Sandstone Estates is a magnificent farm just outside Ficksburg, a small town in the Eastern Free State of South Africa. It is unique because, although it is a working, arable farm, it also houses a huge collection of antique steam locomotives and tractors as well as modern agricultural machinery.

Previously known as Hoekfontein, the estate was farmed for generations by the original owners, the Wille family and Sandstone Estates is only the second owner. On the 21st of April 2007, the Sandstone Heritage Trust held an "Edwardian Experience" on the estate, which was something that most of us privileged to attend will never forget. It was essentially an introduction to the trustees who had not been to the estate before, but it was like stepping back in time because we were all requested to arrive dressed in Edwardian period costume.

As the sun was setting, on an autumn evening, we embarked at the quaint little Hoekfontein station, to the beautiful strains of a string quartet sitting in the open carriage with us. Gerard and Reinette Wille, the previous owners, were with us as we steamed down to the loop at the end of the narrow gauge line. Dark thunderheads built up over the Lesotho Mountains in the distance as we sallied forth to sip champagne and nibble at canapés under the gum trees at Grootdraai, while a team of oxen creaked past, dragging an oxwagon. The three engines billowed smoke and steam and manoeuvred into position on the rail loop, ready to steam us back to the station when we were ready.

It was almost dark, with the clouds building up and only a scarlet smudge showing where the sun had set and the distant lights of Ficksburg twinkling as we steamed back to the station. There, the couples swept into the white tent, to be greeted by the host and hostess, Wilfred and Lindie Mole. They were then formally announced by the Maitre-D and escorted to their tables.

The heavens opened and a fierce thunderstorm erupted, but Prue Leith's team efficiently dealt with the billowing tent and the streaming waterfalls cascading between the tent and the adjoining buildings. It soon passed and we enjoyed the same delicious last dinner that the Titanic passengers had consumed just before the ship sank!

After the dinner and speeches, there was a last train ride down to Grootdraai and back before we all came down to earth and slipped reluctantly back into our mundane, modern lives.