NORTH RIDING – For those of us who do not have the luxury of being able to get away every weekend, the answer to your need for a relaxing escape is Stepping Stones Garden Village.

Found nestled in North Riding, this charming village boasts a whole host of businesses that cater to your need to relax and your desire to have a quiet afternoon either by yourself or with family.

Owner of the village, Zena Labuschagne said the village has been in operation for the past seven years.

“This used be a big plot of land just full of trees. At first I did not know what to do with it, then it came to me, the idea of a pilgrim’s rest,” Labuschagne said.

She then recalled how the vision of this place of rest came as she thought of a nail technician who struggled to find an office space to work from. “I wanted to build a place for Gloria.”

She explained that what makes the village special is that it gives one the feeling of being tucked away in the countryside somewhere.

“It gives off the undeniable feeling of being in a tranquil place.”

Along with it being scenic, the village has various appointment-based businesses. One business owner, Gareth McGuire, who runs a social media company and an urban farm, said the village was a great base for his companies.

“I love the location and that it is not only beautiful to look at it but work in too,” McGuire said.

Ashley Lewis, who owns Wild Cuts premium game meats and Olive ‘n Twist, a continental cuisine restaurant, said for him this space is perfect for both his businesses as the environment lends itself to what he sells. “Their restaurant has been running for the past six years and Stepping Stones is perfect for us because it is picturesque and has this serene feel to it,” Lewis said.

Owner of Senhor Josè, Joe Pereirinha, said this location was the ideal setting for his restaurant which has been open for the past seven weeks.

Co-owners of Gracy’s, a craft and plants store, Denise and Tom O’Brien, said their move to the village about a year ago has seen their business grow, due to their passion for all things plants and crafts.

Author: Neo Phashe