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.
Rate Excludes:
Transfers, meals not specified, all beverages, excursions, and all other items of a personal nature.
Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome. Child rates will apply.
Rates
Standard Rooms
- Unit sleeps: 2
Includes: Accommodation and breakfast
Garden Cottages
- Unit sleeps: 2
Includes: Accommodation and breakfast
Luxury Rooms
- Unit sleeps: 2
Includes: Accommodation and breakfast
Villa
- Unit sleeps: 2
Includes: Accommodation and breakfast
Reviews
"My wife and I really enjoyed staying here. Our (superior) room was of the highest quality, the food was excellent and the staff in particular were very accommodating. The hotel is a short walk (c.15 minutes) or even shorter drive into the centre of Franschhoek."
- Nick
"We were treated absolutely wonderfully right from the moment we arrived. Our every question was answered our every request was granted. Our room was beautifully appointed and the grounds were impeccable. We found the staff to be friendly and helpful. The free breakfast is phenomenal, the fresh buffet or the hot choices. Our stay was the perfect ending to our 5 week African adventure, wish we would have added a couple more nights."
- Carrie
"We recently stayed here for four nights as part of our honeymoon and were instantly blown away. The villas are set among beautiful gardens, the rooms are stunning and then there is the fabulous staff and amazing food. The location is perfect for exploring Franschhoek. We were treated so wonderfully and loved every minute of our stay here."
- Erin
"We stayed here 4 years ago, couldn't wait to come back and weren't disappointed. This really is a beautiful hotel in lovely French style accommodation with elegant gardens and two reasonable size out door swimming pools. We had a ground floor villa which was perfect. The service was impeccable and we were given a bottle of champagne and light lunch on arrival. The dinner menu was limited so we ate at the restaurant next door but breakfast was exceptional. It is the perfect place to relax and we look forward to our third visit."
- Edith
"We had the most unbelievable stay. Who would have thought a reasonably priced accommodation would include such a large, beautifully decorated room with fine art on the walls and a fantastic pool. The included breakfast was also exceptional. I just wish we would have stayed longer."
- Scott
"The location was very picturesque with lovely gardens and a museum. The area is very peaceful with lots of great restaurants. The meal at the on site restaurant was beautifully presented and very enjoyable certainly living up to their claims. The buffet breakfasts had "heaps" of choice with great freshly cooked options. The grounds are really beautiful and my room was huge and really luxurious, including candles for a relaxing bath."
- Joyce
"We only stayed one night during a weekend away and we would happily have stayed longer. Upon arrival we were informed that we had received a complimentary upgrade to a villa suite which made our brief stay even more enjoyable. We were also treated to complimentary champagne as I had notified the manager that I had proposed to my girlfriend earlier that day. The staff are very professional and friendly and make sure that all of your requirements are catered for. The villa suite was spacious and luxurious and contains all the comforts one would expect from a luxury hotel. The only meal we ate at the hotel was breakfast - there was a wide selection of options to suit every taste and requirement and we were more than satisfied with the selection and quality of food. The location of the hotel is about 1.5km (5 min drive) from the center of Franschoek town and is well positioned for exploring the town and the surrounding wine farms."
- Chris
"We have only stayed for 2 nights, but we have experienced a very warm and welcoming spirit in the Franschoek Country House. The service and immediate action/reaction, after a small Problem occurred, was fantastic and it was really a pleasure to enjoy the time at this marvelous place."
- Harald
"Arrived on a really warm day, had a beautiful lunch in the Monneaux restaurant and then lazed by the pool, plenty of iced water provided, then to our spendid room to freshen up before dinner, a magnificent place to stay service was exemplary."
- David
"Franschhoek Country House was definitely one of the best hotels on our three weeks journey through South Africa. A lavish room, perfect service and the best dinner we had on our trip. We can recommend it without restrictions, it is like living in a palace!"
- Elizabeth
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