This week, our Escape of the Week is the exquisite Middedorp Manor – a real gem of a find in Stellenbosch, capital of the stunning Cape Winelands region of South Africa. The area is a must for anyone visiting Cape Town, with its dramatic vineyards surrounded by imposing mountains, its great food, and, of course, its fabulous wine!
Beautiful Middedorp Manor
Middedorp Manor is a Victorian home turned boutique B&B. It feels like a real home-from-home, and a very chic one at that. You have the run of the house, including a lounge, a library and a vine-covered outdoor stoop with a sofa and dining table. And out in the lovely garden there’s a small, peaceful pool, flanked by cushioned loungers, with views of the surrounding mountains.
Relax in cushioned loungers next to the peaceful pool
You’re 3 minutes’ walk from the centre of Stellenbosch, with its cosmopolitan cafés and excellent restaurants, and there are excellent wineries on the doorstep; hire bikes and follow tasting routes. All this, together with outstanding personal service from owner Annemien, a daily note on the weather, vineyard and restaurant advice, and excellent homemade breakfasts, makes for a very special escape.
The Deluxe Suite
Rooms: The 4 double bedrooms are spacious and stylish. All have an extra-long kingsize bed made up with crisp white percale cotton, luxurious duvets and soft, silky cushions. Contemporary South African art lines the walls, and the furniture is Cape antique.
One of the beautiful communal areas at Middedorp
Food: Wake up to a lavish breakfast of muesli with double-thick Greek yoghurt, honey and seasonal fruit, plus cold meats, smoked mackerel and local cheeses. Homemade bread and pastries are also on offer, as is a hot dish of the day. Middedorp can cater for lunch or dinner on demand, but with so many world-class restaurants nearby, you’ll probably want to eat out. Stellenbosch is in the heart of the Winelands and there are over 140 wineries to visit nearby. On top of that, the town itself has an array of exquisite eateries – food and wine are the main reasons people come here.
The Breakfast Room
When to go: This part of South Africa has year-round appeal, with wineries open every day. It’s busiest from December to April (the South African spring, summer and early autumn), when you’re likely to have to book ahead for restaurants; out of season (May to September), it’s colder and more likely to rain, but still a beautiful place to visit.
Press review: “The 100-year old Victorian house has 4 elegant guest suites, a library, meeting room and an outdoor terrace that overlooks the swimming pool. The suites are…furnished with Cape antiques and contemporary pieces – all in natural warm grey, olive, indigo and stone shades…and the manor is just a 3-minute walk away from the restaurants, cafés and shopping of Stellenbosch.”
Conde Nast Traveller (UK)
i-escape gift: a bottle of wine and a free room upgrade, subject to availability on arrival
Read the full review and book Middedorp Manor >>
