Franschhoek top-end lifestyle homes

Synonymous with award-winning wine farms, an eclectic and vibrant village and a sublime lifestyle in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek has emerged from the recent economic recession with a renewed upswing in its luxury property market.

This is according to Surina du Toit, Pam Golding Properties area manager for Franschhoek, who says while impacted to some extent by the economic downturn, from the end of 2013 through 2014 they’ve seen a definite upswing in interest in their top-end lifestyle properties. Subsequently, she says a few such properties which had been on the market for some time have been sold.

High profile buyers such as Sir Richard Branson, who last year acquired Mont Rochelle, have certainly placed the spotlight firmly back on the quality and lifestyle Franschhoek has to offer.

 “Recent sales of wine farms Auberge Clermont, Klein Champagne and La Providence reaffirm the sustainability and prestige of investment in this verdant historic town.”

An exceptional property situated in a prime part of the valley sought after for its close proximity to the village, yet with scenic vineyard and mountain views, has just become available for purchase, she says.

“This property gives the owner the luxury feeling of living on a lifestyle farm, yet without the responsibilities one normally associates with owning a farm,” says Du Toit.

Originally part of the farm Auberge Clermont, which dates back to 1694, bordering Klein Champagne and less than 1km from the village, this luxury property incorporates six bedrooms in total, and is set on 4 247 square metres of agriculturally zoned land.

Priced at R30 million, Le Jardinet on Champagne, as the property is named, includes a main house built in 2011 with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three reception rooms, plus two separate self-contained guest cottages and staff accommodation. The home and separate buildings comprise some 1 120sqm in total.

With spectacular views over the adjacent vineyards and the majestic mountains beyond, this immaculately maintained property offers a mix of contemporary and country living within easy walking distance of Franschhoek village.

The home is well appointed with a tranquil garden of over 100 trees, picturesque dam, lap pool and manicured lawns. Access is through a servitude road on Auberge Clermont Wine & Guest Farm.

Scenic mountain views provide an eye-catching backdrop as the property looks towards the Franschhoek Mountain and the northern ridge of the Middagskransberg, with the Wemmershoek Mountains visible in the distance.

Shelly Schoeman, a Pam Golding Properties agent, says as this home is uniquely positioned on a portion of a historic farm. Overlooking the vineyards, the owner is able to enjoy the views and ambience of a working wine farm, yet with none of the responsibility of looking after the vines or wine production. 

Beautifully built and in immaculate condition, the property is ideal for a family or even a holiday home, as the property is easy to manage and currently has two full-time, live-in staff members.

The nature of the accommodation, with the two separate, self-contained cottages and four bedrooms in the main house, makes the property ideal for an extended family. There are also two spacious and airy spaces currently used as offices.

“This will certainly appeal to the buyer who is accustomed to quality and a certain lifestyle.”

For the family buyer, she says Bridge House private school is in Franschhoek, while it’s only a 20 minute drive to Paarl or 30 minutes to Stellenbosch to access other quality schools and Stellenbosch University.

“It’s rare to find this kind of property available for purchase in Franschhoek, the reason being that the majority of properties in this area are wine or guest farms on large portions of land. And it’s almost impossible to find a piece of land this size among these wine farms”.

Added to its uniqueness is the fact that the property is located next to an existing wine and olive farm with a guesthouse, which adds to the security and scenic appeal, she says.

“Exclusive in terms of the setting as well as the spacious and luxurious home, providing staff and guest accommodation as well as work from home facilities, this is a property that literally has it all,” says Schoeman.

She says being zoned agricultural, the property rates are much lower, while electricity usage is economical due to solar panel usage for underfloor, lap pool and geyser heating. The roof has double insulation, ensuring the house is cool in summer and retains heat in winter.

The entire property is irrigated with a borehole supplying the entire system and an underground spring providing additional water for nine months of the year. In addition, an underground drainage system routes water to a dam which flanks the house and is ideal for swimmers.