If you’re searching for a luxury stay in and around Cape Town, and money is little object, you don’t need to look much further than The Royal Portfolio.
The Silo Hotel in the V&A Waterfront? The one with the striking windows, Insta-worthy bathtubs and the best rooftop bar in the city? That’s part of the Portfolio. So is Birkenhead House, perched on the rocks above Grotto Beach in Hermanus, for memorable whale-watching from your private terrace. Then there’s La Residence in Franschhoek, where genteel country living Is infused with founder Liz Biden’s signature aesthetic of riotous colour, lush textures and bold décor.
And now they’ve turned the luxury dial up a little more, with the opening of Franschhoek House, an exclusive-use villa in the heart of the Franschhoek valley. Set in a private corner of the La Residence estate, Franschhoek House sleeps up to 12 guests in six opulent suites, making it a great choice for small groups, families and multi-generational travellers to the Cape Winelands.
Shaded by a 200-year-old oak tree, the House’s choice of outdoor terraces allows for an easy taste of the Cape’s al fresco lifestyle, and with a private chef on hand to whip together a seasonal lunch it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the summer.
Unsurprisingly, the décor is unforgettable, as Liz Biden weaves together a vibrant tapestry of aesthetic influences, from vintage French elegance to the colours and textures of African and Indian traditions.
Each suite at Franschhoek House is individually decorated too, curated to tell its own story. Rich fabrics, antique furnishings, and striking artworks combine with bold colour schemes to create spaces that are both luxurious and deeply personal. High-pitched ceilings and expansive windows flood the interiors with natural light, while ornate chandeliers lend an air of grandeur.
At the heart of Franschhoek House is ‘The Long Room’. Created as a social hub of the house, it comes equipped with a full-size billiard table, a stylish bar and a cosy lounge area. There’s also a large interactive kitchen, where your private chef will create farm-to-table plates drawing from the ingredients grown on the estate or sourced in the surrounding valley. Outdoors, expect plenty of al fresco space to chill, with a choice of sun-splashed terraces and a private heated pool amid the landscaped gardens. Guests at Franschhoek House also have access to the amenities and services of La residence, from dining to the spa.
Of course, all of that space and luxury comes at a cost. Franschhoek House is available on an exclusive-use basis only, priced at R165 000 per day (R226 000 for up to 12 guests). That includes accommodation for up to eight guests, breakfast, local beverages and house wines, laundry service, WiFi and the services of a private chef and host. Start saving!
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