Set on the slopes of Dassenberg, overlooking the Franschhoek valley, the Leeu Estates is an exceptional Winelands piece of accommodation.
Overview
A converted 19th-century Cape Dutch manor house classically furnished and overlooking gardens forms the central building of the Leeu Estate and houses six of the 17 rooms, with the rest in private cottages around the estate. Neutral decor provides the backdrop for an extensive art collection which is laid out throughout the hotel and gardens. There is a spa with a 15-metre heated infinity pool, steam room and treatment rooms as well as a library and excellent dining. Breakfast, snacks, house wines, soft drinks and local spirits are included as well as national phone calls, Wi-Fi, shuttle transfers into Franschhoek village and one wine tasting per stay at the Mullineux and Leeu Family wine tasting room.
Food & service
Under Oliver Cattermole, the executive chef at the Leeu Estates, The Dining Room offers world-class dining with exceptional valley, vineyard and mountain views. Breakfast includes a full English, eggs Benedict and buck rarebit as well as homemade granola and seasonal berries. Dinner is a choice of delicious six dishes, with sides, starters and desserts, and fine wine of South African vintage from the cellar.
Rooms
There are six rooms and suites in the manor house and two more above the adjacent spa. The rest are situated in six private cottages. All rooms are decorated in neutral colours with natural fabrics such as linen curtains and cotton sheets, alongside vibrant artworks and some with views across the vineyards and mountains. Rooms come with TVs with USB portals (although no DVD players) and music docks. Marble bathrooms include large rain showers.
Activities
Leeu Estates is surrounded by mountains and vineyards, yet only a three-minute complimentary shuttle to Franschhoek’s pretty high street and just over an hour to Cape Town. Huguenot Memorial Museum and Huguenot Monument are within easy reach, as well as Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. For hot, sunny and dry weather the time to visit is between September and March.