Just drive to the very end of the road and there she stands, in all her gracious Georgian splendour. De Zalze Manor House resides in the bucolic and coveted De Zalze Golf Winelands Estate in Stellenbosch, but is so deep inside it feels like you are on your very own farm. The nearest neighbour is about half a kilometre away, so privacy is plentiful here.

This is an unexpected house in an unexpected estate in an unexpected town. You just wouldn’t think it’s there, tucked away and surrounded by winelands. And when you step inside the Manor House, you enter an elegant bygone era where life was both serene and simple. De Zalze Manor House is fondly called ‘The Old Lady’ for she exudes style and grace, and has been sensitively restored to reflect her rich past and respected presence. So she’s appointed with English antique pieces, coupled with South African artwork and beading. And there are themes of fynbos and proteas, sprinkled with a hint of classic farmhouse style to reflect her setting. 

Dated to the 19th century, she’s a heritage building of course, but has had many incarnations. The original Oregon floors and nostalgic sash windows remain, alongside air-conditioning in all four, king bedded, en-suite bedrooms. Classic and contemporary attributes live harmoniously here against the backdrop of the Helderberg mountains. 

Imagine the family casually preparing supper in the kitchen on a summer evening, spilling out onto the verandah to dine together over a lazy meal and conversation, while others cool off in the pool alongside. In summertime, living is especially easy here and the pool house entertainment area also beckons friendly gatherings. Stack away the wrap-around glass doors, and you have a stylish ‘gazebo’ equipped with everything to make entertaining easy. 

Quite unique is that De Zalze Manor House is so timeless that there’s a sense you could be many places in the world – from France or Italy to South Africa. In fact, many folk on the estate don’t even know she exists at all, since she stands in her own swathe of space – where it’s so safe you can sleep peacefully with your doors wide open. 

Posted by Keri Harvey

What we love:

• The ancient mosaic baobab on a bathroom wall
• Hearing owls and eagles close by
• The sweeping view of lush lawns with vineyards beyond
• Water resistant couches in the pool house 
• That there’s so much to do – from swimming and canoeing to hiking and biking, wine tasting and fine-dining restaurants close by

Need to know:

• The pool has a cover so is child friendly
• A Clubhouse on the estate offers wine tastings
• Shops for supplies are close by