It’s the work of true artisans, when a property can speak of the sentiment that the creators wish to convey. It’s a masterful achievement, when all the elements of life’s simple treasures can be stitched into the build. Layered into the interiors. Washed across the walls, sprinkled throughout the grounds and embedded into the soil. When the soul of the home is as vibrant, riveting and captivating as the places the owners have visited, in all of their years of travel around the world.
A compendium of artefacts, furnishings, artworks, lighting and literature occupy the spaces of this contemporary countryside retreat in Franschhoek. Lest we forget the wine. Vintages from around the world; Chilean, French, South African and the likes rest their revered vessels on the cellar shelves. Lots and lots of objects that have been discovered, carried home, and given their own designated space to inhale the African air. There’s an influence of everywhere, cohesively binding the curious narrative of Paddakloof together.
Olive groves, orchards and vineyards. A lily-pond, drooping willow trees, never-ending mountain views, and flowing water for the fish eagles to skim. The kingfishers to bath and the sunbirds to catch a glance of their pretty flittering wings in. This hideaway is a luxury winelands homestead that has been ardently created to nurture those conversations we have on travel, the world around us, and indeed each other. Imploring you to experience the Cape wine region in a rather unique way. This is Franschhoek, yes, but seen through a worldly lens.
Pondering life beside the lily-pond
As much as there is to go out and explore in the town. The tasting, the dining, the tramming, the indulging, there’s also a discerned approach to let life gently unfold at the estate. A sanctuary that’s shaped by nature, and held together by inimitable service. Morning coffees beneath the willow tree. Lunches in the secret garden room. Long dinners outdoors among the olive groves. Conversations in the cellar that stretch one’s curiosity even further.
There is a padel court with its own clubhouse, a yoga and wellness pavilion – where the mountain views inspire the sweat. Especially whilst taking a moment of stillness in the sauna. There are three swimming pools, a jacuzzi, and the country’s largest eco-pool that is untouched by swimmers. The delicate ecosystem nurtured only by its wild residents.
Ten beautifully-styled bedrooms can welcome up to twenty of your favourite winelands clan. Perhaps a milestone celebration or a special luxury getaway with the crew, the estate is incredibly generous with its space, and inspiring at every turn. You can wander about all day, without sensing another soul nearby. The grounds are meticulously maintained for you to walk, explore, cartwheel and skip around to your holiday hearts’ content. The Barn is ideal for lavish dining. Whether you bring along your own chef, or have the concierge team of the estate organise it all for you, that’s entirely up to you and your itinerary. A restaurant-grade kitchen will support the banquets, and there’s additional staff accommodation should it be required.
At the core of this historic wine farm, with its original architecture honoured, and its youthful international spirit thriving, Paddakloof is a marvel of a hideaway in the Western Cape. Removed from any of the chaos of the town, yet close enough to the things you want to do. It is designed for gathering. It’s not a hotel, it’s a home built for living well, slowly, and consciously together. Allowing the influence of all of the lands we’ve explored before, to foster familiarity on South African soil.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie