Owloon Manor: A Mountain-Hugged Cape Dutch Villa near Paarl

Set among flourishing citrus orchards and vineyards, on a working farm bordering the fynbos wilderness of Paarl Mountain, at Owloon Manor you don’t just relax into the beautifully restored Cape Dutch manor house, but the whole upper stretch of this secluded mountain valley is yours too. A peaceful oasis that is the ultimate in luxury, the private villa is designed for tranquillity and an enviable away-from-it-all lifestyle. Wake to birdsong and pure mountain air; wander the manicured perfection of indigenous gardens; explore rugged mountain trails; take morning dips in the refreshing waters of the swimming dam. And enjoy carefree alfresco feasts with mountain views, or cosy up by a roaring fire in the luxuriously understated art-lined interiors.

Sympathetic restoration

The owner spent years searching for a farm sanctuary that appealed, for its history, tradition and extraordinary beauty. And another four years sympathetically expanding and restoring the historic manor house and cottage, and re-establishing neglected land as a working farm… with orchards, a table-grape vineyard and a horse stud.

Working with renowned South African designer Clinton Savage, they created timeless and sensorily-satisfying interiors that invite you to slow down; and with award-winning landscape designer Alan Dawson, a seamless flow of indigenous landscaping and mature trees, and immaculate gardens that feel like they’ve been there forever.

A manor + cottage filled with character

There is heritage in every corner of the eight-bedroom manor house with its tall sash windows and high-ceilinged country grandeur. It’s been meticulously updated to contemporary luxury, with French oak flooring, honed Zimbabwean marble, bespoke Turkish silk carpets, underfloor heating, bookshelves and wood panelling. Sweeping views of the surrounding gardens and farmland from lounges and bedrooms bring the idyllic setting home, and every room has its own delightful character and features.

A short stroll away from the main house is a self-contained two-bedroom cottage overlooking the dam and dating back to 1797. With its own kitchen, lounge and terrace, as well as spacious ensuite bedrooms, it adds another layer of solitude and age-old charm.

The lodgings

• 10 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms (including 2 in cottage)
• extra-length king-size beds with Sanders linen and Kauffmann bedding
• separate dressing rooms (in 7 bedrooms)
• fully-equipped high-end kitchen
• separate chef’s kitchen
• various lounges and entertainment rooms with fireplaces
• dining room with 12-seater table and fireplace
• gas braai available
• outdoor dining and lounge areas
• gym and massage room
• climate control
• underfloor heating throughout
• Sonos sound system throughout
• daily morning servicing
• boardroom rentals on request
• massage therapist on request

Private dining

The manor and cottage are provided with fully-equipped kitchens for self-catering, but you can also book a private chef (or butler) for one-off dinners, lunches or farm-style brunches; or enjoy top-notch catering for your whole stay. And there’s a separate chef’s kitchen leading out onto a kitchen garden (in addition to the dine-in family kitchen), so the whole experience is seamless.

Flow with nature

Days can happily drift by here in carefree, slow-living style without any planning, but there’s plenty to entice you out and about too.

A natural spring flows from the top of the valley and feeds cool, calm water into the swimming dam in front of the cottage. There’s a jetty with a swimming ladder to make access easier, and a peaceful dip in these pristine waters is a not-to-be-missed element of your day when you’re staying at Owloon Manor.

A world-class mountain-biking trail winds through the estate and climbs the granite hills to connect up with the 200km Paarl Trails network, which provides routes to suit all abilities and fitness levels. Bikes can be hired through Paarl Trails and guided riding experiences are arranged on request.

Things to do

• picnics in the grounds
• swimming in the dam
• hiking and MTB trails from the farm
• wine-tasting in the Paarl Winelands, including Ridgeback at the entrance to Owloon estate
• venture to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch for wine, art and food
• tee up at Paarl Golf Club or Pearl Valley

A space to celebrate and create

Whether you’re planning an intimate event, a wellness retreat, a multi-gen breakaway or a shoot with soul, Owloon Manor House offers the space, backdrop, and character to bring your vision to life. From fashion to film, gatherings to getaways – it’s all welcome here.

Gloriously secluded and immersed in nature, this is a special place where lifelong memories are sure to be made.

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 20
Cost Available on request, based on requirements
Where to find it Paarl
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