There comes a time in all of our lives when the primal pull of belonging takes hold of the wheel and steers our inner navigational system in the direction of home. Wherever we conceive that to be. A place where one’s soul feels most rooted to the soil. So, it’s no surprise that the Welsh names for the two suites on Monument House Estate – Cwtch and Cartref, translate to ‘hug’ and ‘home’. It took the owners, Janet & Wendy, over two decades of traversing the globe, back and forth from Singapore to South Africa, to finally succumb to that pull and surrender to the soul and soil of Franschhoek.
Monument House Estate is settled on over four acres of formal, manicured gardens amidst wild, indigenous flower beds that lay beyond long, languid stoeps. Walk beneath terraces and pergolas, around natural ponds and a cosmic checkered swimming pool, and you will recognise that Monument House Estate is Franschhoek’s discerning nod to Versailles. Positioned no farther than five minutes from the high street, but feeling a million miles away from civilization, the properties here are utterly unique. Hailing from a revered life in fashion design and interior decorating, and partnered with her lifelong friend Janet Rivett Carnac, Wendy Smith has created and curated a wonderful, whimsical tale of enduring love, travel and inimitable style. It’s their letter, with their stamp, sent to you from Wales via Singapore & London.
Monument House Estate comprises of these two one-bedroom suites, Cwtch and Cartref, then Hiraeth and Nefoedd, both with two bedrooms each, and Ty Gwrydd with three bedrooms (see separate listing for the other dwellings). These may be rented exclusively or independently from each other. Every space delivers a dialogue with its decor that pacifies as readily as it does invigorate a sense of rebellion. A bit like being in the company of a dear friend, who is as coy with their flamboyance as they are intentional. Statement pieces of art, heirloom cabinetry, antique rugs, collectors’ literature, luxury contemporary furnishings, extravagant wallpapers and sophisticated lighting is all met with works from local artisans. It does not intimidate or overwhelm, if anything, the multifaceted personality of the dwellings here coaxes you into your own flamboyance, imploring that inner flirt to come out for a dance. There are no rules or to-do lists, just a running commentary of what’s going on outside, with the aloes and the succulents, the ferns and the fruit trees that bounce back indoors onto the walls and the fabrics, the floors and the four-poster beds.
Moments spent at Monument House Estate will unravel as you choose, at your leisure. The clocks in Franschhoek are always slower than the rest of the world. Whether you’re meandering the gardens or lounging around the swimming pool – sun lounger slightly submerged. On the terrace watching the sun as it sets behind the mountains or under the pergola beside the pond, listening to the resident Egyptian geese sweep through the sky, you’ll be acutely aware of that inner navigational system. For the time being, when you return from the world class vineyards and restaurants, the mountain trails and the museums, you’ll be returning home, to you.
Images here show Cwtch and whole estate views. For images of the five individual dwellings please look at our brochure.
What we love!
- It goes without saying, that no design or decor corners have been cut, or stone left unturned in terms of utter luxury, vibrancy and exhibition of joie de vivre. As well as incorporating and sourcing locally produced materials and designs in championing the skills of local artisans. A definitive design masterpiece.
- Strolling to the village at any time of the day, for a spot of lunch, coffee or dinner. The lanes are lovely and secure to walk, and take no longer than five minutes. Its unique positioning allows one to feel entirely remote, yet on the doorstep of everything you need.
- Each of the five dwellings are named after a significant meaning in Welsh, pertinent to the story of the property.
- The spectacular views of the mountain ranges surrounding the property – especially at sunset from the terrace, with the light transforming the Middagkrans mountain into a dusty pink.
What you need to know…
- The thoughtful owners provide guests staying in the suites with a breakfast experience; a new voucher each morning to experience a different local restaurant, with fresh views of the valley and all it has to offer. A wonderful introduction to Franschhoek and all its charms!
- Every entrance to each of the dwellings is completely independent from each other, and private. Should you wish to rent out the property exclusively, the dwellings and communal areas in the garden are organically cohesive. Ideal as a wedding venue or multigenerational celebration gatherings.
- It’s not only about food and wine in Franschhoek, 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 notoriously voguish 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.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie