• Picture perfect setting.
• Magnificent mountain views.
• An unparalleled luxury retreat.
• Situated with a private 30 acre working farm.
• World Class dining.
• A multitude of outdoor activities.
The Whole Story
When the Huguenot exiles from France arrived in South Africa in the late 1600s and early 1700s – escaping from the religious persecution of Louis XIV – they were given land, tools and farming necessities by the Dutch. In fact, they were given everything they needed to make wine, because the Dutch East India Company needed wine for the crew of their thousands of ships.
That’s how so many wineries ended up in Franschhoek (literally translated French Corner), one of the most beautiful areas of South Africa, an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Surrounded by tall, jagged mountains that even attract the odd snow flurry in winter, Franschhoek is the perfect combination of rugged natural beauty and the refined ambience that can be found in areas famous for making wine. The village of Franschhoek is a charming collection of small boutiques, splendid little restaurants and cute cafés, mostly executed in the very distinct style known as Cape Dutch.
It’s a sophisticated location – perfect for a place like La Residence. Although the colonial splendour of its great hall gives the impression it’s been around since the French arrived, it was actually created fairly recently, from scratch, to be able to host visitors to Franschhoek in a style equal to the surrounding area. The proprietor Liz Biden filled the place with antiques and rare treasures from around the world, and although the size suggests otherwise, it has only 11 suites. These are suites where the bathrooms are the size of a normal hotel room, and even the loo has a side table for books and magazines. The idea was to create a level of luxury that once would have been reserved only for the most prosperous of the Cape Dutch Boers.
The Rooms
La Residence offers 11 individually decorated luxury suites. The suites are decorated with plush Persian carpets and ornate antiques.
Luxury Rooms – individual rooms boasting views of the vineyards and mountains beyond.
Superior Rooms – decorated with fine works of art and ornate antiques enjoying private verandahs with stunning panoramic vistas.
Exclusive use of the entire property is possible.