A wine-farm destination that balances romance and nature.
Named after a landmark glacial rock in the Robertsvlei Valley south of Franschhoek, La Roche Estate is an idyllic landscape of vineyards and small lakes against a mountain backdrop. Its origin is fairly recent (established in 1988), which has opened the door to some eye-catching architecture.
The manor house is not your typical Cape Dutch dwelling but a striking, Neoclassical-styled structure with rows of columns and arches. Nearby is the Festival Hall and a couple of cottages, and out on the lands, the Sanctuary, a wedding chapel on a circular lake. It’s all perfectly designed for weddings and other big celebrations, with luxury accommodation for 24 guests.
La Roche Estate is also a working wine farm, and a wonderful place to simply take some time out to experience that Winelands magic.
The Suites
Couples can choose to stay in one of three, self-catering suites. Chardonnay is the most romantic, a white-washed cottage overlooking the picturesque pear grove, with lofty ceilings and skylights, a large marble-clad bathroom (complete with a spa bath for two), and a furnished patio with a hot tub. The two Pinot Noir suites sport similar luxury fittings, except they’re more rustic-chic, stone-clad, semi-detached cottages beside their namesake vineyard.
The Family Suite is a three-bedroom house, with all the modern comforts, as well as appealing outdoor living spaces where the family can gather, including a plunge pool and a firepit for braai nights under the stars.
The Suites’ lodgings
- 3 luxury Vineyard suites: sleep two each
- 1 luxury Family Suite: three bedrooms, one ensuite
- king-size beds, plus 2 singles in family suite
- bathroom with luxury shower, plus spa bath in Chardonnay suite
- fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine
- seating area with fireplace
- living room with TV and dining area (Family Suite and Manor House)
- outdoor braai area, plus boma/firepit at Family Suite and Manor House
- wood-fired hot tub (except Family Suite and Manor House)
- private plunge pool (Family Suite)
- complimentary bag of firewood
The Manor house
The cherry on the top is the Manor House, which can be booked for exclusive use for a group of 12 people. This sprawling mansion has gorgeous ensuite bedrooms – each individually decorated to a theme – and an upper-floor luxury suite as grand as any penthouse in a five-star hotel. It has plenty of attractive spaces to gather together, including around the snooker table, on the patio for alfresco meals, or soaking up the sunshine around the lush, pond-like pool.
The Manor house lodgings
- 5 ensuite bedrooms, three with spa baths
- 1 top-floor suite with seating area, fireplace + private ensuite bathroom
- fully equipped kitchen
- indoor and outdoor dining tables
- living room with fireplace and TV
- honesty bar
- snooker table
- furnished undercover patio
- braai and boma area
- private pool
- gym
While you’re there
La Roche makes a small range of limited-edition wines (unwooded chardonnay, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, Bacchus cap classique and Vintage Reserve cap classique), which are available on the estate and a few select restaurants. You can book a tasting of these, or enjoy them with a premium picnic. With a plethora of beautiful locations across the farm to choose from, your outdoor meal will be set up with cushions, blankets, a silver cooler, shaded cover and a wooden pallet “table”. And if you have a proposal in mind, the estate staff will deliver an extra-special romantic setup.
La Roche is also a space in which to get back into nature, with plenty of walking and hiking opportunities, and mountain bikes to rent. The estate is just a stone’s throw from the Berg River Dam, which offers lovely trails. It’s also a short drive into town and to other local wine farms – or hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram for the day, which visits 28 estates.
Good to know A breakfast basket is included in the suite rate. The exclusive-use Manor House has a dedicated breakfast chef and 24-hour live-in concierge.
Child friendly? Yes, in the Family Suite and Manor House.
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per vineyard suite; 6 in family suite; 12 in manor house
Cost Vineyard suites: from R1 800 per night
Family suite: from R4 230 per night
Manor House: From R45 000 per night
Where to find it Robertsvlei Road, Franschhoek
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT
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