Set in secluded gardens in the heart of Franschhoek, Leeu House is a family-friendly 12-room boutique hotel that benefits from full access to the world-class facilities of Leeu Estates.
Overview
Leeu House sits comfortably within the traditional Cape Dutch style of Franschhoek. The furniture is classic with a neutral palette and artworks personally selected by the owner in every room. There is a garden and a large pool with its own bar and terrace with views of mountain peaks. Inside is a bar-lounge and restaurant. A 24-hour front desk is on hand and offers airport shuttles. Guests can also use the facilities of the Leeu Estate, including the spa with steam room, pool and treatment rooms and enjoy fine dining at The Dining Room.
Food & service
Acclaimed executive chef Oliver Cattermole presents the same superb dining at The Conservatory at Leeu House as he does at the Leeu Estates. It is small and open to guests only. Breakfast is a generous and bespoke, including dishes such as eggs Benedict and brioche French toast as well as fresh juices and bread from the bakery. Lunch and dinner are also excellent, though slightly simpler fare than Leeu Estate. There are also plenty of excellent eating and drinking alternatives.
Rooms
The individually styled bedrooms have comfortable beds with high quality linen, fitted sisal carpets and curtains and upholstery in natural linens. There are rooms or suites to choose from, all with air-conditioning and equipped with an espresso machine, minibar, flat-screen TV and electronic safe. The en suite bathrooms have marble floors, double vanity tops, free-standing baths and/or generous showers, underfloor heating and heated towel rails.
Activities
Franschhoek has a charming high street with shops, galleries and restaurants. Leeu House is at the top end, within walking distance to everything including the popular wine trams. The Huguenot memorial museum is 400 yards away and Cape Town International Airport can be reached within 1 hour by car. Franschhoek is also close to the towns of Stellenbosch and Paarl, with the Leeu Estate just five minutes away where there are opportunities to try Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines.