Hidden away in the beautiful and picturesque Franschhoek pass, you’ll find the luxury boutique hotel and wine estate, La Petite Ferme. This spring, they launched their newly refurbished Vineyard Suites. And they’re simply, beautiful. We recently had the opportunity to visit this esteemed estate for an overnight stay in the Léman Suite, based on the eclectic, laid-back Lake Como. The views, the ambience and the serenity of the estate have the power to relax even the most wound up city slicker. It is the perfect retreat for the busy mind. Guaranteed you’ll leave a different person.
From the moment you arrive at the estate, you are made to feel right at home, whilst still being treated like royalty. The staff go above and beyond to ensure your experience begins as soon as you drive through the gate. Welcomed with a cold flannel and an even colder drink, the check-in process was a breeze. After that, you are lead to your suite and, with a complimentary bottle of La Petite Ferme’s sublime Sauvignon blanc, you are left to take in the views and enjoy the amenities.
The new suites are a work of art. Three months of extensive renovations saw the five Vineyard Suites being completely overhauled. The interiors boast a far more contemporary, upmarket, modern and on-trend look, whilst the exterior of the Vineyard Suites are still Cape Vernacular in style – keeping with the heritage of the estate and the area. These suites were first made popular because of their phenomenal location and views and the decision was made to refurbish the Suites in response to guest feedback.
The bathrooms in the Vineyard Suites have been fitted with top-end, luxury fixtures and fittings, and a feature wall of beautiful handmade patterned tiles now occupies pride of place in each bathroom. This feature wall is carried through and mirrored in the wallpaper in the bedrooms of the suites, and each ties back visually to the name and theme of that particular Suite – the five being the Florentine Suite, Provençale Suite, Africa Suite, Moresque Suite and Léman Suite.
All of the Vineyard Suites step out onto their own private terraces with plunge pools. These were refurbished and now offer guests built in day-beds on which to relax and savour the view. The re-tiled plunge pools, like the new bathrooms, boast hand-made patterned tiles.
In addition to accommodation, La Petite Ferme, which produces world-class handcrafted wines, is home to an award-winning restaurant. After enjoying the sunset from the comfort and tranquillity of our private terrace, a refreshing dip in the pool, we had worked up appetite and headed up to the restaurant for a surreal evening of excellent wine and food. The firm favourite was the Saffron smoked Lime and Chilli Prawn. The construction of the dish and combination of flavours left us wanting more.
After a good nights sleep it was time for breakfast. This is included in the room rate and offers both an impressive continental harvest style buffet, as well as a selection of mouthwatering breakfast favourites made to order from the kitchen.
A vine orientation walk and tasting by the very knowledgeable Spencer was the perfect way to end the stay. Also included in the room rate, this experience not only brings the history of the estate to life but gives guests a look into the terrior and winemaking processes at La Petite Ferme. The cherry on top is the curated tasting in the beautifully appointed (and airconditioned) tasting centre.
With all that the estate has to offer, as well as its vicinity to the village of Franschhoek, it is not hard to see why the Vineyard Suites make a perfect getaway for both summer and winter escapes.
For booking enquiries email accommodation@lapetiteferme.co.za or visit www.lapetiteferme.co.za #lovelapetite.
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