Few properties on our portfolio need an introduction. Revered in their own rights for their inimitable beauty and irrefutable design. Built with distinction, reverence and wisdom. Revealing their robust, vivacious attributes in every element of their characters.
As it is with Maison, settled in the suave cosmopolis of Franschhoek. Where the voguishness of its village is perfectly counterbalanced by the abounding nature. A valley of vineyards, endless mountain ranges with their flowing rivers and streams. Farm paddocks and roaming livestock. Nature trails and scenic adventure routes. Much like its environment, Maison is a destination unto itself. Encompassing all that this magnificent corner in the Cape Winelands has to offer.
Having recently undergone an extensive renovation, retaining its soul and splendid attire, Maison’s 18th Century barn and stables have embraced a chrysalis of creation, under the ardent eyes of their new owners. Artistry, expertise, love and wisdom has gone into the evolution of the farm of Maison. Nurturing its essence and elevating it with sincerity. The soaring poplar trees, the olive groves, the watsonias, wild garlic and agapanthus are all still there. The rolling vineyards that unravel as an extension of the vast, open living spaces, seeping out into the gardens, under the wisteria pergola and giant old oaks. They’re all still there. The endless flow of what’s outside, flooding back in through the big sliding doors that disappear into cavity walls, allowing the views to permeate every room, is still there. The ongoing sentiment of marrying contemporary luxury with old charm is also still evident. And especially so, as Maison has merged itself into a sanctuary, adjacent the award-winning restaurant Chefs Warehouse, by renowned chef Liam Tomlin. Still sitting opposite the naartjie orchards, down a little pathway from the farmhouse.
Seven bedrooms, a separate stables villa, an additional outdoor villa that’s adjoined by a long corridor – the perfect appendage to the main house – can now accommodate as many as fourteen of your favourite people. Either exclusively or independently. The interiors masterfully matured having incorporated cosy living spaces into the suites and sublime bathrooms. Access to the gardens and additional swimming pools. The fluidity of the farm-style open-plan kitchen, the living and dining areas – where state-of-the art fireplaces crackle over Indonesian teak floors, that lie beneath the original blue gum beams. The resident farm animals roaming and chirping and grazing the gardens all adding to that country life romance.
In all of its revived glory, Maison is still a place that gives full consent to those yearning a Babylonian escape, at their very own wine estate. Where time and freedom is of your own devise. The beds and their linens say it’s ok to allow the early morning sun to stream through the shutters as you lie there an extra hour. The four swimming pools implore you to wade about in their cool waters for as long as your clocks suggest. The dining tables encourage you to continue those hearty conversations, long into the night. The resident owls will let you know when it’s time to blow the candles out. Maison is a marvel! Now more than ever before.
What we love!
- Meandering down the pathway to Chefs Warehouse for yet another feasting. Catering for the villas and main farmhouse can be arranged from the restaurant’s kitchen. Adding that extra element of extravagance to your Maison experience.
- With its renovations, a gentle slope allowing wheelchair and pushchair access into all of the living and reclining areas is a conscious consideration accomplished.
- The spectacular views of the mountain ranges surrounding the property – especially at sunset with the light transforming Simonsberg into a dusty pink.
- All of the bathrooms are utterly sublime. A stamp from the owners.
- Absolutely everything, in fact.
What you need to know…
- Maison turns a bright eye to load-shedding- thanks to its solar panels and high-tech back-up batteries.
- The property is directly within the wine area of Franschhoek, neighbouring La Motte, and a stone’s throw from Grande Provence and Bread and Wine, and only a 5-minute drive into the village.
- It’s 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 a 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 – not only Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse at Maison – La Petite Colombe, Bread & Wine, Foliage and Le Coin Français. There is also an abundance of less fussy, more laid-back restaurants on several reputable wine estates and within the village itself.
- The property lends itself as the ideal destination for celebrations, weddings and multigenerational gatherings.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie