VILLAS AND MANOR HOUSES IN SOUTH AFRICA - WHERE TO SPEND THE LONG WEEKENDS

Here, for discerning travellers, are some top of the range holiday Manor Houses and Villas where families, couples and groups of friends can enjoy the most luxurious of holidays…

For the lovers of wildlife looking for adventure - a luxury safari villa in the northern reaches of KZN, and, on the beautiful, stark plains of the Karoo an elegant and luxurious Manor with its warm design reflecting the environment…

For the seekers of pristine landscapes, indigenous vegetation, untouched beaches and abundant marine and birdlife - a sand stone Villa in the De Hoop Nature Reserve on the east coast and an eco-sustainable and environmentally conscious Villa of note on the west coast in an old fishing village… for the lovers of nature and wine aficionados - a recently refurbished Manor House, tucked away in the quaint old town of Franschhoek, surrounded by majestic mountains.

These superior establishments offer luxury features, beautiful interior designs, superior standards, warm and friendly service and authentic experiences beyond your wildest dreams.

THE MANOR HOUSES

…in the Cape

Manor House, La Petite Ferme, Franschhoek

A favoured destination in Franschhoek because of its record of impressive guest experiences, its location and the views, La Petite Ferme, a luxury Cape winelands boutique hotel and wine estate, recently refurbished the estate’s Manor House to bring it in line with the same level of luxury as the existing and popular, Vineyard Suites. Four months of extensive renovations saw its four suites being completely overhauled, and the addition of a fifth suite. 

Previously known for its Cape Vernacular style with reed ceilings on the verandah and traditional furnishings and décor, the interiors are now far more contemporary and upmarket. Modern, crisp white ceilings were installed, traditional window frames and doors were replaced with aluminium, the flooring was redone and new state-of-the-art air-conditioning was installed. All the bathrooms received a complete makeover with top-end, luxury fixtures and fittings installed. Each of the five suites - with a private terrace and individually decorated in a theme from different regions of the world – was named in honour of people who have inspired the owner of La Petite Ferme - John & Carol, Foufi, Helene, Andre and Sryani. 

All the suites offer luxuries and carefully considered conveniences such as underfloor heating in the bathrooms, heated towel rails, Wi-Fi, smart televisions, under roof terraces and air-conditioning. The exterior also had a complete overhaul with the original style and appeal being retained - verandahs were re-done, the shared pool was enlarged, resurfaced and modernised, also the hard landscape. In a setting characterised by majestic mountains and vineyards, the aim was to distil the allure that comes with airy, outdoor luxury of international standard. In addition to accommodation, La Petite Ferme produces world-class, hand-crafted wines and is home to an award-winning restaurant. Situated less than three minutes from the village of Franschhoek, La Petite Ferme, a member of The Nest, is the perfect getaway for both summer and winter escapes. Ts & Cs apply. La Petite Ferme - Enquiries/Reservations: accommodation@lapetiteferme.co.za, www.lapetiteferme.co.za

Melkkamer Manor House, De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Collection, situated in the De Hoop Nature Reserve and a comfortable three hours’ drive from Cape Town offers pristine land, wide open spaces, beaches, whale-watching, coastal fynbos and teeming animal and birdlife, plus a wide range of accommodation that includes various self-catering options. De Hoop Collection’s remote and exclusive ‘Melkkamer ’homestead, a 40 min drive from the Opstal area boasts three sandstone units dating from the late 1800s. One of them – the Melkkamer Manor House, tucked away amongst the milkwood trees and comprising four magnificently appointed bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, is perfect for discerning guests wanting the privacy of sole-use ‘manor’ accommodation. The house is fully equipped for self- catering and has a beautiful spacious kitchen, a cosy lounge and charming dining room with fireplaces inside, and an outside braai area under the milkwood trees. 

The Manor House does not however have electricity –

there is a generator (switched on at pre-determined times) and gas powered appliances, while candlelight and lanterns add to the ambience of this unique area. Meals are served at The Fig Tree Restaurant in the Opstal area (booking a table for dinner is essential) or can be pre-ordered and collected. Here you can escape to a bygone era in the peace and tranquillity that is the Melkkamer Homestead. Rates are dependent on length of stay and are available on request. Melkkamer Manor will be part of De Hoop’s new slackpacking trail which is currently being designed. The trail will include parts of the iconic whale trail route and highlights of De Hoop and will be a fully catered and guided three to five night hike for groups of up to 10. De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes. Ts &Cs apply. Enquiries: 021-422 4522, res@dehoopcollection.co.za, www.dehoopcollection.com 

…in the heart of the Karoo The Manor, Samara Karoo Reserve

The Manor, an elegant and luxurious yet understated lodge, with its warm design reflecting the local environment, is a striking oasis in the semi-desert Karoo landscape. On arrival, your eye is drawn through the glass double doors - flanked by beaded African artwork and Karoo antiques - to the 21 m infinity pool and the breathtaking views beyond. The Manor is small enough to feel intimate, yet large enough to give all guests a feeling of space and privacy. It opens up into two living areas and two smaller breakaway lounging alcoves – here you can unwind by the fireplace where a crackling fire burns in the winter months, and where the large glass patio doors are flung wide open in summer. Dining takes places in a well-appointed dining room adjacent to the comfortable bar area and there is also a small breakfast room next to the kitchen, which can double up as a study. 

When the weather is pleasant, candlelit dinners are set up on the verandah, on the lawn under the purple-flowered Jacaranda tree, or out in the bush beneath a star-studded sky. A Karoo-style boma, fashioned out of an old water reservoir is the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks around the fire. Each of the four spacious luxury suites comprises a bedroom and bathroom (with shower and free-standing bath), while a private patio with outdoor seating, looks out over a mountain landscape - the perfect location for lazy afternoons reading Out of Africa. The Manor can be booked on an exclusive use basis, - a perfect option for families and groups looking for privacy, indulgence and complete relaxation - and guests have access to a private vehicle, guide, chef and host, as well as a bespoke programme of activities. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: Samara Karoo Reserve, Reservations: 031 262 0324, Lodge: 049 940 0059, reservations@samara.co.za, www.samara.co.za

THE VILLAS

…in the Cape

Coral Villa - Gonana Collection, Paternoster, West Coast

Gonana Collection’s flagship property, Gonana Guesthouse, was Paternoster’s first sustainable and environmentally conscious guesthouse off the grid and completely environmentally ethical; the culmination of the Swedish entrepreneur and interior designer Jonas Sandström’s experience and passion for creating beautiful spaces that are rich in detail, exquisite in taste, and above all else, considerate to the environment. A recent addition to the Collection that rose, like the proverbial phoenix, out of the re-imagining, restoration and complete refurbishment of the oldest fisherman villa on the Bekbaai side of Paternoster, into the exclusive, self-catering and eco-conscious Coral Villa. 

The elegant but laid-back, tastefully decorated, self-catering three- bedroom Villa comprises a spacious lounge with an open fireplace - perfect for those cold winter evenings, and a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen with gas hob, two loft bedrooms and a bathroom with a Victorian bath, and a downstairs bedroom and separate bathroom (the bathrooms  have walk-in showers). Out in the front

there is a braai area surrounded by an indigenous fynbos garden, while out back is a KolKol wood-fired hot tub (only available during the colder winter months, May to October) that is perfect for warming up after those cold water swims and midnight dips in the ocean. 

Located just 60m from the ocean guests are just a short hop and skip away from the Bekbaai beach that neighbours on the Columbine Nature Reserve. Coral Villa sleeps six - children  of all ages are welcome, it is also pet-friendly and it is serviced daily. This is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway or that much needed family breakaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where you can enjoy spectacular views, peace and tranquility. All Gonana Collection properties are run on solar power and are unaffected by loadshedding. Ts & Cs apply. Gonana Collection - Reservations: stay@gonanaguesthouse.com, www.gonanaguesthouse.com 

De Mond Villa - De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Collection, situated in the De Hoop Nature Reserve and a comfortable three hours’ drive from Cape Town offers pristine land, wide open spaces, beaches, whale-watching, coastal fynbos and teeming animal and birdlife, plus a wide range of accommodation that includes various self-catering options. Its latest addition - a stunning restoration, is the five roomed De Mond Villa overlooking the beautiful Ramsar vlei - home to spectacular bird life - that offers the perfect option for families and groups looking for privacy, indulgence and complete relaxation. It boasts five en-suite bedrooms, awesome interior décor, a boma, a swimming pool, incredible views and a wealth of animals right on your doorstep – sightings of wild bush pigs, eland, otters and rock dassies are aplenty … and you may even come across leopard tracks. 

De Mond Villa, fully catered and guided, accommodates a minimum of five guests per night at R3 500 per person per night (R17 500 per night) includes guided activities, but excludes the eco -boat cruise and Vulture experience. De Mond Villa will be one of the properties on the new De Hoop slackpacking trail which is currently being designed. This will be a fully catered and guided three to five night hike for groups of up to 10. It will include parts of the iconic whale trail route and highlights of De Hoop. De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: 021-422 4522, res@dehoopcollection.co.za, www.dehoopcollection.com

…in Kwazulu Natal

Villa iZulu - Thanda Safari, Kwazulu Natal

Villa iZulu is Thanda Safari’s classic luxury villa. It was initially built for the owners of Thanda Safari, the Olofsson family of Sweden - “For our family Thanda is a place of seclusion and wilderness where we restore our senses and rejuvenate our spirit in the heart of the Royal Zulu Kingdom. It is about living the adventure, conserving this wildlife wonder and sharing in the traditions of this vast, wild domain.” Dan Olofsson, founder- owner of Thanda - Today, it is a sumptuous, butler-serviced, multi-award winning Safari Villa for guests who prefer a private, exclusive retreat. Situated in the heart of this Big Five private game reserve, this magnificent safari villa offers expansive views of the 14 000-hectare reserve where the Big Five and all the other wildlife roam. Villa iZulu has five luxurious en-suite bedrooms, a large living and dining area, a library and a wine cellar.

Situated in a beautifully landscaped garden with a swimming pool, boma and a helipad, it is protected from the surrounding reserve with high-security fencing enclosing the whole property, making it safe for guests to wander through the gardens or to sit on the deck overlooking the waterhole. A dedicated butler, chef and manager see to every need of guests, with the chef preparing delicious cuisine for every dietary requirement - from English breakfasts to four-course fine dining dinners, braais and legendary high teas. 

Villa iZulu has its own safari vehicle, guide and tracker and extra vehicles are brought in when needed. Game drives are flexible and guests can decide (within reason) when they wish to head into the reserve. At Thanda Safari you are guaranteed a unique African experience and exclusive close-up encounters with Africa’s Big Five. Ts & Cs apply. Thanda Safari - E: reservations@thanda.co.za, T: +27 (0) 32 586 0149 | www.thandasafari.co.za