Tucked away in Franschhoek, just off the main road, is La Rive, a tranquil haven in this fair heart of the Cape Winelands. The thatched villa marries colonial English and traditional Dutch/Afrikaans heritage beautifully in its design, with all mod cons for convenience. The warm and homely atmosphere, large and lovely interiors – and 5 bedrooms – make this the perfect retreat for a family or group of friends. For the duration of your stay, the villa, its gardens and pool (perfect for lazy dips after wine-tasting tours) and staff are for your sole use. Welcome to the Winelands!
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La Rive has the feeling that it's been occupied by one family for generations. The current owners have restored the old building carefully, seamlessly combining the old and the modern to create a sense of genuine warmth. The fully equipped kitchen is fit for a celebrity chef, the lounges are designed for hearty family fun, and the gardens are perfect for relaxing (or wedding pictures!).
On the ground floor, there is a spacious king‑suite ensuite, and two large loft-style bedrooms upstairs. Two additional large guest ensuites are located in a separate wing.
Franschhoek has a plethora of attractions. Go hiking in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, explore the Franschhoek Pass, and see vintage vehicles at the Motor Museum. However, most people come here for the excellent wine estates, and there's some wonderful wine-farm hopping and wine tasting to be done. Stroll along the main road, visit the art galleries, and try the eateries. There are a few annual festivals worth investigating: the Literary Festival in May and Bastille Day in July among them.
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A French-inspired village surrounded by superlative scenery, sun-drenched vineyards and unmatched restaurants
