Franschhoek Country House and Villas

Highlights

• Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, surrounded by vineyards and majestic mountains
• Exceptional five star hotel accommodation
• Provides guests with access to massage, restaurant and fitness center on-site

You should know

• Children of all ages are welcome. Child rates will apply.

The detail

Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town lies the fertile valley of Franschhoek with its vineyards and orchards framed by rugged mountain peaks. Explore this, the prettiest of the Cape Winelands regions, whilst staying in peaceful luxury at Franschhoek Country House and Villas.

A former perfumery dating back to 1890, Franschhoek Country House and Villas has a Provencal-style manor house along with a number of luxurious rooms set amongst gardens with fountain-filled courtyards and cobbled pathways lined with lavender. Almost all of the rooms open onto private balconies or patios with views across the carefully laid-out gardens or out over the surrounding vineyards to the mountain peaks beyond.

Breakfasts here are a real highlight with a selection including fresh fruit, chocolate croissants, and creamy eggs benedict. Ease any post-breakfast guilt by walking into Franschhoek village (an easy 15-minute stroll) or if you’d prefer there is a complimentary shuttle too. And if you don’t feel like going anywhere at all, simply stretch out on a sun lounger alongside the two side-by-side swimming pools (one is heated) or opt for a signature treatment at their well-worth-a-visit spa.

This valley is home to some of South Africa’s top restaurants, one of which is Franschhoek Country House and Villa’s very own Monneaux Restaurant. Look forward to al fresco lunches out on the fountain terrace and in the evenings choose between the a la carte or 5-course tasting menu, both served in the elegant dining room of the original manor house.

The beautifully renovated manor house has six Standard Rooms, five Luxury Rooms and two Cottages, most with a private balcony. Room interiors blend comfortable country living with modern amenities such as flat screen LED satellite TV. One of the two garden cottages each of which has an upstairs lounge with a fold-out bed – great for families traveling with young kids!

For even more luxury and space, Franschhoek Country House and Villas also have twelve Villa Suites. Positioned around the courtyards, these 100 m2 suites each have a spacious bedroom with a private balcony – perfect for your morning cup of coffee, a lounge opening onto a second balcony, and a marble bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and separate shower.  A fireplace, underfloor heating, and music throughout (including the bathroom) complete the indulgent experience.

The small town of Franschhoek is surrounded by excellent boutique wine farms, and a unique way of visiting these estates is on the hop-on-hop-off wine tram: stop for chocolate and wine pairing, cheese platters, cellar tours and tastings, before ending up at Grande Provence Heritage Estate – conveniently located right next door to Franschhoek Country House and Villas.

As for restaurants you’re spoiled for choice in this, the culinary capital of South Africa: we’d recommend a lazy lunch at the Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant – a firm favorite with foodies.

There are plenty of more energetic pursuits too including hiking and­­ horse riding in the nearby mountains, teeing off at one of the Cape Winelands golf courses (Pearl Valley and Boschenmeer being two of the favourites) or hiring a bicycle and cycling through the charming town of Franschhoek, stopping in art galleries and boutique shops.

Price includes

• Accommodation and breakfast