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This exclusive country house hotel has a history dating back to 1692, the time when some of the original European settlers and wine growers arrived in the Cape. The 96 acre estate is host to exotic fruit trees and endless vines of noble white grape varieties, such as Chardonnay and Chenin blanc.
The homestead is built in the attractive and characteristic Cape Dutch style with accommodation in the two main buildings. The extensive landscaped garden area is surrounded by ancient oak trees, providing privacy and tranquillity for the perfect holiday.
Nestled at the foot of the Drakenstein mountain range in the Cape's scenic wine growing region, access is approximately 60km from Cape Town International Airport and Cape Town city centre. Paarl is the nearest town being just five minutes away by car. Alternatively follow the wine route to visit Franschhoek or Stellenbosch.
The stunning peninsula beaches are a mere 30min. drive away.
ACCOMMODATION
The South African Tourism Grading Council has rated the estate with 5 Stars. The 13 rooms, cottages and suites (including a honeymoon suite) have been painstakingly furnished, with the careful use of valuable antiques in the style of the 1800's. Each room has an individual colour scheme and character with a luxurious separate bathroom, most featuring a freestanding bathtub. Each room or suite is fitted with the convenience of a CD player, most rooms with air-conditioning and climate control. A complimentary carafe of vintage sherry and a selection of fresh fruit welcome you on arrival. In addition each room has its own balcony or terrace.
Presidential Suite: A 140sqm large suite on two floors equipped with the finest art deco furniture. The downstairs lounge area has a fireplace, fully stocked bar fridge, tea and coffee tray, hairdryer, antique safe, Satellite TV and DVD player with a CD collection and a separate dining area. The upstairs bedroom has a four poster king size bed, a smaller lounge area, air-conditioning and a luxurious bathroom with a shower and bath.
Honeymoon Suite: A romantic suite in the historic Manor House furnished with the finest antiques. The suite consists of a large en-suite bedroom with a four poster queen size bed and a separate lounge area with a DVD unit and CD collection, antique safe, tea and coffee tray, hairdryer and air-conditioning.
Cottage: The cottages are ideal for families and consist of an air-conditioned master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a separate lounge area with a double sized sleeper couch and a small kitchenette (not fully self-catering). The cottages also comprise of an antique safe, tea and coffee tray, hairdryer and DVD unit with CD collection. Each cottage has a private terrace/garden.
Luxury Room: A contemporary large suite with a king size bed and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with shower only. DVD unit and CD collection, antique safe, tea and coffee tray, hairdryer and air-conditioning.
Standard Room: Large en-suite bedroom with either a queen size bed or twin beds. All the standard rooms have a CD player with a CD collection, tea and coffee tray, hairdryer, antique safe and either air-conditioning or a ceiling fan.
Junior Room: Small en-suite bedroom with a double bed. The junior rooms have a CD player with a CD collection, tea and coffee tray, hairdryer, safe and a ceiling fan and are ideal for single persons.
CUISINE
For a memorable dining experience we will plan the menu around the personal requirements of our discerning clients within reason. Weather permitting, a relaxed breakfast is served outside, under the canopy of the ancient oak and jacaranda trees, or on the terrace overlooking the aromatic herb garden. Alternatively it can be offered in the historical dining room. Fresh home made fruit juices and preserves accompany your choice from the extensive buffet with a variety of cooked dishes to tempt the palate. Menus are changed daily. In the evening our chef creates a delicious three course meal, but for those with a smaller appetite we are happy to prepare something lighter such as a salad or single hot course if preferred - by prior arrangement. We pride ourselves on the use of the freshest ingredients either from the garden or locally sourced. Wines from the estate, as well as a comprehensive range of the area's best wines, are available from the cellar to complement the food. Fresh fish, shellfish and game are our predominant style.
SPORT & ACTIVITIES
The mountain slopes around the country lodge are home to some of the best wine estates in the Cape. It is a superb location for exploring and learning more about wine with an abundance of tasting possibilities.
Guests are invited to take a stroll through the estate passing rows of elegant vines extending to the mountains. The secluded pool area provides the opportunity to cool off or relax in the sunshine on a hot day and pockets of shade are plentiful for relaxing under the trees.
The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities: walks and mountain climbs on the Drakenstein range, visiting the nature reserve with its rich animal and plant kingdom. Angling, horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding and hot air ballooning are also available. For the golf enthusiast the Cape is a golfer's paradise. The nearest course with 27 holes is just 4 minutes by car and credited as one of the prettiest in South Africa. Another 16 courses are within a 40 minute radius.
LIMOUSINES
A chauffeur driven classic limousine can be put at your disposal for tailor made excursions: shopping or sightseeing trips, a coastal drive or perhaps further afield to Hermanus for whale watching. Transport to golf courses and to or from the airport is available on request.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
With the majestic backdrop and stunning location the lodge has the reputation for being the perfect setting for a wedding. Marriage ceremonies in South Africa do not require complicated preparations and can be arranged at 24 hours notice. A valid passport and, in the case of second marriages, a divorce certificate are all the documentation needed to celebrate the union. Leave the finer details to us and we will create the perfect romantic ambience to make your day unique and memorable.
We can organise any special occasion or celebration, with catering for between 2 to 90 people, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities.
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