Rooms

The 12 bedrooms are styled in neutral and calming taupe colours. You'll find sisal carpets, natural linens and beautiful bedside lamps that double up as animal or bird sculptures. Beds are super comfortable and we loved the bespoke high thread-count bed linen. The bathrooms sparkle with their chequerboard marble tiling, colonial blinds and large walk-in showers (some also have a claw foot bath). Expert tilers were brought over from India to ensure an exceptional finish.

Rooms are mostly on the ground floor set around the neatly kept garden. With similar decor in all, the differences come down to size and whether they have a terrace. The 3 first-floor rooms have mountain views. Note that 2 of the smaller Classic rooms don't have bathtubs. We loved our ground-floor Deluxe with Terrace (No 5), which had a small garden area and enough space to swing a lion. Complimentary half bottles of Leeu's own Bas wine, homemade snacks and a Nespresso machine were nice touches, and we appreciated the quiet air conditioning at the height of summer.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

When it comes to food, you're spoilt for choice. At the hotel, you can eat in The Conservatory, by the pool, on the terrace or in your room (available 24/7). Picnic baskets can also be arranged if you want to head out. Aside from this, you have Franschhoek's amazing array of restaurants on your doorstep.

Breakfast is a spread of pastries, fresh berries, freshly squeezed juices, cold meats, and pots of thick yoghurt with homemade granola. Cooked options are made to order. We couldn't fault anything: the Eggs Benedict was perfect, the waffles with crispy bacon and syrup were delicious. Other guests were raving about the home-baked seeded bread. The simple all-day dining menu features light options - our raw vegetable spring rolls with a zingy sweet and sour sauce by the pool really hit the spot. For afternoon tea, there's a selection of finger sandwiches and sweet treats, such as bonbons, scones, chocolate ganache, and white chocolate creme diplomat with crispy tuile.

When it comes to eating out, you can't really go wrong. Opposite the hotel is Marigold, which is also owned by Leeu and specialises in fine Indian curries; next door is La Petit Colombe, one of the country's top 10 fine dining experiences. You could also take the free shuttle to The Dining Room at Leeu Estates, where we had sundowners and yummy chimichurri chicken with slaw whilst overlooking the valley. But our best experience in Franschhoek was at Protégé, which serves exquisite little dishes inspired by the chef's travels in a casual setting - the tuna tataki, Korean fired chicken and lamb rib roti were truly delicious.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Coffee maker
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Chill. Recline by the pool in the garden with a glass of local wine
  
• At Leeu Estates you can indulge in spa treatments, energise yourself in their high-tech TechnoGym or do a tasting of their highly rated Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
  
• Take the Wine Tram to taste some of South Africa's finest wines. Everyone told us they loved it and you're just a quick hop away from dozens of top wineries
  
• Browse the boutiques and galleries along Franschhoek's charming main street. Leeu House has a partnership with Everard Read gallery next door where you can view contemporary sculptures from local and international artists
  
• Eat! Franschhoek has some of the world's best restaurants and you'll enjoy fabulous food for half of what it would cost back home (see eating for our recommendations)
  
• Cycle. Complimentary bicycles allow you to explore the area or head for the hills and vineyards
  
• Pack a picnic and head out on one of the trails - through vineyards along a river bank and up into the foothills of the mountains
  
• Go trout fishing in the dams and rivers in the Franschhoek Valley, or swim or fish in the Berg river

  Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Cycling

Kids

This is an adults-only hotel - no guests under the age of 18 are allowed.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

About an hour's to drive from Cape Town, Leeu House is in the culinary capital of South Africa - Franschhoek - in the Cape Winelands.

By Air
Fly into Cape Town International airport (70km), a 45-minute drive away. Airport transfers can be arranged.

By Car
Most guests self-drive so they can explore the Franschhoek valley and Winelands (however, there is a Wine Tram for those who prefer not to drive); see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.