Tuscan-style views without the hefty price tag.
On the outskirts of Stellenbosch in the majestic Devon Valley lies Protea Heights, a 20-hectare protea and grape farm that’s home to Sugarbird Manor. Like a scene straight out of Under The Tuscan Sky, the stylish guesthouse perches at the top of a vineyard-covered hill, offering exquisite views of the valley – if it wasn’t for the Helderberg, Simonsberg and Jonkershoek Mountains looming in the distance, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of rural Italy.
Inside, the contemporary and pared-down lounge and dining room are adorned with large art works by esteemed local artists, such as Verenka Paschke and Eleanor Turvey. And outside, two infinity pools, a sweeping garden, and numerous hiking trails evoke a private country paradise.
And if you’re looking to leave the farm, there are 12 nearby golf courses (!), a string of top-drawer restaurants and a handful of wonderful wine tours.
Grapes of worth
American owner Virginia Povall, a passionate vigneron, moved to Stellenbosch in 2008 with the purpose of growing grapes. In addition to her boutique guesthouse, Virginia creates her own wonderful wine at the farm, many of which have gained national traction among the local wine community. Her award-winning Botanica chenin recently won five stars in the Platter’s Guide, so be sure to ask for a tasting (and buy a few bottles) while you’re there!
Farm-fresh breakfasts
Each morning, breakfast is served in the dining room and outdoor patio, and begins with a fruit platter and homemade baked treats followed by your choice of hot breakfast. Real linen napkins, freshly squeezed orange juice, warm, knowledgeable service (complete with insider recommendations about the area) and spectacular valley views elevate it to the next level.
The lodgings
The property boasts nine luxury bedrooms of differing sizes, as well as four industrial-chic cottages with a fully equipped kitchen, lounge-dining area, and outdoor patio.
Four cottage suites
- King-sized bed
- Mountain and valley views
- Outdoor patio with a dining and seating area
- Access to the pool
- Lounge with flat-screen TV and couch
- Kitchen with a fridge, microwave, dining area, electric kettle, kitchenware, stove, toaster, and barbeque grill
- Air-conditioning
- Closet
- Indoor heating
- Electric blankets
- Ironing facilities
- Bathroom with shower
- Complimentary toiletries
- Daily cleaning service
- Bathrobe
- Tea-and coffee-making facilities
- Free wi-fi
- Fan
- Desk
- Room safe
- Hairdryer
Cost From R3 333 per night (depending on season)
Three standard rooms
- Queen or king-size bed (depending on your request), or a twin room
- Outdoor patio with a courtyard view
- Flat-screen TV
- Air-conditioning
- Indoor heating
- Ironing facilities
- Bathroom with shower
- Complimentary toiletries
- Tea-and coffee-making facilities
- Free wi-fi
- Fan
- Desk
- Room safe
- Hairdryer
Cost From R2 374 per night (depending on season)
One deluxe room
- Queen bed
- Small patio with a garden view
- Flat-screen TV
- Air-conditioning
- Indoor heating
- Ironing facilities
- Bathroom with shower
- Complimentary toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Tea-and coffee-making facilities
- Free wi-fi
- Fan
- Desk
- Room safe
- Hairdryer
Cost From R2 576 per night (depending on season)
One deluxe queen room
- Two queen beds
- Small patio with a garden view
- Flat-screen TV
- Air-conditioning
- Indoor heating
- Ironing facilities
- Bathroom with shower
- Complimentary toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Tea-and coffee-making facilities
- Free wi-fi
- Fan
- Desk
- Room safe
- Hairdryer
Cost From R2 778 per night (depending on season)
Three superior rooms
- Queen or king bed (depending on your request)
- Mountain and vineyard views
- Flat-screen TV
- Air-conditioning
- Indoor heating
- Ironing facilities
- Bathroom with shower and bath
- Complimentary toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Tea-and coffee-making facilities
- Free wi-fi
- Fan
- Desk
- Room safe
- Hairdryer
Cost From R2 778 per night (depending on season)
One suite
- King-sized bed
- Mountain and valley views
- Flat-screen TV
- Air-conditioning
- Indoor heating
- Ironing facilities
- Bathroom with shower
- Complimentary toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Tea-and coffee-making facilities
- Free wi-fi
- Fan
- Desk
- Room safe
- Hairdryer
Cost From R2 980 per night (depending on season)
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No