Akademie Street Guesthouses

Intimate, stylish and supremely comfortable guesthouse an easy stroll away from the restaurants and shops of historic Franschhoek

No visit to the winelands would be complete without an excursion to the sleepy little town of Franschhoek, which is home to some excellent examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Surrounded by some of South Africa’s oldest and most renowned wine estates, the town also contains 8 out of the country’s top 100 restaurants so it really can justify pitching itself as the gourmet capital of South Africa.

On a leafy road just a short stroll from the historical village centre, Akademie Street is right at the top of our 'must stay' list. Each of its cottages and suites feels deliciously private thanks to high hedges which wrap around their gardens and pools. And the plethora of treasured antiques, paintings and prints adds to the home-from-home feel. This is a quiet, uplifting and wholly exceptional place to stay, imbued with the generous and gentle natures of its owners, Katherine and Arthur.

Highs

• Private cottages with their own small pools and special charm, plus 3 suites
• An enchanting garden with an ancient oak, fruit trees, fragrant flowers and reflecting pools
• Abundance of antiques and paintings - many of them the work of Katherine's father - make Akademie's rooms feel much more home than hotel
• You're within easy walking distance of several first-class restaurants, and Arthur has written his own detailed guide to the town's best eateries
• A great place to hunker down for a few days or to base yourself when exploring the winelands
• True hospitality is evident in the small touches, which will make your stay special

Lows

• You occasionally hear the sound of passing traffic yet this doesn't detract from the serene feel of the cottages
• No meals other than breakfast, are served but you couldn't be better placed for your gastronomic forays
• At busy times of year you'll need to book well in advance: award-winning Akademie is (deservedly) extremely popular