Hotel Of The Month - October 2015 - The Owner's Cottage

Lewis Smith

​There is a perfect balance at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, not only in their wines, but also in their appreciation of the classic Cape Dutch farm house style, now mixed with modern artwork, sculptures and architecture.
The Cape Dutch influence is the first glimpse you receive of the farm after passing through the gate, driving down the long driveway through the expansive vineyards. A classic bright white structure leaps out behind a small dam, this national monument is the Manor House, proudly presented for the Owner of the farm.

​After meandering further through the vines, you arrive at the tasting room. The coming together of past and present melts together in front of you. A life-size elephant sculpture greets you, giving praise to the former history of Franschhoek, formally Oliphants Hoek (Elephants Corner) a land where elephants would roam free. The farm is drenched in history. Having been established in 1694 by a French Huguenot settler, Pierre Joubert, you can understand why it is a Heritage Estate. In stark contrast to this history, Grande Provence is home to current artists and sculptors who display their work in the exhibition gallery and gardens surrounding the tasting room and restaurant.

​The tasting room is adage to this combination of ages, a traditional building with modern interior design, large glass windows and doors flood the building with natural light, yet an old open fire warms the space on the colder winter days. Tastings can be conducted inside or out on the warm summer days. Winemaker Karl Lambour leads a fantastic team who ensure the wines which bear the “Grand Provence” label are consistently excellent year after year. Their second label “Angel Tears” is created using classic cultivars of the highest quality purchased from nearby estates to offer fantastic easy-drinking, every-day wines.

The Restaurant at Grande Provence, which is open 7 days a week, is a gastronomical experience not to be missed. The kitchen is run by Executive Chef Darren Badenhorst, who creates art on the plate, not just in design but also in taste profiles.

The food is truly unbelievable and when paired with the Estate’s wines recommended by the waiter, will surely be a highlight of your trip to the Winelands. The superb setting creates a dining experience worthy of the lofty awards it has received.

Not only does this farm excel in art, architecture, wine and food. Grande Provence offers The Owner’s Cottage and La Provençale, two beautiful, separate accommodation options that offer luxury and tranquillity difficult to find anywhere else.​

We were invited to stay at the beautiful Owner’s Cottage, a private cottage that can be exclusively booked out as a private ‘villa’ or individual rooms. This is the ideal accommodation for families or groups of friends travelling together. The Owner’s Cottage is surrounded by vineyards, which one can admire whilst sitting in the Jacuzzi, sipping on a crisp glass of Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc or on relaxing on the balcony. 

The Owner’s Cottage contains 5 suites, all en-suite that can accommodate two guests in each. One of which is separate from the main cottage and named the “Angels Suite”. The Angel Suite is their deluxe suite, perfectly for honeymoon couples, as it is more private, yet still has access to all facilities. The service at the Owner’s Cottage is exceptional, heading up by the wonderfully friendly Rene who is the cottage manager and her partner Wellington. They both took such great care of us during our stay and made us feel so welcome and at home.

If you are searching for accommodation right amongst the vines, then “La Provençale” is the place for you. Standing on the patio one is immersed in vines and spectacular views of the mountains. La Provençale offers 2 rooms split by a shared lounge, perfectly suited for close friends or families, that can use the space together to it’s maximum potential.​​

Grande Provence also cater for picnics, weddings and events which are held on the luscious lawn under the huge trees, or a more intimate indoor setting of the Jonkershuis for up to 30 people, ideal for a special occasion.

​For all enquiries please email myself [email protected] or [email protected]. It would be our pleasure to assist you. Be sure to follow Grand Provence on Twitter and like their Facebook page to keep up to date on events and specials.
 
For all Owner's Cottage bookings made via this post, guests will receive a complimentary bottle of South African MCC sparking wine per couple, when staying 2 nights or more. Simply reference this blog post.
If you book a minimum 4 night stay in one room for 2 people you receive the MCC and also 2 tickets for the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
 
(Images featured in this post are either the property of BACK IN TOWN, or kindly provided by Grande Provence (where noted). All rights reserved).

Grande Provence kindly hosted us for a complimentary stay.