La Residence
Top of Class
₤ 299 (Pps)
Top of Class
₤ 299 (Pps)
• Probably the most glamorous and flamboyant place to stay in the Winelands
• A romantic private Winelands villa rather than a formal hotel
• Opulent public rooms and suites
• Set just outside the picturesque village of Franschhoek
Designed along the lines of a French country house, La Residence, as well as its private Villas, is situated on its own private 30 hectare estate filled with vines, fruit trees, flowers and herbs. Expansive terraces offer marvellous opportunities to relax and admire the wraparound vineyard and mountain views of the Franschhoek Valley.
Understated elegance is not the byword at La Residence. Rather it exudes an opulent and glamorous ambience with exquisite French antiques, rich fabrics, glittering chandeliers and objets d’art collected by the owner, Liz Biden, on her many travels. The centrepiece is the double volume living area.
As you walk in, you come into a glorious and romantic double storey room with dining on the one side and sitting areas on the other side. Magnificent flower arrangements and convivial log fires in winter provide a warm welcome. Outside expansive terraces offer a relaxing place to admire the vineyard and dramatic skyline of blue purple mountains encircling the Franschhoek valley. A beautiful dam, swimming pool and Provencal gardens complete the picture outside. Inside there’s also a library, boutique, small gym and spa room.
Eleven luxuriously appointed suites enjoy vibrant colour schemes and spectacular views. Palatial en-suite bathrooms ooze glamour. Each is decorated with fine antiques, exquisite Persian carpets and an eclectic mix of artworks. Each one is unique but all have their charms.
Service is a key component at La Residence - their aim is for guests to feel completely at home and yet want for nothing.
Five minutes’ drive from the charming shops and galleries of Franschhoek. The hotel provides complimentary transfers so you can explore the village at your leisure.
There are excellent restaurants to try in Franschhoek as well as a range of activities from horse-riding to chocolate-tasting. Alternatively, the chef at La Residence uses fresh produce from the garden and fine local wines to create a memorable dining experience.
A new addition at La Residence are the Villas, situated only a few minutes from the hotel. The villas are perfect for families or friends wanting greater privacy. There are five villas varying from studios to three bedrooms. Décor throughout is eclectic and luxurious with the same sense of style, colour and furnishings as at La Residence, whilst retaining a certain rustic simplicity and elegance. All have private terraces and gardens; four have their own pools. Complimentary drinks and snacks, wide screen televisions and DVD players create a homely feel. Guests dine either in their private villa or the central Terrace Room, beside a fire or outside next to the stunning infinity pool.