The French, The Artist and the Luxury Villas.

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the arrival of the first French Huguenots in the Cape of Good Hope after the religious persecution they suffered in Europe. They brought with them skills and culture, which have greatly influenced the way of life in the Cape – wrought iron craftsmen, couturiers and, most importantly, winemakers. Fast forward a couple of hundred years and you can now visit an area in the Cape Winelands literally called the ‘French Corner’: Franschhoek.  Here amid luscious vineyards and gracious Cape Dutch farmsteads, a picturesque village emits proud, ever present memories of 17th Century Huguenot culture. Many of the vineyards still bear original French names as well as Manor houses in the Provencal style with one in particular being a favorite of Rhino Africa: La Residence!

La Residence is a Tuscan-influenced Cape Dutch Farmhouse with more than a hint of Louis XV (that could be why this is one of Elton John’s favourites)! The product of a union between an interior designer and an art historian, this small hotel is a wickedly garish montage of exposed roof beams, Tuscan arches and loggias, dazzling period pieces and Victorian art deco.

We have always been incredibly impressed with La Residence and the rest of the Royal Portfolio and we now have another reason to return: Villas in the Vineyard!

The Villas at La Residence offer laid back luxury in a tranquil and timeless setting. Commanding spectacular mountain views and nestling amid vineyards and orchards, they provide a new level of privacy and exclusivity. A stone’s throw from the property’s Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz vines, the six individually-designed Villas have been beautifully decorated by owner Liz Biden. Once again, Liz has brought together her love for vibrant colours, fabric, furniture and family living to produce an excitingly different concept in stylish country retreats.

The Villas are set apart from one another but share a spacious open-plan Terrace Room where butlers and private chefs offer personalized service of the highest order. The elegant but relaxed and child-friendly environment includes a state-of-the-art widescreen television, a rimflow swimming pool and lush green lawn. Along with the total privacy afforded by the secluded location, the essence of the La Residence Villa experience is flexibility. Meals can be served in your own Villa and enjoyed either outside on the terrace or inside beside a roaring open fire. And while all six share the same cool travertine floors and dramatic vistas, each one has a unique configuration of rooms so all possible requirements can be catered for. For example, Villa 3 with its sumptuous oversized bedroom and giant four-poster, would be perfect for the ultimate honeymoon or anniversary treat while the interlinked Villas 4 and 5 would provide a wonderful venue for a party of ten gathering to celebrate an occasion or simply enjoy a holiday in the Winelands.

The décor throughout the Villas is refreshingly eclectic. A bold interplay of scale, pattern and colour conveys a sense of exuberant joie de vivre. Shades one might find in a traditional Tuscan retreat – soft greens, ochres and parchment – are enlivened and offset by bright pinks and eye-popping reds and purples. The classic and the contemporary, the subtle and the strong – artful juxtaposition is the key. These are interiors that stimulate, amuse and delight. Arresting modern paintings and outsize furniture add energy and drama. With characteristic panache Liz has created a series of highly original spaces which abound in confident and unashamed theatricality. With their luscious swags of silk and glittering chandeliers, these Villas form an inspired counterpoint to their majestic mountain surrounds whilst remaining reassuringly comfortable and easygoing.

This is truly informal opulence at its best. I highly recommend that you contact one of our travel consultants to book your stay at the Villas in the Vineyard at La Residence before they are booked out for months in advance… If I didn’t have to work from the office, that is where you would find me!