Time-travelling among the vines
Legacy presides on the grounds of Grande Provence in Franschhoek, with an earnest familiarity bursting from the historical bones of The Manor, capturing the essence of an age-old romance with travel around the Cape Winelands.
The Manor pays homage to the history of the revered village of Franschhoek. Anchoring its centuries-old heels into the soil of the Cape Winelands like the ancient oaks do. Fostering a lavish nest of comfort, elegance and inspiration for you and the clan to settle into. Styled in classical farmhouse-inspired statements, you’ll pick up on the sentimental tales scattered around the expansive home. That speak of a different time, when opulence was understated and modesty a virtue.
A bit like walking into the arms of the great old dame of the family, The Manor affectionately welcomes you in to her expansive spaces with warmth and familiarity. An earnest gesture that sets the tone for your luxury escape in the winelands. Furnished in antiques and the estate’s heirlooms, with all of the contemporary essentials, this hideaway nods to a stately home in the Cape’s countryside. The literature, the artworks, the textiles and earthy textures soften the formalities around its luxurious edges. Perhaps that’s because it’s the private residence of the estate owners.
The grounds are beautifully landscaped, in harmony with the natural rhythm of the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, the Franschhoek Mountains and the rolling vineyards that surround The Manor. As a working farm, you’ll get to witness the wheels in motion of the daily happenings of an award-winning wine estate. A mesmerising practice of hands to soil to heart to soul. The guinea fowl contribute to the chatter and the resident owls let you know how tall the old oaks are. The rose gardens add more romance, the swimming pool and teahouse encourage the languid hours, and the pond reminds you of those old fable friends, bobbing about in a boat.
Enveloped by the views
Four beautifully-styled bedrooms, beneath the original beams, overlooking the grounds welcome up to as many as six of your favourite winelands clan. The property is exclusively yours, fully-serviced by an incredible team of housekeepers, butlers and chefs. There’s a library that’s stocked with all that you can read in your dreams. A plethora of places to recline, dine and feel entertained. Enthralled by the views from every vantage point, absorbing the tranquillity of the estate’s ambience. The tea room is especially magical. Looking out across the gardens, enraptured by the open fire place and the ways the trees whistle in the light breeze.
Given its perfect proximity to the town, you’ll venture to and fro with ease. Off to the next wine tasting adventure and indulgent dining affair. Exploring the culinary headquarters of the Western Cape. Nature trails and museums, trams and paddocks. Everything you seek to experience is just around the corner. But you’ll find that sitting around the little table in the garden, or lounging around the pool, gathering around the fireplaces, or sinking into those deep bathtubs will be some of the most cherished moments of your winelands getaway. Reflecting on all that you’ve discovered and all that you’ve become reacquainted with. All the while, nesting in that affectionate embrace of familiarity, that you didn’t know you’d been yearning for, along your travels.
What we love!
- The Manor is wonderfully secluded, 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 in the town.
- Morning coffees around the tittle table that rests at the front of the house. Or admiring the sunset from the back of the house. Taking in the views. No matter where you plant yourself, the views are amazing. There are also plenty of pockets of shade on the hot days.
- Congregating in the tea room that completely opens out into the garden.
- The Manor has been ardently nurtured and maintained over the centuries, in keeping with the strict vernacular of the village. Retaining the architectural history of the town.
- 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.
- Doing some morning or afternoon yoga in the garden, enjoying the quiet and the slow motion of each pose.
- 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 quiet areas to retreat to, enjoying the simple pleasures of solitude for an hour or three.
What you need to know…
- The property is located in the heart of the village, an easy amble into the main hub of Franschhoek.
- Your stay includes a private chef, butler, and housekeeping, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served at The Manor. You are also welcome to dine out at the award-winning 5-star restaurant or the casual bistro, both located on the estate. Should you wish to experience a different dining environment, this is for your own account.
- Cape Town International Airport is only a 45-minute drive to and from the property. The city of Cape Town being no more than an hour.
- 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 – failing not to mention the restaurants on the estate itself, there’s Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse at Maison, La Petite Colombe, Bread & Wine, and Le Coin Français.
- If The Manor is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Franschhoek.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie