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.
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.
May 13, 2024
Candis was lovely to work with and…
Candis was lovely to work with and super quick to respond. The entire process from when we first reached out to her to inquire about a trip to when we confirmed the quote and booking was under a week. We sincerely appreciated having all of these details taken care of for us and the all of the attention she took in answering our questions and adjusting our trip to work within our timeline.
May 13, 2024
Safari
Candis was brilliant in assisting us to organise our safari. Highly recommended!
May 6, 2024
I would like to thank all the staff at…
I would like to thank all the staff at Safari.com. I have just returned from a fabulous trip to South Africa organised with their help. Very helpful, efficient and kind people.
May 17, 2024
So helpful so friendly.
So helpful so friendly. Wow 5 stars not enough for Lisa
May 17, 2024
Safari booked. SA here I come.
I have never been to SA before, so naturally I was a bit apprehensive about booking a safari on my own. I turned to safari.com for help and I'm so glad I did. Keith was so helpful, patient and saved me money! That's a win, win, win. I would recommend safari.com to anyone planning their trip and their experiences in SA.
May 17, 2024
As all ways the best service from Dolan…
As all ways the best service from Dolan Sequera
May 16, 2024
Trip planning made easily and with kindness!
I was in need of help quickly to book a place to stay for 6 people. I wasn’t sure if I should drive or fly and Pascal helped me so quickly and was so kind and patient. He texted with me, called me and was wonderful to work with. He provided me with 2 quotes and helped me through the booking process. Looking forward to our trip!
May 16, 2024
Safar.com review. Victoria falls Safari
Leigh Anne was a pleasure to deal and worked tirelessly to make sure we had the best experience. Thank you.
May 16, 2024
Great customer service
Heleen went out of her way to find us accommodation. We left our planning way to late and were looking at the busiest time of year yet she worked her magic.
May 15, 2024
Sara - great travel agent!
Sara was amazing to work worth and was very quick to respond with any questions I had!! She put together multiple safari packages for me to choose from and guided me every step of the way. I highly recommend working with her!
May 14, 2024
Helpful
Helpful, friendly
May 14, 2024
Tanya from Safari were a great help at such short notice. Her friendliness, kindness and great service are much appreciated. 5 Stars for Tanya
Tanya from Safari were a great help at such short notice. Her friendliness, kindness and great service are much appreciated. 5 Stars for Tanya