Grand Dedale Country House

Opulent living in this Cape Dutch country house set deep in a tranquil valley on a working wine estate, 1 hour from Cape Town

Grand Dédale (Great Labyrinth) is a classy country house on the Doolhof Wine Estate a few kilometres outside Wellington, and an hour's drive from Cape Town. Within striking distance of the Paarl - Stellenbosch - Franschhoek winelands triangle, not to mention the picturesque Riebeek Valley ("Franschhoek 15 years ago"), it’s in the perfect situation for vineyard tours, mountain hikes, riding and cycling, as well as gentler sorties out into unspoiled Cape Province countryside. If you can bear to leave the comfort of the estate, that is...

The farm dates back to the beginning of the 17th century and was stylishly renovated in 2009 to show off its traditional Cape Dutch architecture. Inside, the manor house is exquisitely decorated with 6 opulent rooms and suites, plus a separate Honeymoon Cottage done up in an elegant European style - pastel wallpapers, clawfooted bathtubs, Cath-Kidston-esque fabrics - that might make you forget you're in Africa. But not for long. Sit back on the wide veranda and drink in those classic Cape views: over a valley filled with verdant paddocks and orange orchards, up a grassy hogsback peppered by tall blue gums and ancient oaks, to the cliffs of the Limietberg... breathtaking. Best of all, it retains such a relaxed air that you can kick off your shoes, pour yourself a drink and pretend that you’re Lord of the Manor!

Highs

• Set in a "cul-de-sac" valley, which adds to the seclusion and intimacy of the place
• Fridges in the house and poolside, so you can help yourself to drinks without worrying about bills (even local wines are included)
• The service is so discreet you’d think everything is done by fairies
• We loved the complimentary high tea - a delicate foretaste of the excellent dinner menu showcasing local produce
• The vast, nouveau-Victorian bathrooms - you just have to see them!

Lows

• The Jacques Potier Suite has limited privacy, as it’s set just off the veranda and is next to the front door
• Although the valley is blissfully quiet, sounds do carry around the house
• As you’re on a farm, your room may be visited by loudly chirruping crickets
• Not child-friendly, unless you book the whole place (which - for family celebrations - would be bliss)
• Not cheap - but better value than similar places in Franschhoek (and rates include afternoon tea and almost all drinks)