Franschhoek Country House & Villas

Flanked by the majestic Huguenot Mountains, the Franschhoek Country House is about an hour's drive from Cape Town. Situated in the heart of the wine-route, Franschhoek has plenty to offer. Wine-tasting on the farms in the area, or in the neighbouring towns of Stellenbosch and Paarl, is a popular tourist pastime. Cape Dutch architecture, gentle walks in the valley and tales of its Huguenot heritage are all part of Franschhoek's charm.

Visit the Huguenot Monument and learn of the families who settled on land in the Cape given to them by Governor Simon van der Stel. With them, they brought their in expertise agriculture and wine-making. The wine cultivars introduced by the Huguenots have today matured into a complete range of renowned quality red and still white wines and port. Relax and enjoy the beauty of the valley in the comfort of the Franschhoek Country House & Villas.

This restored manor house and former perfumery, dating back to 1890, is situated on the outskirts of Franschhoek, arguably the most picturesque village in the Cape wine lands. Surrounded by enchanting vineyards and surrounded by majestic mountains, the Franschhoek Country House & Villas is a mere hour’s drive from Cape Town, making this the perfect getaway for anyone visiting the Western Cape.

The Franschhoek is an historic residence in the centre of what many regard as the most picturesque village in the Cape winelands. The village of Franschhoek is a wine and food lover's delight and a haven for artists.

Elegantly restored in the Cape Huguenot tradition, The Franschhoek lies in the heart of the village so is just a few minutes walk from numerous character-filled, boutique-style shops and several excellent restaurants (three of which are rated within the top ten in South Africa).

The main buildings together with the suites are all built to accommodate an interior courtyard, creating a village atmosphere with numerous fountains, pergolas and cobblestone pathways, all beautifully illuminated at night.

The Country House The Country House has undergone some changes to complement the new village. It consists of fourteen luxury rooms, with most of them leading out onto balconies or private patios. Some also feature fireplaces, under carpet heating and air-conditioning, and all rooms cater for all the expected luxuries and amenities. The new Villa Suites were designed to complement and enhance the previous Franschhoek Country House – all linked with additional water features, pathways, and olive trees.

The Villa Suites The new Villa Suites, with the ambience of a French provincial village, offer the ultimate in luxury, space and convenience. In fact, it sets a new standard for luxury accommodation in South Africa. The twelve exclusive Villa Suites, each measuring one hundred square meters, consists of an entrance portico leading into a large, well-appointed lounge. French doors open into the luxurious bedroom, and leading from the room is a wonderfully spacious en-suite bathroom decorated in a French provincial style. Both the lounge and the bedroom open onto a large private balcony. The bedroom also has a second intimate private balcony with views over the lush  gardens. Both balconies provide spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, fountain courtyard and the swimming pools.

The suites also boast a range of indulgent luxuries, including independently air-conditioned bedroom and lounge, an entertainment facility with individual satellite TV, DVD player and a music system that extends from the lounge to the bedroom and bathroom. Fireplaces and under-floor heating in the lounge, bedroom, bathroom and even the showers add to a warm and cosy ambience, especially during the winter months. Other standard items include mini-bar and  tea/coffee making facilities.

Guests travelling with friends or children also have the opportunity to take up adjoining rooms with communal portico areas.

“The Village” The main buildings together with the suites are all built to accommodate the interior courtyard creating a village atmosphere with numerous fountains, pergolas and cobblestone pathways. The new Villa Suites were designed to complement and enhance the previous Franschhoek Country House – all linked with additional water features and pathways featuring superb night-lighting. Franschhoek Country House has also undergone some changes to complement the new village.

In Room Amenities:

• Private safe
• Satellite television
• Air-conditioning
• Heated towel rails
• Underfloor heating

Guests can enjoy a range of facilities and services at the hotel which is now supported by a new guest services department. To this effect the existing cottage on the property has been converted in to the new administration reception, reservation and guest services offices.

A second heated swimming pool has been built to accommodate the additional guests and extensive landscaping on the properties has resulted in wonderful expansive lawns with cascading water alongside the swimming pools.

A new club room for have also been completed which is ideal for private dining facilities and in winter it will be utilized as a small conference centre for up to 40 delegates.

Nearby Activities:

• Golf
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Fly fishing
• Paragliding
• Walking trails
• Wine tasting
• Horse riding

The new main building houses the guest lounges, new restaurant and wine cellar. Villa residents are offered the opportunity to either dine in the beautifully decorated dining room upstairs, or a select few have the opportunity to dine in the exclusive cellar.

Lunch is served on the magnificent fountain terrace and dinner in the relaxed, yet elegant dining room.

The cellar is stocked with a carefully selected range of Franschhoek and other exclusive wines from the surrounding region.

Dinner is an experience with a difference as platters of exciting dishes are served to share. Guests can choose from a selection of platters such as sashimi,  oysters, meat and game, selected cheeses and delectable desserts. Guests also have the opportunity to eat in the in-house Monneaux Restaurant, rated as  one of South Africa’s best restaurants. This is where Chef Adrian Buchanan serves French inspired dishes that are as superbly prepared as they are exquisitely presented. His wine list emphasises some of the top wines of the region.

Chef Adrian’s menu favourites include the Corgette Tarts with a mint and apple salad for starters, a Duck Breast with Truffle Mash as a main course, and his own rendition of the classic Pecan Nut Pie for dessert. For those who prefer red meat there is a succulent Peppered Beef Fillet with hummus and pommes frittes, and from the ocean a Grilled Line Fish in a lemon-grass emulsion with wilted bokchoi, topped with a Macadamia nut crush.

The Monneaux Restaurant is listed as one of the ‘Top 10 Restaurants in South Africa’ by Eat Out for the year 2001 and 2002, and was voted one of the ‘Top 100 Restaurants in South Africa’ by Wine Magazine for 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004! Monneaux Restaurant was also awarded the acclaimed American Express Platinum Fine Dining Award for 2004.

While the dinner menu is presented in a contemporary fine dining style, lunch is presented in a lighter, more bistro-like approach – think smoked duck breast with a feta and watermelon salad!

A complimentary sherry can be enjoyed in one of the guest lounges alongside a crackling log-fire, creating a welcoming atmosphere in winter. Attention to detail and friendly personal service completes your experience at this fine country retreat.