A world of wine and travel
Deep in the Franschhoek valley, surrounded by mountains and vineyards, Paddakloof exudes an understated elegance, where a world of art, wine, nature, and luxury co-exist in harmony with one another.
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 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.
What we love!
- Paddakloof is perfectly removed from the crowds of town, surrounded by the tranquillity of the mountains and the vineyards. Yet it’s close enough for all of things you wish to dive in to. It is like a secluded sanctuary, in one of the most revered wine destinations in the world.
- Morning coffees on the teak deck, sitting under the willow tree, feeling completely removed from the world around you.
- Though the property is new and reveals its contemporary form in a luxurious manner, the estate has been curated to reflect a deep connection to the landscape and nature.
- Going for a walk around the grounds of the estate every morning and evening. Watching the birds dive into the water and the landscape transform in colour, with each changing hour of the day.
- Spending time in the sauna. Preparing for a cool plunge into the swimming pool. Then into the jacuzzi for relaxation. Sweat, rinse and repeat.
- The property is large enough for all to congregate on the terraces, in the living rooms, around the long dining tables, and at the different outdoor spots. There are plenty of tranquil areas to retreat to, enjoying the simple pleasures of solitude for an hour or three.
What you need to know…
- The property is less than a 5-minute drive into the main hub of Franschhoek.
- Paddakloof offers its own brand of wines – Pangaea and vcollectionwines. Upon request tastings can be arranged. A vast collection of wine, uniquely curated from around the world can be paired with a chef’s menu. This can be requested prior to your arrival, or bring your own chef along, who can prepare your meals in the mammoth, state-of-the-art restaurant kitchen in The Barn.
- Cape Town International Airport is only a 45-minute drive to and from the property.
- Franschhoek is not only about food and wine it’s also about art, cars, culture, history and health. The Drakenstein Correctional Centre, marked by a bronze statue of Nelson Mandela. The Franschhoek motor museum on the L’Ormarins Estate is a backseat journey through a billionaire’s garage.
- The village of Franschhoek is overflowing with fabulous eateries – Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse at Maison, La Petite Colombe, Bread & Wine, and Le Coin Français. There are also plenty of less fussy, more laid-back restaurants on several reputable wine estates and within the village itself.
- If Paddakloof is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Franschhoek.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie