Franschhoek Country House and Villas – Western Cape South Africa

Overview

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 (or villas) 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 being 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.

Accommodation

The beautifully renovated manor house has 14 rooms, most with a private balcony. Room interiors blend comfortable country living (think embroidered percale cotton linen) with modern amenities such as flat screen LED satellite TV. Choose between a standard room, luxury room with a more spacious lounge, or one of two garden cottages each of which has an upstairs lounge with a fold-out bed – great for families travelling with young kids!

For even more luxury and space, Franschhoek Country House and Villas also has 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.

More Info

Children
•​ Children of all ages are welcome.
•​ Children of 12 years and older must be accommodated in their own room. A room adjacent to the adult’s room can be booked.
• ​Children taking their own room will be charged for in full – there are no children’s rates.
• Franschhoek Country House or alternatively the Villa Suites. These have facilities for children by means of one “sleeper couch” which can sleep, two small children.
• A cot for a baby can be accommodated in any of our rooms, free of charge.

Directions

Driving from Cape Town on the N1 

Drive out of Cape Town on the N1 past Belville & Brackenfell turnoffs. Keep on driving and pass the Winelands 1-Stop Engen petrol station as well as the first Stellenbosch turnoff after the petrol station. Take the next turnoff (nr 47) named “Stellenbosch / Klapmuts” and turn right at the stop on the R44.

Approximately 600m further, pass over the 4-way stop. Shortly after the 4 way stop (400m) turn left at the Franschhoek sign.

Carry on with this for road (for approx 8km) until it ends into a T-junction at which you turn right on the way to Franschhoek on the R45. This road will take you straight into Franschhoek (approximately 16km further).

Franschhoek Country House is a yellow coloured building situated 1,5 km before the main town of Franschhoek on the right hand side, next to Grande Provence Wine Estate.

Driving from Cape Town on the N2 

Driving away from Cape Town on the N2, take the first Stellenbosch turnoff (named Baden Powell Drive, R310) and keep on travelling to Stellenbosch. You will eventually pass the Spier Wine Estate (on your right) and a few kilometer’s after that, the road will end into a T-junction (13km from the N2 turn-off). Turn right at the T-junction and travel into Stellenbosch 4km further. You will pass over a 3 traffic lights – keep to your left. The road ends into a T-junction at which you turn left. Pass over 3 traffic lights and shortly after the third set, turn right at a set of robots at the sign “Franschhoek / Idas Valley”.

This road will take you over the mountain on the Helshoogte pass, trough Johannesdal and trough Pniel and eventually ends into a T-junction (16km from Stellenbosch). This T-junction is shortly after the Boschendal Wine Estate (which would have been on your right). Turn right at the T-junction onto the R45 to Franschhoek. This road will take you straight into Franschhoek approximately 13km further.

Franschhoek Country House is a yellow coloured building situated 1,5 km before the main town of Franschhoek on the right hand side, next to Grande Provence Wine Estate.