Availability
Please enquire via the ENQUIRY button.
Please enquire via the ENQUIRY button.
Winelands escapes don’t get more convenient than this: only ten minutes from Franschhoek, this architect-designed home is on an equestrian and wine estate neighbouring Solms Delta, one of the Cape’s oldest farms with the original wine cellar dating back to 1740. With ever-changing mountain views over the vineyards and the fruit orchard, Simonsrust is an utterly peaceful sanctuary.
Waking to the sound of horses neighing nearby is bliss… an instant reminder that a weekend of enjoying the wine and gourmet delights of the valley is about to begin, whether it’s here – in what is a dream kitchen for cooks – or in Franschhoek itself. We found it hard to tear ourselves away from the feast of recipe books and were thrilled to discover appliances fit for a chef. This is definitely a house for all seasons: with two fireplaces indoors it’s toasty and warm in winter, while summer’s balmy breezes allow all the double doors to be opened up to the vine-covered stoep and generous-sized pool. Life here is about relaxing alfresco meals and chilling around the pool – the perfect antidote to city life or a great base for exploring the winelands.
The individual design style of Cape architect Wynand Wilsenach is immediately recognizable: all the windows and doors have elegant heritage-style interior wooden shutters, klompje bricks are used decoratively – from the kitchen to the fireplace – and pebbles and stonework add character both inside and out. Lofty thatched interiors, together with fans and air conditioning make this a really cool house in the heat of summer.
What we love!
• the beautiful light that streams in at all times of the day through its gracious high windows and doors, a signature design of architect Wynand Wilsenach.
• the outdoor entertaining areas: a shaded stoep for hot days and a wisteria-covered sala for lunches next to the pool with views of the mountains.
• the sense of history: visit both the Museum van die Caab and Music van die Caab at Solms Delta (a short walk away) for a unique archaeological insight.
What you need to know…
• your nearest bakery and deli (where you can buy organic veggies from the spectacular veggie garden) and butcher (for superb grass-fed beef) is Boschendal, which is literally around the corner.
• there’s a mountain biking and hiking trail at Boschendal: permits acquired at the deli.
• Solms Delta does superb riverside picnics on the Dwars River but if you’re a foodie, some of the top-rated restaurants in the country are in Franschhoek. The house instruction book also has some local favourites in the area that are worth visiting.
• this is an equestrian estate, and flies come with the territory on very hot days in summer.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon
Sleeps 6
Based on 3 reviews
Guest reviews are written by our customers after their stay at Simonsrust.
Our family had a lovely stay in this beautiful villa. A spacious and nicely decorated house with a lovely garden, pool and a great kitchen – at a safe, quiet and nice estate with the best location for a stay in the wine districts and trips around Western Cape. Beautiful surroundings. Our stay at the villa made our trip better than we could have imagined.
Awesome family home in gorgeous surrounds! The home has everything you need, our family had a fantastic time. Excellent location in the middle of wine country.
A beautiful home that felt like our own piece of paradise ! Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would book again in a heart beat!! We wish we had more time here.