La Clé Country Lodge opened just in time for Christmas last year and is now welcoming the new year in gorgeous, chic Cape country style. This is the newest offering in the La Clé Des Montagnes portfolio, which already boasts the supreme La Clé Villas sprawled on the working wine farm’s staggering location. The Country Lodge is a 5-bedroom house with grand country kitchen equipped with genius chefs and housekeeping staff, ample living spaces, and spacious grounds and swimming pool. It is ideal for individual bookings or as an exclusive sole-use booking hugging the edge of South Africa’s ‘French corner’, Franschhoek.
The monumental mountains rise up from rolling vineyards and flowering plum orchards and create the most magnificent backdrop to this finely crafted Cape country retreat. Disguised by great, old trees, yet entirely exposed to a view of the vineyards, La Clé Country Lodge is embraced by neatly pruned hedges, and classically adorned with thatch and green shutters. The swimming pool ripples cooly under deep blue skies, offset by the emerald garden lawn that surrounds it. The terracotta tiles lead from the verandah, through the large French doors, and into the dining room and living spaces. Antique ornaments adorn the walls and classic old furniture dress the rooms and complete the character assigned to this warm and nostalgic retreat.
Franschhoek charm
Franschhoek is a wealth of ancient French Huguenot influence; from the famous 3-arched monument, classic architecture, delicate corner pâtisseries and chocolatiers, refined cheese and wine farms, which a distinctive air of elegance. Modern Franschhoek is represented in the fun surrounding the Bastille Festival, adventure activities, such as bicycle trails, horse riding, canoeing, and village strolls. These days, the village of Franschhoek is a trendy hub of artisanal and hipster establishments, while a short walk (or bike ride) from the village will take visitors to the quiet suburbs and the thriving wine farms beyond.
Book out exclusively or reserve a room
The beauty of the Country Lodge is that it is fit for families who would like an exclusive house to call their home, only an hour’s drive from Cape Town and 30 minutes’ from the airport. Children can spend their days splashing in the swimming pool, and enjoying garden entertainment, while 5 bedrooms with en suites offer enough space for all. Outdoor activities and plenty of food offerings both in the village and prepared in the lodge’s own interactive kitchen by highly trained chefs.
Alternatively, La Clé Country Lodge’s 5 bedrooms can be booked out separately and the house shared by independent couples or singles (no children under 12 on independent bookings). The spacious grounds, equipped country kitchen (chefs cook openly and invite interaction with guests), large dining and living areas, as well as the verandah, swimming pool and garden are shared between guests.
