Review: Pink Door Franschhoek, Winelands, South Africa

In the heart of Franschhoek, widely known as the gastronomic capital of South Africa, Pink door Franschhoek From the Oyster Collection A lesson in exclusive accommodation. Five friends and I headed to the Winelands to experience everything the house had to offer.

Welcome

Driving to Franschhoek is always a pleasure. After leaving Cape Town, the mountains begin to embrace you, eventually narrowing down to the village itself. Here, the winery signs stop as a group of small shops emerge. When you turn onto Reservoir Road, it will take less than a minute’s drive for the Pink Door Franschhoek to appear. We had barely stopped when our hosts, Kim and Bernadine, came to the gate to greet us.

From the parking area, our bags were taken into the house, and in the kitchen, a welcome basket full of tempting snacks was waiting for us – plus a bottle of sparkling wine from local winery L’Ormarins. With a glass of champagne poured, we were invited for a short tour to get a sense of what our home would be like for the next few days.

Rooms

This off-grid home has been exceptionally equipped, with no expense spared. Three staterooms with attached bathroom are located off the entrance hall. From jute flooring, woven reed wallcoverings, to rattan wardrobes, designers have tastefully brought the outdoors indoors. Each of the three bedrooms shares the warmth of the natural materials used, but each has its own personal touch through custom artwork, bed linen and large throw pillows. All three bedrooms also open to the wrap-around balcony through French doors, with outdoor meditation tables and chairs.

Bathrooms

The bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and are equipped with amenities from popular local brand Africology. The highlight was the master suite’s bathtub – the oversized Victoria and Albert bath sits prominently in the spacious room, next to the double windows. With the accompanying bath salts and soak, it felt like a royal experience, lounging in the bathtub after an afternoon or evening of exploring. Even the fluted marble details in the guest bathroom exceeded expectations.

Facilities

After the bags were unloaded, they were moved to the central living area of ​​the house. The open plan kitchen/dining/lounge serves as a shared space for socializing. Here, the attention to design details continues, from the warm wood tones and matte brass details on the chairs to the beautifully beveled design on the table legs. Intelligent flow of natural materials, with all floors transitioning seamlessly.

The first thing you’ll notice in the kitchen is the classic Aga cooker, and yes, in bright pink. The center island makes serving a breeze, with the coffee machine and double wine refrigerators close at hand. Recognizing that some may need to send a few emails or take an urgent business call, there is a beautifully enclosed study room, making work feel like a private occasion.

Outside, a large veranda with neoclassical columns creates a stately atmosphere, before descending into the ten-metre heated swimming pool. One end of the round, rectangular pool features a built-in seating ledge, with activation jets activated at the push of a button: a clever design that combines a pool and jacuzzi. An adjacent hot shower completes the outdoor hydrotherapy setup.

Surrounding the house is a beautifully landscaped garden designed by Francesca Watson, with different spaces for natural connection. The lush fruit and vegetable beds are a beauty treat and a source of fresh produce, which guests can pick and graze. The garden plants made a wonderful addition to our evening meals – which we enjoyed under the shade of the large olive trees. There is also a patio off the lounge with a tranquil koi pond – perfect for early summer mornings or soaking up the late afternoon winter sunshine.

the site

Franschhoek is the famous Winelands village in South Africa. It is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town and the airport. Along the way, there are many fine wine estates to explore, as well as some of the best dining experiences in the country. Being just a minute’s walk from Franschhoek’s main street, exploring from Pinck d’Or Franschhoek is very easy. For a nature walk, the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is a 15-minute drive up the Franschhoek Pass – offering a range of walks suitable for different fitness levels, with views of the mountain reserve.

Other nice touches

One new feature that I had not experienced before is the lights hanging above the outdoor dining table that act as heaters. A clever touch for dining al fresco in the evening on cold nights (we enjoyed our meals al fresco despite it being the middle of winter). The funky drinks cart was a useful addition, especially when we wanted to serve drinks in the garden. The pizza oven in the garden was a nice touch – we didn’t have time to try it out, providing a convenient excuse for a return visit.

Cost

Bookings start at around £1,500, and can accommodate up to six guests. This price includes a dedicated butler, daily breakfast with a private chef, discreet housekeeping, and a complimentary minibar. In addition to the bed and breakfast option, full board arrangements can also be easily made. Keep an eye out for the current ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ special, which can reduce the cost to around £1,000 per night.

A little better

A stay at Pink Door Franschhoek is truly an experience of ‘curated luxury’. In addition to welcome snacks and drinks, our host later returned with a mixologist, and custom cocktails were prepared and served in the garden. In the evening, a BBQ/BBQ was lovingly prepared for us, including setting up a table on the veranda. The next morning, we woke up to inviting smells – not only was a continental meal waiting for us, but also a hot breakfast menu, prepared by the cook in the back kitchen. With daily cleaning, turndown service, free minibar, and assistance tailored to your itinerary, it truly is the most effortless of stays.

Final ruling

All of this makes for what has to be one of the most stunning private villa stays in Franschhoek New to the market, the team are eagerly waiting to welcome guests to their piece of winelands paradise.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by us Pink door Franschhoek

Disclosure: This post is sponsored Pink door.

Jared Rothenberg

Jared Rothenberg is a travel writer from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting people and experiences through words, images, and social media.