La Cotte Farm: A Luxurious + Romantic Country Stay in Franschhoek

Utterly idyllic and atmospheric, this boutique wine farm in Franschhoek will whisk you away to another time and place. Arriving along an oak-lined driveway, rambling gardens, white-washed gabled buildings, a glorious mountain backdrop and some of the best views of the valley await.

As one of the first farms granted to the Huguenots (back in 1698), the sense of history is palpable. A careful makeover combining heritage with contemporary luxury has transformed this country hotel into one of the most sought-after Winelands boltholes. With rows of vineyards and a food garden, no other farm stay in Franschhoek places you this close to town – just a few blocks from the main street – yet it’s tranquil and immersed in nature.

In fact, it feels like a village in its own right (without the traffic, shops and businesses), complete with garden cottages dotted around the property, a manor house, a mill and bakery, and a restaurant with a stoep and courtyard.

Sweet dreams

La Cotte offers the luxury of choice – there are historic cottages (suited to couples and families) for self-catering, or hotel rooms flanking the werf around the Manor House for those who want to dine out every night. And if it’s utter seclusion you’re after, there’s also a private hillside villa beside a waterlily pond.

All the accommodation is spacious and exquisitely decorated, with custom furniture and antiques, rich layered fabrics and an inspired use of colour – at the Orchard Cottages, each one’s garden (from fynbos to lavender to jewel-toned flowers) matches the interior’s palette.

All options lead out onto a private patio overlooking the gardens; some have their own plunge pools, while others share gorgeous communal pool areas with umbrellas and loungers. The enchanting blue-shuttered Pool House is heaven-sent for visitors whose main aim is to relax and bask in the sunshine.

Sensory feasts

The Manor House has three enticing spaces where guests can enjoy a luxurious farm breakfast: the voorkamer (front room) with its East Indies-inspired wallpaper; the light-filled conservatory; or the shaded verandah (with coral candy-striped cushioned seating). Or, if you prefer, a breakfast basket can be delivered to your cottage… with a bottle of bubbly.

Return for a leisurely lunch of farm-to-table cuisine sprinkled with traditional South African flavours – bitterballen with hanepoot jam, Franschhoek salmon trout, Nguni beef, Karoo lamb, a soup made with freshly picked veggies.

The sound of water will draw you to the Mill House (the oldest watermill in Africa), housing an artisanal bakery that makes the most exquisite patisserie and cakes – and delicious coffee. Fill a basket with treats and loaves of bread to take back to your cottage.

Quality time

The gardens offer hidden nooks for picnics and romantic walks past lily-covered ponds and shaped hedges, through wildflower meadows and rows of vines. You’ll discover the fancy hen house in the old gatehouse (and thank the birds for their eggs at breakfast).

The main pool courtyard channels Portofino with its blue-and-white striped loungers, cobalt ceramic murals by Michael Chandler, Roman columns and a gushing fountain. It’s a magical space to while away a sunny day. Later, take a seat in the red-leather chairs at the bar (or on the stoep) for cocktails before you head out to dinner in town – or if you prefer, light up the braai at your cottage.

We don’t blame you if you never leave the farm, but the Wine Tram station is close by, the Saturday market is down the road – along with restaurants, cafés, galleries and boutique stores. La Cotte immerses you in the essence of Franschhoek, but with the luxury of time spent in a beautiful bubble…

The lodgings

• 10 Orchard cottages (one, two or three bedrooms)
• 9 Forest cottages (one or two bedrooms)
• 8 Manor House rooms
• 1 Pool House (two bedrooms)
• extra-length king-size beds and twin beds
• bathrooms with bath and/or shower
• living room with fireplace and satellite TV
• kitchenette or full kitchen (except hotel rooms)
• Nespresso machine
• furnished verandah
• Weber braai
• private splash pool (Orchard cottages)
• communal pool (Forest cottages and hotel rooms)
• air-conditioning and fans

Things to do

• swim and laze by the pool
• garden and vineyard walks
• braais and picnics
• coffee, cakes and pastries at the Mill House
• breakfast or lunch at La Cotte Restaurant
• sundowners in the bar
• exploring on the Wine Tram
• Franschhoek Market (Saturdays)
• restaurants, cafés, galleries and boutiques in town

Good to know The private villa consists of a two-bedroom house and two-bedroom cottage (sleeps 8–10) ; it has a swimming pool and sauna.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 6 per unit
Cost Orchard Cottages: from R4 842 per night
Forest Cottages: from R4 161 per night
Hotel Rooms: from R4 487 per night
Pool House: from R8 985 per night
Private Villa: from R39 544 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it 24 La Cotte Street, Franschhoek
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