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.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie