coffee, assorted teas, hot chocolate, chai latte, milkshakes, and homemade iced tea. Visitors can also purchase organic eggs from the farm’s free-range chickens.

Is takeaway service available at The Scone Shack?

To minimize packaging waste, The Scone Shack does not offer takeaway service. Visitors are encouraged to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the serene atmosphere of the space.

Isabella Schmidt is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from Bo-Kaap spice merchants to Khayelitsha microbreweries. Raised hiking the trails that link Table Mountain to the Cape Flats, she brings the flavours and voices of her hometown to global readers with equal parts rigour and heart.

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