Elegant vineyard retreat
Perfectly situated within the winelands village of Franschhoek, The Garden House invites you into a place of distinction, stylishly setting the scene for a suave escape.
As if this hideaway would be the home of a horticulturist, The Garden House makes its gilded statements in the verdancy of the land it occupies. A stone’s throw away from the main hub of the voguish village of Franschhoek, settled on the scenic La Cotte Street, this enchanting winelands escape has been seamlessly stitched together by its architect owners. Having been delicately renovated to retain its unique features and cleverly opened up to reveal its contemporary virtues, The Garden House is all about the landscape. The immediate foliage, the valley that unravels, and the mountains. And all of that delightful north-facing natural light that comes flooding in.
Expansive sliding windows and doors dissolve the boundaries between the refined interior and the exuberant exterior spaces. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas of the lower level flow effortlessly with one another, in and out of the courtyard. Two of the four ensuite bedrooms open directly onto the garden. The upper-level main ensuite achieves its palatial purpose with sweeping views of the mountains, set within a vaulted ceiling. A second lounge opens onto a terrace, complemented by a dedicated studio-office area. The fourth bedroom has its own separate bathroom, accommodating as many as eight of your clan. All of the furnishings, the earthy materials, textures and tones, and the sentimental collectables have been sourced and placed with intent. Evoking a stimulating countryside narrative throughout the home.
Synergy, symmetry and sophistication
The wonderful thing about The Garden House is its proximity to everything in the wine region. Yet it’s tranquil seclusion in equal measures too. You and your travelling team can walk to most of the town’s attractions or an easy drive to the wine estates. You’ll leisurely pivot from the property, exploring all that’s on the itinerary. But you’ll be just as eager to settle around the seating areas. Gather around the tables and the fireplace, allowing the laidback ambience of the home to set the tone. Someone will be at the grand piano, playing their best versions of Bach. Others will be in the glorious swimming pool. The designated cook will be doing what they do best beside the built-in braai. One thing’s for certain, all of you will be absorbing the garden’s aromas, the light’s embrace, and the boundless views of the mountains. From those golden moments before dawn, until well after those violet moments at dusk.
What we love!
- The Garden House sits adjacent the Courtyard House – both offering four bedrooms that can be rented exclusively or independently. Depending on the size of your clan. It’s location is ideal of 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, elevated 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 Garden House and Courtyard 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 Garden House is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Franschhoek.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie