Hotel Of The Month - August 2015 - La Clé Des Montagnes

Lewis Smith

La Clé Des Montagnes, “The Key To The Mountains” when translated from French is a name without hyperbole. For that is what you see when you open the door with the mystery key, a large old fashion key that nobody knew which door it opened, when the property was first obtained. After methodically testing many doors the key clicked in the lock, and through the frame exposed a picture of the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain range and hence the name La Clé Des Montagnes.

La Clé is located in one of South Africa’s most popular wine valleys; Franschhoek, directly translated from Dutch meaning “French Corner” and is one of our favourite destinations in the Western Cape. This is due to a couple of reasons, one being it’s location, which is truly breath-taking and the other is the vast array of activities available. La Cle being positioned only a block away from the main Huguenot Road that dissects the small town’s centre is the ideal base to enjoy and explore the Winelands. The centre of town is a bustling hub of independent galleries, craft shops and incredible restaurants all within easy walking distance from each other. Yet, when relaxing by your private pool or inside your villa you will feel isolated from the rest of the world, as you are surrounded by vineyards, fruit trees and vast open spaces. The serenity is a true escape and immersing fully into a life of relaxation is all too easy.

​We were lucky enough to get a mock summers day in the middle of winter to experience this majestic establishment. We were welcomed by the lovely General Manager Peggy and personal butler Frank, who always had a wide, authentic smile on his face and is more than willing to help with anything guests request or desire.

Introductions complete and Frank led us to our villa, a two bedroom expressive, avant-garde setting. As suggested by the villa’s name, “La Galerie” powerfully shows bright blocks of colour through contemporary art and sculptures including commended Swedish artist Bengt Karl Erik Lindström. As soon as you walk through the entrance, the atmosphere explodes before you with eye-catching art works adorning the walls on either side, a theme continued throughout the interior. The bedrooms, lounge and large open plan kitchen areas combine sought-after antiques, as well as carefully selected, exclusive contemporary pieces. It is not just the interior, which is impressive; there is a large emphasis on the outdoor living space too. Big, fully opening sliding doors display grand sunlit terraces that lead to the garden and pool, with the vines and fruit orchards just beyond.

Each of the four villas are individually designed and no two rooms are the same anywhere on the establishment. Sarah Ord is the interior designer responsible for the beautiful clashing of ‘colonial meets cosmopolitan’ and the character of the spaces she has created here due to her signature touches of colour and the use of differing fabrics are bold and truly breathtaking, everyone will find something that they wish they could take home with them.

​As we took in all of the sights with our mouths gaping, Frank offered us a refreshing welcome drink, asked us whether he could book us a table for dinner and with that he left us to enjoy the sunshine in the garden. La Clé promotes what is most prominent in the Winelands, outdoors and it begins right outside your room, where you can stroll out into the rolling orchards and vines on the farm, you feel completely removed from the world and the peacefulness of the surroundings is something easily cherished.

In the summer, meals can be served on the terraces and gardens of the villas. Frank is particularly good with a set of braai (BBQ) tongs and can cook up a storm. This is what makes this place special, the emphasis on out-door, country living, with nature and it’s natural beauties right on your doorstep, it allows one to disconnect from our daily pressures, whilst providing excellent service, delicious food and of course a wonderful combination of wine to wash it all down.

The Cape Winelands are filled with world-class accommodation, outstanding service, exceptional wine and delectable food. Therefore to stand out is quite the challenge. La Clé Des Montanges definitely gives all other establishments in the region and South Africa a run for their money with their perfect location, stunning interiors and top-notch service. If you are looking for an exclusive, private and memorable place to stay in Franschhoek you have just found it. 

Follow La Clé on Twitter, Facebook or visit their website.
 
Get in touch with us to arrange your trip in the winelands. And remember; we guarantee you won’t pay more when booking through us than you would if you made the reservation yourself, but we'll take care of everything, you'll even get a complimentary wine tasting at one of Franschhoeks many award winning farms, from us.
 
(All photos featured in this post are property of La Clé Des Montagnes or BACK IN TOWN. All rights reserved)

La Clé Des Montagnes kindly hosted us for a complimentary stay.