With a beautiful view of Franschhoek, the Villas are picturesquely situated in the midst of grape vines and fruit trees on the La Residence estate. A fountain greets you as you draw up to the Terrace Room’s exotic palm tree sentinels. Gnarled olive trees evoke Provence or perhaps Tuscany, while white roses line the pretty brickwork lane by which the Villas are accessed. Mountains rise up on all sides, both near and far providing glorious panoramic vistas: this is a location of exceptional charm and serenity.
Come to the Terrace Room to sit and relax by the pool. Or on colder days, bask in the warmth of the open fire, watching a film or enjoying a drink. For spa treatments or a spot of exercise in the gym, head to La Residence which is a just a few minutes’ walk away. You will also find there a library full of books you can borrow and a laptop with internet connection (though the Villas do have wireless internet available throughout.) If you feel like venturing out to the village, a complementary transfer service will take you to one of the award-winning restaurants for a meal to remember. A private cheese or wine tasting can also be arranged at one of the surrounding Franschhoek winelands estates.
For those looking for an outdoor adventure or two, we can book a round of golf, trout fishing, quad-biking, helicopter trips, paragliding, hot-air ballooning or a horseback tour of the surrounding wine farms. A more sedate excursion is the horse-drawn carriage ride through the local village and Franschhoek winelands. [Contact us for the associated fees] Children are well-catered for at the Villas with a whole range of activities on offer: they can bake cupcakes or make pizza with one of our chefs or have fun painting or drawing the incredible scenery. In addition to outdoor pursuits such as tennis, hiking or mountain-biking, there are also plenty of exciting things to do in the vicinity from chocolate-tasting to crocodile-handling!
Situated amid some of the most picturesque wine estates in Franschhoek, La Residence has a fairytale setting with elegant surroundings and a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Beautiful antiques, Persian rugs and luxurious fabrics create a mood of indulgence. Life is a leisurely affair here, with plenty to delight the eye, from the serene mountain views to the richly varied artwork that adorns the walls. There is time to stop and gaze, time to relish every detail of the opulent interiors, exquisite flowers and eclectic objets d’art. Grand but welcoming, visually stunning yet supremely comfortable, La Residence invites you to slow down and enjoy all it has to offer.
The Terrace Room is a welcoming space. Stylish but informal, comfortable but chic, it is the perfect location for relaxed dining. The open kitchen sets the tone: chat to the chef over a glass of wine and watch dinner preparations unfold before your eyes. This is a living, interactive process infused with a sense of fun and collaboration, the results of which are an agreeable blend of guests’ preferences and the chef’s inspiration. The fare is country cuisine at its best with wonderful rustic breads, hearty slow-cooked delights and lots of home-produced jams and preserves. Let our estate wines and home-cured olives provide a memorable opening to the evening and then proceed to dine under the stars, beside the fireplace or in your own villa. The fresh country air and sublime surroundings sharpen the appetite while the food itself is never anything less than a celebration!
For a change of scene, guests (and children over 12) are very welcome to dine at La Residence where they can enjoy the unique atmosphere and experience of a four-course feast in the hotel’s opulent hall.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday in South Africa, come to La Residence’s Villas and enjoy the flexibility and freedom to tailor your holiday to suit your requirements. A whole range of children’s activities is on offer, from baking cupcakes and pizza to painting and PlayStation. The surrounding area is full of great places to visit: come face to face with wildlife from butterflies to crocodiles or explore the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Outdoor and sporting activities suitable for winelands holidays for family include fishing, hiking and riding.
Our chefs will cater for your children’s tastes and needs and prepare delicious meals which can be enjoyed in the central Terrace Room or in your own villa, at the dining table or picnic-style beside the pool. A babysitting service is also available. In short, you have all you need to relax and watch your children enjoy an unforgettable family winelands holiday.