Revered as one of the most scenic spots in the Constantia winelands, Beau Constantia is home to over 22 hectares of undulating slopes of lawn and natural fynbos vegetation, 11 hectares of elevated vines – 350 metres above sea level – a wine tasting room, the sublime dining space of Chefs Warehouse and an avant-garde villa, overlooking the valley, its mountain ranges and all the way out to False Bay. It goes without saying that the views that unravel from every aspect of this boutique wine farm are truly breathtaking. As if you’re planted into the biosphere of Constantia Nek, with its lush greenery and canopy of trees, and uplifted to soar in line with the Stellenbosh and Helderberg mountain ranges in the distance.
Settled below the hum of the wine farm, embedded into the rolling emerald slopes, Beau Constantia’s villa spans itself over two monolithic levels of a contemporary masterpiece, demanding a rousing round of applause. Its vast open spaces for entertaining, dining, reclining and endless admiring are constructs of the master-architectural-mind, Jon Jacobson of Metropolis
Design. It’s four capacious ensuite bedrooms that generously deliver on light and luxury, tier themselves over the bottom and ground levels of the hideaway, where off-shutter concrete, oak, quartz and impressive domains of glass make their statements. Contemporary European furniture adorn the minimalistic spaces, making way for the abundance of light, the landscape and its mountain air to permeate every room.
The beauty of the Constantia wine valley is its access to the mountain trails, the finest restaurants in the country, the neighbouring estates that they occupy, the beaches of the Cape’s peninsula less than a thirty-minute drive away, and the city’s heart being a mere twenty minutes. Yet you’ll find yourself completely ensconced in the romance of Beau Constantia’s attributes and endless narratives on peace and tranquility, throughout the hours of the day. As the sun rises over the valley and hits the open spaces that merge with the outdoors, the colours and contours of the interiors transform, mimicking the magic of the landscape. A leisurely brunch will be enjoyed around one of the long dining spots, as some take to a few morning laps in the swimming pool with the hopes of earning those calories that will likely be spent up at Chefs Warehouse for lunch, or any of the other fabulous restaurants down the road. Perhaps some tennis or soccer on the dual purpose astroturf court. It’s floodlit so if you’d prefer a night game, out of the day’s fierce sun and summer heat, you can seat your spectators comfortably on the slopes and enjoy a game in the mountain breeze. There’s a jacuzzi waiting for some star gazing and Chenin quaffing. An entertainment quad sits upstairs where some members of your clan can shoot some pool, watch some sport and play some table tennis. The others are at liberty to simply recline in the living spaces, taking in the views and refining the itinerary that pivots from the Cape’s golden grape mile.
What we love!
- Aside from its inimitable beauty, Beau Constantia offers exclusive access to a wine tasting room, Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse restaurant, nature walks and abounding views, and 24-hour security.
- All of the fabulous places you can gather around, beside long tables and feast from the braai or pizza oven, or that state-of-the-art kitchen!
- Sitting beside the fire-pit in the evenings, cocooned from any prevailing wind and watching the night’s sky.
What you need to know…
- During your stay at Beau Constantia, you are welcome to self cater or should you wish to have the villa fully serviced with daily housekeeping and a private chef, it can be arranged.
- There is an additional small exterior guest bedroom, as well as a laundry, should your party include a nanny or chef on location.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie