IF you’ve ever wondered what three hectares looks like – having heard on countless occasions how many of those measurements are under vine at wine farms – Lavender Farm Guest House has a field that size, and is in fact an actual lavender farm.
It prides itself on its exclusivity, promising it is an ideal by which it abides. There is accommodation for 28 guests at this four-star establishment, which is 1.3km from Franschhoek village. It would make for a very pretty walk if you’re up for it, and a very short drive to any of the many restaurants along the main road. I recommend the newly-opened Ōku, the first Asian-themed eatery in Franschhoek. Across the road from that is Tuk Tuk Microbrewery which has had a menu overhaul by Darren Badenhorst, one of the partners at Ōku and chef patron of Le coin Francais a block or two farther down. Tuk Tuk still has its own beer but the dishes are now a showcase of casual regional favourites from Italy, Germany, India, Mexico, USA and the UK.
The honeymoon suites at the guest house overlook the lavender field, as do the luxury view suites. Seven luxury suites – I spent the night in number 3 – have their own low-walled verandas and flank the large lawn, with the pool and the towering mountain view to the right. Grapevines and wisteria creep up the pergolas of each, and it’s very pleasant to sit outside with a glass (okay, a bottle) of wine and your book. Besides the field of purple, lavender and roses bloom all around the property.
There are two manor rooms as well, and in the main building you’ll find the reception area and the dining room with its modern décor. There’s a gravelled outdoor area under the trees, with lanterns and a fairy-lit bar (at night), which I imagine you could sit at one of the tables for your morning victuals. Alas I had an early start in the morning so didn’t have time for breakfast.
The suite itself was spacious, and the white curtains billowed romantically in the breeze from the French doors opening onto the patio. Artwork played lovingly on the lavender theme, on the walls and the ceramics on the coffee table and vanity. Included is wifi, DStv and a stocked mini bar. The nice man who showed me to my suite and quickly brought me an ice bucket for my wine, explained that the bottle of red on the counter top was in fact part of that mini bar, which is a useful thing to know…no surprises at check out. That said, the prices weren’t too shocking.
For splendid accommodation that is peaceful (there were other guests but I barely noticed them) and charming, and conveniently located, Lavender Farm Guest House ticks all those boxes.
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PHOTO CREDIT: BIANCA COLEMAN ©
