Vrede en Lust: A Charming Country Stay in the Franschhoek Valley

Vrede en Lust Lead

Luxury accommodation meets old-world charm.

A short drive from the picturesque town of Franschhoek, in the Simondium area of the Franschhoek Valley, lies Vrede en Lust. Established as a working wine farm in 1688, the family-owned estate beautifully blends old and new. A contemporary wine-tasting centre looks out over the vines, mountains and a ribbon of solar panels, while the historic manor house is now an exclusive-use villa.

There are luxury suites tucked among formal gardens and vines, the heritage two-bedroom Jonkmanshuis cottages, as well as conference and event facilities, a magical wedding venue, and two onsite restaurants.

With a spread of formal and informal gardens, a swimming pool (reserved for the use of hotel guests), lawns, towering oaks and enticing trails leading into the vine-clad lower slopes of the Simonsberg, it’s a place to explore, wind down and relax.

The lodgings

The estate offers three accommodation options: the historical self-catering Manor House that sleeps eight; three picturesque Jonkmanshuis Cottages, each sleeping four; and 10 Luxury Vineyard Suites that sleep two each.

Manor House

Vrede en Lust Manor House
Vrede en Lust Manor House Exterior

Dating back to 1796 (and authentically restored in the 1950s), this historical homestead sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms, and offers panoramic vineyard and mountain views immersing guests in the old-world charm of the estate.

Facilities

  • three double bedrooms and one twin bedroom, all ensuite and individually decorated
  • large reception room, spacious lounge with fireplace, and formal dining room
  • view-drenched outdoor patio overlooking the valley
  • lush, landscaped garden with swimming pool (shared with hotel guests)
  • large outdoor boma with fire pit
  • fully equipped kitchen with fireplace
  • complimentary wi-fi
  • TV with select DStv channels
  • air-conditioning

Cost From R22 950 per night, includes breakfast (exclusive use, depending on season)
MAKE A RESERVATION

Luxury Vineyard Suites

Vrede en Lust Luxury Vineyard Suites
Vrede en Lust Vineyard Suites View

Surrounded by vineyards, with the spectacular Simonsberg mountain as the backdrop, these 10 sophisticated suites offer guests a modern stay with breathtaking countryside views.

Facilities:

  • 10 suites with king-sized or twin beds, and an ensuite bathroom (five rooms have both a bath and a shower, and five have just a shower)
  • private patio with vineyard and mountain views
  • tea- and coffee-making facilities
  • a safe
  • small fridge
  • smart TV with Netflix
  • complimentary wi-fi
  • air-conditioning
  • hair dryer
  • bath and swimming towels provided

Good to know The Vineyard suites are pet-friendly for small-breed dogs.
Cost From R2 670 per suite per night, includes breakfast (depending on season)
MAKE A RESERVATION

Jonkmanshuis Cottages

Vrede en Lust Jonkmanshuis Cottages
Vrede en Lust Jonkmanshuis Cottage Bedroom

These three spacious cottages converted from the original farm buildings are perfect for a private, peaceful and picturesque countryside stay with oodles of charm.

Marguerite, Barbère & Jacques Cottages

  • sleep four guests in two ensuite double bedrooms
  • living room with a fireplace and smart TV with Netflix
  • fridge and microwave oven
  • access to a landscaped garden and shared pool
  • air-conditioning

Good to know Breakfast and a complimentary wine tasting are included. Jacques is a pet-friendly unit.
Cost From R4 195 per unit per night, includes breakfast (depending on season)
MAKE A RESERVATION

While you’re there

Vrede en Lust Wine Tasting

  • complimentary wine-tasting at Cellar Door Tasting Centre
  • breakfast at Lust Bistro and Bakery, which also offers lunch and take-home baked goods, made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
  • lunch or dinner at Savoye (booking essential)
  • scenic farm walks
  • mountain-biking (four mountain bikes available free to guests)
  • horse-riding or quad biking with Wine Valley Adventures on the farm trails
  • in-room spa treatments (arrange in advance to avoid disappointment)

Vrede en Lust Horse Riding

Then there’s the nearby town of Franschhoek – brimming with art galleries, top-notch eateries, outdoor activities and many other exciting things to do, as well as a host of neighbouring wine farms to visit on the Wine Tram.

Whether you’re after a weekend away with loved ones, or are simply seeking a scenic reprieve away from it all, Vrede en Lust might be just the place you’ve been looking for.

Distance from CT 1 hour
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes (certain rooms)
Cost Luxury Vineyard Suites: From R 2 670 per suite per night (depending on season)
Jonkmanshuis Cottages: From R4 195 per unit per night (depending on season)
Manor House: From R22 950 per night (depending on season, exclusive use only)
Where to find it Vrede & Lust Estate, intersection R45 & Klapmuts Road, Simondium

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Disclaimer:

The Inside Guide has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 15 May 2024