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.
Nov 27, 2023
They are the best
your team is just the best. very very helpful even when I changed my plans several times. Congrats
Nov 24, 2023
Friendly, helpful, great experience.
Sara was very friendly and helpful. She gave a lot of information and tried to fulfill our needs as much as possible. There was a good and also fast communication. I will definitely book with Safari.com again!
Nov 21, 2023
Great support
Great support. Very efficient.
Nov 18, 2023
We booked one of the most beautiful…
We booked one of the most beautiful trips we've ever had through Safari.com. The service was excellent and uncomplicated. They catered to special requests, booked additional flights, and the accommodation (Simbavati River Lodge) was simply unbelievably beautiful. Our expectations were far exceeded, and we can only recommend Safari.com. We will definitely book our next vacation through Safari.com and recommend it to our friends. Many thanks, Nelia & Catherine!
Nov 14, 2023
They work hard for you
Anja has really gone above for me. I changed my mind a couple of times but she has willingly worked her magic to get me my bucket list trip in September 2024. Cannot wait!!
Nov 13, 2023
Great Service
Great service and response time. Candis answered all my queries immediately and satisfactorily. She tailored our trip to our requirements really well. I would highly recommend her for your trips to South Africa.
Nov 9, 2023
Very personal treatment and always…
Very personal treatment and always available to answer all of our questions.
Nov 8, 2023
Great Experience
Keagan and his team were great at getting our reservation booked at Shalati. Timely and professional communication made this a great experience. Thanks
Nov 7, 2023
Sara was “Fantastic” a true…
Sara was “Fantastic” a true professional, found a solution so we could experience a wonderful Safari, with great hotels, the Revos train and flights. Great!