Tranquil winelands escape
Oozing charm, elegance and character, with a subtle nod to luxury, The Courtyard House is the perfect winelands escape in the heart of the Franschhoek village.
In keeping with the finesse of its neighbouring counterpart, all dressed up in its dapper attire, The Courtyard House beckons you into a home of timeless elegance, sublime comfort, and inspiration. Where the views of the lush Franschhoek valley, the surrounding mountains and immediate, burgeoning garden engulf every space. Tucked away down the countryside lanes of La Cotte Street, this tranquil winelands hideaway dishes up stylish platters of a sophisticated laidback loveliness, in abundance. Characterised by its distinctive layout and thoughtful use of space, the upper level is dedicated to the living, cooking, dining and entertaining areas, illustrating the benefits of an “upside-down” home. We adore the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that fold away into pockets, allowing expansive, light-filled spaces to seamlessly flow onto the north-facing terrace, that whisks you away with the views over the garden, the swimming pool, and into the valley.
Two of the four bedrooms rest upstairs, while the other two open themselves out into the charming orange-hued courtyard. A majestic, mature tree graces the centre of the outdoor space, harnessing its wisdom into the soil it occupies. Whichever way you choose to meander, the various courtyards and terraces all entice you to settle for those resplendent moments of relaxation. Whether they be accompanied by your chosen clan, or in quiet solitude, you’ll always be chaperoned by the birds and the natural fragrances from the garden. There are plenty of little and large pockets to all gather together, shuffling the mobile braai to its designated spot for the day. A TV room with a vintage pool table to add to the fun, and a lovely swimming pool holding its shape in the garden. Mirroring that of its neighbouring cottage but ideally secluded to have total privacy if the two properties are not occupied exclusively by one travelling team.
Morning sunlight flooding every space
You and your team of winelands enthusiasts will find it hard to leave the pacifying spaces of the home. Succumbing to the seduction of the interiors and marveling at the magic that’s going on outside. All stitched together by the architect owners that have ardently retained its original essence and preserved the key elements of the existing build. Such as the revolutionary concept of replicating the original brown brick floor tiles. Given that they were long out of production, roof tiles from a similar period had to be sourced and resized to match. Little stories pop up everywhere. For you to observe, contemplate and incorporate into your own beautiful experience, at this delightful property in the esteemed village of Franschhoek.
What we love!
- The Courtyard House sits adjacent the Garden House – both offering four bedrooms that can be rented exclusively or independently. Depending on the size of your clan. Its location is ideal for those large multigenerational family gatherings or celebrations, being situated on La Cotte Street.
- The owners have layered the home with their own signature stamp on design. It’s apparent from the moment you walk in – every space is decorated in earthy textures and tones. Lots of cleverly considered spaces that cater to those that appreciate distinguished design.
- Having the ability to open everything out into the garden, with the north-facing, swimming pool inviting all of those outdoor reclining hours of the day.
- Whilst the property does offer enough of the creature comforts – high tech appliances and a Bang & Olufsen television – the home is more about a nostalgic charm with the owners’ personal, bespoke touches.
What you need to know…
- The property is no more than a 5-minute walk to the main street of Franschhoek. A swift cruise to all of the wine estates and less than 20 minutes to the beautiful gardens of Babylonstoren and its delightful restaurant Babel.
- There is plenty of parking available at both The Courtyard House and Garden House.
- 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, is where the former president walked out a free man after being imprisoned for 27 years. 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 The Courtyard House is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Franschhoek.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie