La Cle Des Montagnes, Franschhoek, South Africa
Why we love it
La Cle des Montagne is a wine and plum farm in the Franschoek Valley and boasts 4 villas, each one completely different. We love its location each with private gardens and surrounded by mountains and vineyards and a short stroll to the quaint village with some of the best restaurants in South Africa. But say what you like about great locations and gorgeous interiors - what will stay with you after you leave, is the warmth of the team of wonderful butlers who will win your hearts with their smiling offers to help with everything. We loved the privacy of the villas, the outdoor living and the little touches like having homemade pizzas or a traditional braai prepared for you. Tranquility, style and space is the theme here.
What to expect:
There are 4 individual Villas, each of which have between 2 and 4 en-suite bedrooms. Decorated by one of Cape Town's top inteior designers, you can expect opulence and generous spaces with a central living room and bedrooms containing beautiful and indulgent fittings. The style of each villa is completely different ranging from traditional to modern. It's ideal for families and friends to connect together. The open kitchen sets the tone, as you chat to the chef over a glass of wine and watch dinner preparations unfold. There's also an outside terrace for al fresco dinning and a private swimming pool with wonderful mountain views. In these villas the pace of the day is entirely yours.
What to do:
Venture into Franschhoek - the cutest village in the Winelands - and choose an award wining restaurant for a memorable meal. For those looking for outdoor adventure, they can arrange, golf, tennis, trout fishing, quad biking, helicopter trips, paragliding, hot-air ballooning or horseriding from one wine estate to another. On cooler days, bask in the warmth of the open fire, watching a DVD or enjoying a glass of wine. A trip to the Franschhoek Motor Museum or the wine-tram is also recommended.
Kids: A perfect place for families, as each villa is safe and private. Your kids will be in the gorgeous pool all day! Frank and the team of hosts will happily entertain and care for your little ones while you go wine tasting. Baby sitters are available on request in the evening. The surrounding area is full of great places to visit, with Butterfly World a delightful experience, or come face to face with crocodiles.
How to get there: La Cle Des Montagne is a short walk from the centre of Franschhoek village. Franschhoek is one and a half hour's drive from Cape Town and 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.