HOTEL OF THE WEEK: La Cle des Montagnes

If you’re going to Cape Town, you must visit Franschhoek, friends told us.

We’re glad we did. Even more so that we were able to manage a night at La Cle des Montagnes, a newish property tucked away just off Franschhoek’s restaurant-lined main street.

Franschhoek, 75km from Cape Town, was settled by French Huguenot refugees and along with the name of the village (Franschhoek is a Dutch word for French Corner) many of the vineyards in the valley retain the names of areas in France from where the original settlers came to farm the land:  names such as La Motte, La Cotte, Cabriere, Provence, and Chamonix.

TripAdvisor lists La Cle des Montagnes as a B&B but that seems odd given that the four villas, 11-bedroom property is much more than a simple B&B.  

A quick check reveals that every TripAdvisor review gives the Cape Dutch-style property a 100% satisfaction score. "Beyond perfect," one reviewer says.

Another says: "I cannot remember when I was as blown away with the beauty of a setting and facilities as I was when we stepped into this special place. It is the sense of place that I was not prepared for," wrote a guest from Knoxville, Tennessee.

When the German owner of the wine and fruit growing estate first opened the door of the 1820 manor house with a large iron key his eyes lit up when he saw the Franschheok Mountains in front of him – hence the name he gave to the property – in English the Key to the Mountains – which has been developed to a exceedingly high standard.

We are greeted by hotel manager, Peggy, and her assistant Chantel who usher us into the three-bedroom, all ensuite La Grange Villa.

You feel as if you have, by lucky chance, stepped into a grand manor house, which of course it once was, and that impression is further enhanced when Albert, the butler, offers champagne and nibbles.

He works the coffee machine like an experienced barista and takes orders for double shot flat whites.

In winter, there is a central fireplace for snug living among the books, and CD library; and in summer, there is a swimming pool and expansive outdoor areas for alfresco breakfast dining and relaxation. A huge, well-appointed kitchen would delight any cook.

The villas have been individually themed by interior decorator, Sarah Ord. Le Manoir (sleeps four) is inspired by the French heritage of Franschhoek, the reds, blacks, greys and whites of the interior reflecting the spirit of French linens, toiles and patterned stripes.

La Galerie (sleeps four) showcases contemporary art featuring pieces by the Swedish artist Bengt Karl Erik Lindstrom, while patterned fabrics, Moroccan tiles and African art of Le Colonial (sleeps eight) pay homage to a fusion of east and north African aesthetics.

Strictly speaking La Cle des Montagnes is a B&B in that it does not have a restaurant, but guests can walk – or be driven – a short distance to the Franschhoek village where any number of excellent restaurants await, including the Tasting Room, rated among the world’s top 50 by S. Pellegrino, and another which we loved, French Connection.

In all, the villas, the gardens, the views of the mountains and service delivery which matches that of any five-star hotel add up to a very special place.

by Ian Jarrett