Explorers Club

Outstanding collection of rental properties in picturesque Franschhoek with adventurous décor perfect for foodies, explorers and families

While the name might suggest a place to rough it and plan routes on dusty maps by candlelight, Explorer's Club is something else: somewhere to plot your next trip, sure, but in the comfort of a homestead with views of the mountains and vineyards and easy access to world class restaurants, wineries, boutiques and art galleries. And more than that, the 4 properties have style by the tin bucket load.

What we particularly love about them is co-owner Jo's eye for detail. An inveterate explorer himself, he's decorated the houses with large scale world maps, posters of Clint Eastwood, lampshades made from recycled coffee sacks, throws made from Kenyan wraps and milk urns used as bedside tables. It's quirky, unusual, fresh and like nothing we've seen before - a bit like its owner.

The Franschhoek collection comprises Explorers Club, sleeping up to 6 adults, 3 children and a baby; The Map Room, sleeping 2-4 adults; and The Library, sleeping up to 6 adults. There's also Cactus Blue, a cottage in Prince Albert (5 hours' drive away in the Great Karoo) which makes a nice add-on to your trip.

With regular farmers markets and supermarket nearby, it’s a doddle to stock up for eating in. But with such brilliant restaurants on your doorstep you’ll also want to venture out. So here you get to have your cake and eat it.

Highs

• Franschhoek has dozens of frilly French-style places to stay; these imaginatively-designed pads make a refreshing alternative
• The location: in the heart of Franschhoek, walking distance from its restaurants, with lovely mountain and vineyard views and no traffic noise
• Jo is great fun: charismatic, enthusiastic and inspirational
• The properties are an affordable option with sensible all year pricing and discounts for smaller groups
• Less than an hour's drive from Cape Town

Lows

• No toiletries are provided except soap
• The Map Room doesn't have a pool
• Tap water can be slightly brown and discoloured (but it's perfectly fine)
• Not all rooms have air-conditioning, although there are large colonial-style ceiling fans
• The layout of some of the houses is a little odd and disjointed (living areas upstairs, bedrooms downstairs or in annexes) but their quirkiness is part of the fun