Tucked away on the magnificent grounds of a serene country estate, in the heart of the Franschhoek wine valley, Deltacrest beckons you in to a timeless space of tranquility, inspiration and wisdom. Where the black winged kites and jackal buzzards soar above the valley that unravels around the ankles of the Groot Drakenstein mountains. Where the landscape encapsulates the essence of slow-paced living, ensconced in nature’s inimitable beauty, that surreptitiously stirs a nostalgic sense of belonging.
Harnessing its Cape Dutch country cottage charisma, alongside its elegantly refined contemporary counterparts, this hideaway shares a rich narrative of how history and style seamlessly meet. Traversing two levels of open-plan living, cooking, dining, entertaining and reclining spaces, Deltacrest has been ardently restored and renovated to reveal its attributes to the best of their abilities. The owners – one of which being a revered architect and designer – have modified the bones of the build to convey a sentiment that’s prominent in every space of the home. A gesture that embraces you as you walk through the home, acknowledging the bursts of colour and subtle tones, the textures and signature pieces of art. Yet knowing when to take a backseat and allow the views to engulf, drawing you out towards the magic of the mountains and the valley. There’s an organic blend of a story being told, about the owners’ travels from around the world. Influencing their discernment in design, shaping the mood into a Mediterranean afternoon, with an earnestly African soul, singing from the herringbone timber floors to the crown of the thatch.
Accommodating as many as ten of your favourite people, with its five ensuite bedrooms and ample entertaining spaces, Deltacrest is the perfect place to pivot from as you explore the surrounding wine region. Nestled amongst a plethora of wine estates, world-class restaurants, golf courses, car museums, rivers and nature trails, and of course the spectacularly scenic routes to meander around the mountains. It’s likely that you and your clan will spend many of the day’s hours lapping up the sublime luxuries of the hideaway, without a wish to leave. Skipping between the sauna and the swimming pool. Gentle laps before another feasting around one of the tables. Occupying the poolside patio dining space with its braai and fabulous outdoor kitchen, as the sun travels west with the afternoon. A snooze on the grass, listening to the breeze tickling the branches of the trees that border the beautiful walled garden. Sugarbirds singing and sweeping through the agapanthus, the creeping vines, the avocado and citrus trees. As the light transforms with the changing hours, the mountains display their differing shades, turning red and gold, mirroring the setting sun. Another tipple around the long table at the pavilion. The perfect spot to witness nature’s colour palette evolve with the coming night, as you toast to another glorious day in the Cape. You, your clan and the boundless beauty that is Deltacrest.
What we love!
- The sun rises from behind the mountain and the magnificent birdlife begins its chorus in the garden. Enjoying a lovely hot brew on the patio beside the pool, with all of the doors open and the elements engulfing the space, as the valley comes to life.
- After a hearty session of wine tasting and country escapades in the neighbouring villages of Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch, it’s wonderful to return home to Deltacrest and enjoy a languid afternoon snooze on one of the heavenly beds. Before the next feasting and tasting begins again.
- Sitting on the beautiful benches in the garden at the end of the day, watching the mountains change colour as the sun begins to set. Embracing the stillness and silence.
What you need to know…
- The property is directly within the wine area of Franschhoek, neighbouring a number of lovely wine estates. A swift drive to Boschendal, Babylonstoren and Anthonij Rupert.
- 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. 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.
- There is a tennis court on the estate should you wish to play. You will need to arrange it with the neighbour and confirm a time to play.
- The lovely café Oude Molen is worth a morning visit for their lovely baked goods and buttery treats. There’s a garden for you to relax in with a delicious coffee if you feel like a little change of scenery before heading back for a fabulous breakfast beside the pool.
- The community of residents in the secure estate are all very welcoming and lovely. Should you take a walk around the estate you’ll likely bump into a number of them out and about, walking their dogs and ready for a nitter natter. Adding even more charm to the whole experience.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie