Tucked away in the wine valleys of Franschhoek, this charming country retreat offers guests luxury accommodation and a wonderful base from which to explore the Winelands. The hotel is part of an old colonial-era estate and former perfumery that dates back to the 1890s, but which has been extensively renovated and extended with the addition of modern villa suites.
Representing a break from the Cape Dutch architecture typical of this region, the villas at Franshhoek Country House have been designed in a French country style. The ambience is that of a French provincial village, complete with water features, fountains, cobblestone pathways, olive trees and of course grape vines! It's a bit twee and overly-manicured, but it manages to stand out from other luxury resorts in the region.
Accommodation
Franschhoek Country House and Villas offers 26 rooms in total, fourteen within the old country home, and twelve as standalone villa suites. The rooms within the house are smaller than the suites, though spacious enough, with a small lounge area, bedroom, and bathroom en-suite. All rooms open out onto a private balcony or patio. There are also a small number of luxury rooms within the main house, offering additional space, lounge with fireplace, and underfloor heating.
(The rooms in the Country House at Franshhoek underwent extensive renovation in 2014 – our staff have not visited them since then).
The villa suites are a more recent addition to the Franschhoek estate. These are very spacious, and ideal for long stays. Each has separate lounge, bedroom, large bathroom, in-room dining area. They open out two balconies with views of the gardens and of the Huguenot Mountains, and with loungers for relaxing. The interiors are light and airy, furnished to a similar standard as the rooms in the main house, and painted in the same muted colours of beige and cream.
Dining
The Monneaux restaurant is considered one of the best restaurants in the region, and offers top French cuisine made with local ingredients, served in the comfort of the dining room or, on a clear day, on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Guests in the villas may prefer to dine privately in their room.
There's a cosy wine bar and underground cellar stocked with local South African wines.
Facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Well-kept gardens and fountain terrace
- Restaurant and breakfast room
- Club room
Activities
Available locally (mostly at an additional cost):
- Explore the beautiful Winelands region
- Wine tasting
- Golf (Stellenbosch golf course)
- Tennis
- Hiking and biking excursions
- Paragliding and helicopter trips
- Chocolate and cheese tasting
- Visit the numerous local wineries
- Children’s activities: Lion park, crocodile farm, butterfly world, monkeytown
Child Policy
Children of all ages welcome. The villa suites are more suitable for families.
