Billed as Franschhoek's 'best-kept secret', La Galerie is a designer villa straight from the pages of Wallpaper magazine.

This 2-bedroom hideaway is perfect for design-conscious couples who will appreciate 21st-century art inside, and plum orchards and magnificent mountainscapes outside.

The interior is a riot of unique pieces and bold tones – think tasteful leopard-print wingbacks and grape-coloured sofas – while the wide patio offers the best nature has to offer.

Franschhoek, which means ‘French corner’, is South Africa’s undisputed gastronomic epicentre. Foodies and wine lovers will be thrilled by new taste discoveries at some of the country’s top restaurants and wineries. But the more active can also enjoy stunning hikes and mountain bike trails. Franschhoek and La Galerie provide the best of both worlds: city convenience and rural charm.

Highlights

• Easy 200m stroll from central Franschhoek
• Perfect countryside getaway for mature families & couples
• Unique, avant-garde interior décor
• Original art by Swedish artist Bengt Karl Erik Lindström
• Beautiful garden & private swimming pool
• 24-hour butler service

Activities

• BIKING
• HIKING
• HORSE RIDING
• PICNICS
• DAY TOURS
• RESTAURANTS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
• SHOPPING
• WINE TASTING
• FLY FISHING
• GOLF
• HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
• SHARK CAGE DIVING
• TENNIS

Fact File

Style & Décor

Distinguished antiques rub up against zingy colours and funky furnishings to create the last word in eclecticism. The centre of the villa is given over to a thoughtfully curated art collection that includes originals by Swedish artist Bengt Karl Erik Lindström and modern photography. The shady portico overlooks the manicured private garden, indigo pool and evocative mountains. The colonial-with-a-twist patio is perfect for breakfast, sundowners, catching up about your day or whiling away the time over a bestseller.

Neighbourhood

Situated on the magnificent La Clé des Montange wine estate in the Western Cape Franschhoek valley, La Galerie is surrounded by some of the region’s finest wine-producing countryside. Originally founded by the French Huguenots after their exodus to Africa, this little French corner is lovingly known today as the ‘Food and Wine Capital of the Cape’. Only an easy hour’s drive from Cape Town, you will soon see why this is one of South Africa’s most desirable getaways.

Franschhoek has a distinct ‘village’ feel with locals running boutiques, galleries and sidewalk cafés.

Suitability

This avant-garde villa is ideal for mature families, couples and art lovers looking for an exclusive countryside base to explore the neighbouring Winelands.

The best time to visit

The Western Cape province is said to have a ‘Mediterranean climate’, meaning hot summers from November to March and misty winters from April to October. Both have their charms: Summer affords alfresco dining, picnics and outdoor sports, while winter offers wine tasting at the fireplace, exploring galleries and museums or attending the annual Literary and Bastille Festivals.

Special Notes

Helicopter transfers from the airport and private tours of the surrounding award-winning wine estates, as well as a personal villa chef to cater for all your culinary needs, can be arranged.

Rooms

Kitchen

Cheery yellow curtains brighten the spacious kitchen and French doors open onto the leafy garden. While stocked with state-of-the-art appliances, with a personal chef at your service and South Africa’s best restaurants on your doorstep, the kitchen will probably be farthest from your mind.

Master Bedroom

Bliss out in the king-sized bed while enjoying the room’s original art. Air conditioning and under-floor heating ensure optimum temperature control no matter what the weather outside. Step out onto your private patio to enjoy Africa’s colourful sunrises and sunsets.

The second guest bedroom echoes the master bedroom with bold, artistic colours and fabrics, a king-sized bed and temperature control. French doors flood the room with light and open onto a private terrace with views of the garden.

Bathrooms

Old meets new: ball-and-claw tubs and Baroque gilt mirrors are at home with slate-grey walls and modern white showers. Both bathrooms have doors to the outside.

Living & Dining Area

Brimming with conversation pieces, living spaces are an eclectic mix of contemporary furnishings and classic antiques against a dramatic backdrop of rich grey walls. The open-plan sitting and dining rooms link up with the kitchen, allowing for seamless entertaining.

Outside Area

A shaded patio with elegant outdoor furniture and a beautifully manicured garden is ideal for relaxing as you take in the mountain views. In summer, cool off with a dip in the cerulean swimming pool.