A winelands wonderland
Country Crest Villa is that perfect winelands hideaway, for those special family getaways in the Franschhoek valley, where the sublime estates and vineyard experiences are all on your doorstep.
Of all the things we love most about the revered wine region of Franschhoek – aside from the award-winning vineyards and their accompanying restaurants – it’s the empyrean landscape that really takes the Western Cape cake. Its towering mountain ranges and meandering valley suggest you have indeed arrived in heaven. Especially when walking through the front doors of Country Crest Villa, settled within a secure estate, less than a fifteen-minute drive from the village. Overlooking an everlasting terrain. Its Cape Dutch character that brings all of the charm and integrity is accentuated by colour, consciously curated furnishings and bespoke ornamental pieces. Wallpaper statements, layers of texture and true artisanal prowess displayed on the walls, across the floors and hanging from the ceiling. A celebration of local designers and artists exhibited with intent. Showcasing the inspiring relationship between nature and its vibrant palette, with the interiors of this beautiful family home.
Then there’s the garden. An eternal playground, whatever your age. Ziplining over the lawn towards the jungle gym and the trampoline. Citrus trees scattering their fruit for easy pickings next to the herb and vegetable garden. A swimming pool with plenty of loungers and lazy outdoor seating areas to soak up the countryside air. Lots of little pockets of relaxing areas for you to recline with a book and a chilled beverage, intermittently glancing up from the pages to admire the views of the vineyards and the mountains. With the horses grazing in the neighbouring paddocks and sweet scent of long grass, it’s like being on your own farm. In one of the most serene spots in the world.
Farm life in Franschhoek
It’ll be ever so easy for you and your travelling family to settle into the sublime comfort of Country Crest Villa, from the moment you arrive. Once you’ve selected who sleeps where out of the four ensuite bedrooms – all beautifully designed in keeping with the home’s running theme of allure – you’ll kick off the shoes and be out into the garden. A game of boule or ping-pong, or straight into the pool. Some will tend to the meal preparations whilst others set the holiday wheels in motion. Cushions grabbed, blanket on lawn, horizontal position ensued beneath the branches of the trees, and cue the gazing and drifting. Out into that empyrean landscape! The kids will be occupied for hours on end. Creating their masterpieces at the art and craft table. Barefoot on the grass, gathering those memories of freedom. Harnessing their courage on the zipline and jungle gym. As every moment of the holiday quite simply falls into place. A lit bit of wine tasting, an occasional long lunch at one the many nearby estates, an afternoon of tennis or Padel, and a meander around the village. A glorious mountain hike and a slow afternoon session of boardgames. Everything ties together in a seamless stitching of holiday harmony.
What we love!
- Waking up on your own clocks (every bedroom has blackout blinds to withstand the early African sunrise) and heading out into the garden with a cup of tea or fresh cappuccino. Listening to the birds as you tend to your own morning rituals, savouring the tranquility of the surroundings.
- The owners have layered the home with a lot of creative love. It’s palpable from the moment you walk in – every space is beautifully decorated in earthy textures and vibrant tones. Lots of cleverly considered spaces that cater to those that appreciate distinguished design.
- Cooking up a culinary storm in the open-plan kitchen – that’s perfectly equipped for every kind of cook. Baking bread and some lovely homemade treats with the clan.
- Country Crest Villa rests within a wonderfully secure estate, nurturing your family in a contained environment that has access to a tennis court and beautifully manicured grounds that deliver spectacular views from every vantage point.
- Spending time as a team, bonding on the mammoth blue sofas in the upstairs TV room as you break the holiday rules of no screen time, and watch a family classic together!
What you need to know…
- The property is no more than a 15-minute drive from the main street of Franschhoek. A swift cruise to the beautiful gardens of Babylonstoren and its delightful restaurant Babel. Boschendal wine estate is only a 2-minute drive away for some lovely market excursions or picnics beneath the ancient oak trees. Opt to take the bikes (provided by the owners) for a 20-min cycle instead.
- There is an electric child-safe swimming pool cover to make use of should you wish to close the pool off at times. The swimming pool is heated to your liking.
- Franschhoek is not only about food and wine it’s also about art, cars, culture, history and health. The Drakenstein Correctional Centre, marked by a bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, is where the former president walked out a free man after spending 27 years behind bars. The Franschhoek motor museum on the L’Ormarins Estate is a backseat journey through a billionaire’s garage.
- The village of Franschhoek is overflowing with fabulous eateries – Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse at Maison, La Petite Colombe, Bread & Wine, and Le Coin Français. There are also plenty of less fussy, more laid-back restaurants on several reputable wine estates and within the village itself.
- If Country Crest Villa is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Franschhoek.Â
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie