Oakvale Estate: An Exclusive-Use Farm Experience in Franschhoek

Exclusive-use villas are one thing, an exclusive-use wine farm is quite another… Oakvale is a 20-hectare mountainside paradise in the Franschhoek Valley that offers a dream setting for active family escapes, where kids, teens and adults will never run out of things to do. It’s also peaceful and private, offering soulful immersion in nature, should you prefer to relax and chill.

The property is a heavenly mix of manicured gardens, vegetable and herb gardens, vineyards and olive groves, paddocks and dams. Dotted amid these you’ll discover glorious decks for picnics and sundowners, a boma for starlit suppers beside a braai fire, a babbling stream, a beautiful chapel…

The villa life

There are two contemporary villas – Gable or Vineyard – each set in its own private garden, surrounded by the expansive landscapes of the estate. Gable, the larger option, opens out onto views of the horse paddocks and mountains. Cottage-like Vineyard, as its name suggests, is a romantic bolthole overlooking the vines.

Courtesy of the Swedish owners, they’re furnished with understated luxury, refined Scandi flair, statement art and all the bells and whistles – from the sleek kitchens and entertainment tech to king-size beds with top-quality linen.

You can spread your extended family party across both villas, as the estate can only be booked by a single group. With chef Nanda Cardoso to cook meals for you, and staff taking care of and curating every last detail to suit you, it’s the ultimate carefree, adventurous family escape.

A country playground

With the range of activities on this farm, the biggest challenge might be what to do first… There are horses to ride, miniature ponies to cuddle, plus sheep, alpacas and miniature donkeys sharing this bucolic place. Stroll through the hedge maze and vineyards, or take a hike along the river. Go fishing in the dams, or lounge on a lilo…

Bask in the sunshine on loungers around the heated eco pool; later on, soak in the wood-fired hot tub as the sun sets. Play games (there’s an array of choices, from padel to boules) or hop on an ebike to explore. Grab the popcorn and settle in for an outdoor movie night.

There’s no reason to leave this playground, but Franschhoek’s attractions are less than 20 minutes away, along with some of the Cape’s top wine farms (in neighbouring Stellenbosch too).

The lodgings

• Gable Villa: two ensuite bedrooms + loft room (4 beds)
• Vineyard Villa: two ensuite bedrooms
• bathrooms with walk-in showers and Africology products
• fully equipped kitchen with Bosch and Smeg appliances
• open-plan living and dining room with fireplace
• covered furnished patio with built-in braai
• wood-fired hot tub
• smart TV (Netflix, Apple) and B&O sound system
• air-conditioning

Things to do

• swim in the pool or dams
• walks, hikes and e-bike rides
• picnics and braais
• soak in the hot tub
• padel and basketball courts
• boules and putting green
• horse-riding
• outdoor cinema
• fishing
• table tennis and board games
• pilates studio and gym
• spa treatments (extra charge) and riverside sauna with jacuzzi
• guided wine safari (extra charge)
• explore Franschhoek village (boutiques, galleries, cafés)
• rent one of their collection of cars with a guide

Good to know The services of a concierge, private chef, housekeeper and butler are included, as are laundry and airport transfers; a driver service and au pair can be arranged for an additional fee.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 8 adults + 4 kids (+ 4 baby cots)
Cost Vineyard Villa: From R63 600 per night
Gables Villa: From R83 100 per night
Rates include breakfast and lunch or dinner, plus house wines and non-alcoholic beverages
Where to find it Huguenot Road (R45), Franschhoek
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