Located in the scenic Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is celebrated as a valley of fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and luxury hospitality. Franschhoek is a member of the Délice Network of Good Food Cities of the World. The farms on the wine route in the valley, many with their own restaurants and other attractions, give a taste of the culture, history and passion that have come together here. Franschhoek also has its own Cap Classique route, linking Cap Classique producers in the valley, which is well known for its sparkling wine. Franschhoek is just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
The currency of Franschhoek is that of wine, gourmet cuisine and luxury hospitality, and the Leeu Collection endeavours to offer its guests the finest in each of these.
The Franschhoek valley is surrounded on three sides by majestic mountain ranges and has a fascinating history. The valley was originally known as Olifantshoek (Elephant’s Corner) after the huge herds that roamed the area and whose annual migration wore away a mountain path known by the locals as Elephant’s Pass. Today, it is the famous Franschhoek Pass with its breathtakingly beautiful views over the valley.
Settled in 1688 by the French Huguenots, who were granted farmland on their arrival, Franschhoek has retained its Gallic charm and character.
An aerial view of Franschhoek, showcasing the valley's stunning landscape.
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The Leeu Collection: A Vision of Sophisticated Escapes
The Leeu Collection is the manifestation of the vision of founder Analjit Singh (aka BAS) for sophisticated escapes and unique guest experiences. Prior to 2010, Analjit Singh had never set foot on the African continent. At home in Delhi, Singh was well established-a healthcare titan honored with India's prestigious Golden Peacock award for leadership-but when he first visited South Africa's Franschhoek region, a mountainous area an hour's drive from Cape Town, he was just another tourist. It was a visit that would change his life. "I fell in love with Franschhoek the moment I saw it. Considering that reaction, it's no wonder that, six years later, Singh has become a local institution, thanks to his partnership in an award-winning Swartland winery and his three luxury properties, as well as a microbrewery and a soon-to-open Indian restaurant.
The hospitality portfolio currently comprises one premium five-star and two five-star boutique properties in South Africa’s winelands: Leeu Estates, Leeu House and Le Quartier Français.
- Leeu Estates: a five-star premium 24-room country house and boutique winery in the Franschhoek valley. A 17-room country house retreat and boutique winery in the Franschhoek valley, the newly opened flagship property of the Leeu Collection-which also includes esteemed Franschhoek hotels Leeu House and Le Quartier Français-is nothing short of imperial. GROUNDS 168 acres of vineyards, glorious mountain vistas and a serene “bokkie garden”-Afrikaans for “beloved”-transform the act of wandering into a transcendental, meditative experience.
- Leeu House: an exclusive hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village with 12-rooms and Suite. Leeu House, our serene oasis on the main street of vibrant Franschhoek, is set in secluded gardens with a pool and terrace. Surrounded by award-winning restaurants, wine farms and speciality shops, guests are spoilt for choice.
- Le Quartier Français: a romantic 25-room hotel also located in the village. An icon located in the heart of Franschhoek village, Le Quartier Français comprises a romantic boutique hotel, two restaurants - Protégé, a casual fine dining style eatery, and fine dining establishment Épice, Everard Read Franschhoek Art Gallery, and the Great Heart Wine Boutique. Le Quartier Français offers the kind of splendid comfort in which you can immerse yourself repeatedly, with unwavering reliability, whether you revisit your favourite room or experience them all.
Leeu House, a serene oasis in the heart of Franschhoek.
The first acquisition outside of South Africa was Linthwaite House, a 36-room country retreat overlooking Windermere in England’s scenic Lake District, followed by Collegio alla Querce, a luxury hotel and pristine gardens. Both the historic centre of Florence and the Lake District are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The History of Leeu Estates
Klein Dassenberg, Von Ortloff and Joyous Garde - were joined to create Leeu Estates, with its exquisite, restored 19th-century Manor House. These farms featured prominently in the traditions of the Franschhoek valley.
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With roots dating back to the late 1800s, its core features a charming, thick-walled dairy. Notably, the esteemed Marie Greeff, a previous owner, shares a captivating familial bond as the cousin of Princess Michael of Kent. The charming cottage, adorned with a gable dating back to 1949, is believed to have been constructed in the early 1800s. Throughout its history, the building has served as a versatile space, fulfilling roles as both storage and a humble abode for diligent farm workers.
Max House boasts a captivating history dating back to 1831, when Johannes Petrus Kriel acquired ownership of the house, two outbuildings, and the vast surrounding farmland. Originally designed in the timeless T shape, the farmstead reflects a simplistic, neo-classical style prevalent in the late 1700s. Over time, it has undergone various modifications, expanding into the iconic H shape, with ongoing alterations and expansions.
The 1831 survey of Dassenberg Farm offers an intriguing glimpse into its rich history, revealing the presence of a main farmstead and a remarkable outbuilding. Its storied past is beautifully reflected in a gable dating back to 1800. Adding to its allure is a wall that harks back to an original cottage built circa 1831. This intriguing piece of history sparks conjecture that the cottage may have served as slave quarters, albeit for a brief period. Following the emancipation of slaves in 1834, it likely became a residence for devoted labourers or newly freed individuals, preserving its role as a place of shelter and belonging.
Protea House, once the main dwelling of the former Dieu Donne farm now owned by Leeu Estates, carries the charm of its presumed 1930s construction. A fascinating chapter unfolds as we learn that Lee Radziwill, the younger sister of Jaqueline Bouvier Kennedy, resided in the house during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Her visits before her marriage to John F.
Accommodation at Leeu Estates
A converted 19th-century Cape Dutch manor house overlooking gardens forms the central building of the Leeu Estate and houses six of the 17 rooms, with the rest in private cottages around the estate. There are six rooms and suites in the manor house and two more above the adjacent spa. The rest are situated in six private cottages.
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You've got a few options when it comes to accommodation, with the smallest bedroom being a palatial 42m²! There's the one bedroom, totally romantic Pomegranate Cottage, three bed Max House, and six individual bedrooms in the Manor House (two within rolling distance of the spa). All exude elegance and style, with chic colour palettes, softer than soft carpets, and marble bathrooms with enormous rain showers and underfloor heating. The executive suite has its own lounge/study area and fireplace, while the cottages have private terraces, lounges and courtyards with private gardens.
Elegantly understated, they let the landscape do the talking. Of course, there are luxurious touches at every turn: bespoke furniture, wool-and-sisal carpets, textured linen, horsehair, wood, leather, and stone in neutral palettes. Grand marble bathrooms beckon with rain showers and under-floor heating.
Wine and Dining Experiences
Under Oliver Cattermole, the executive chef at the Leeu Estates, The Dining Room offers world-class dining with exceptional valley, vineyard and mountain views. Breakfast includes a full English, eggs Benedict and buck rarebit as well as homemade granola and seasonal berries.
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines produce hand-crafted wines from the granite-, schist-, quartz-, and iron-based soils of the Swartland region; new Leeu wines from the property’s own vineyards will hit the market this year. Settle into the stately sanctuary that is Leeu’s tasting room and discover why the brand has won so many awards: 18 five-star ratings from Platter's South African Wine Guide, Winery of the Year in 2014 and 2016, Wine Enthusiast’s 2016 Winemaker of the Year (for Andrea Mullineux).
In 2013, husband and wife team, Chris and Andrea Mullineux, partnered with Analjit Singh (BAS) and started the Leeu Passant winery on Analjit’s stunning Leeu Estates in Franschhoek. The Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines partnership of Chris and Andrea Mullineux and Analjit Singh also own the Mullineux winery in Swartland. Their commitment to quality and their deep respect for the environment and their employees have earned them acclaim both nationally and internationally, and the wines from Mullineux as well as Leeu Passant have gained world-class reputation. By 2014, as the winemaker for both the wineries, Andrea was invited to join the Cape Winemakers Guild. She has been a member since and fulfilled the role as Chair of the Guild for two years during this time. Furthermore, she was awarded the 2016 International Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and the following year, named as Tim Atkin’s 2017 South African Winemaker of the Year alongside Chris.
Beyond their winegrowing endeavours, Andrea & Chris actively support initiatives focused on preserving biodiversity by promoting sustainable farming and business practices. They believe that a harmonious relationship with the land and the community around it is essential for producing exceptional wines while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The exquisite wines of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines.
Art and Gardens
Neutral decor provides the backdrop for an extensive art collection displayed throughout the hotel and gardens. There is a superb collection of art throughout the hotel and the grounds, personally curated by Mr. Singh. Take a stroll around the manicured landscaped gardens to find the strategically placed artworks of predominantly life-sized bronze sculptures by renowned artists Angus Taylor, Deborah Bell, Dylan Lewis, and Otto du Plessis.
The gardens, or ‘Leeuscapes’, at the Leeu Collection properties have been stylishly and meticulously landscaped. Feted designer Francesca Watson’s beautifully crafted gardens are the perfect setting for the owner’s extensive art collection.
“Art is not only a pillar of the Leeu Collection, it is a passion and as important as food, wine, or sense of place.
Daily walks around the grounds led to Mr. Singh establishing a peaceful river walk with secluded outdoor seating areas and picnic spots to view the wine farm’s commanding views and magnificent mountain backdrop. Seating has been added to the Bokkie Garden, which is very close to the founder’s heart.
Spa and Wellness
There is also a spa with a 15-metre heated infinity pool, steam room and treatment rooms. Beside the infinity pool, nestled in vineyards, is a sanctuary of calm and well-being. The spa’s “Be Treatments”-from the Sanskrit word “bhumi,” for “Mother Earth”-promote healing, relaxation and vitality. “Be Timeless” with facials, “Be Still” with superb massages, “Be Nurtured” with reflexology, “Be Held” with scrub and body wrap treatments-and the A-list “Be” list goes on.
Activities and Excursions
Outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing. Leeu Estate sits at the base of Dassenberg Mountain with the Franschoek River running through it. There are various nature trails that wind their way through the vineyards, along the river and on to the mountain that are perfect for hiking, jogging or cycling (the hotel provides mountain bikes for free). But chances are, you came here for the wine and cuisine, so you won't be disappointed to know that there are over fifty wine farms and nearly as many restaurants in the Franschoek Valley. The village is just a fifteen-minute walk away, and you'll find a variety of interesting attractions from art galleries to the Franschhoek Monument on the way.
Huguenot Memorial Museum and Huguenot Monument are within easy reach, as well as Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
Leeu Estates is surrounded by mountains and vineyards, yet only a three-minute complimentary shuttle to Franschhoek’s pretty high street and just over an hour to Cape Town.
Such ambitious offerings stand out even in a region that has in recent years become Cape Town's go-to luxury weekend retreat. Indeed, the area, a destination for Cape cuisine and world class wines, has some of the best hotels in South Africa and has attracted such visitors as Elton John, Bono, and Charlize Theron.
The inviting infinity pool at Leeu Estates.
Additional Information
New olive groves, orchards, and a herb garden have ensure local organic produce for the hotel’s restaurants and reduce the field to fork miles.
La Petite Colombe has relocated from Mr. Sings Quartier Francois property, and Everard Read is a sister gallery to the existing Quartier Francois gallery. La Petite Colombe is the sibling restaurant to La Colombe in Constantia that consistently receives worldwide acclaim as one of the World’s best restaurants.
Award-winning chef Darren Badenhorst has recently taken over the restaurant at the Manor House.
The icing on the cake is the new Fynbosch Quarter is designed and modelled on DHK architects Norval Foundation.
Insider Tip: Leeu Estates has a share in Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines and the tastings at the wine studio are exquisite. Clear your palate for some serious sniffing and swirling!
Something to think about: Most of the rooms are on ground level so the views arenât as good as you might want them to be. The best ones are seen from the upstairs rooms in the Manor House.
| Property | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Leeu Estates | 24-room country house and boutique winery | Franschhoek Valley |
| Leeu House | Exclusive hotel | Heart of Franschhoek Village |
| Le Quartier Français | Romantic boutique hotel | Franschhoek Village |
Luxury Escapes: Leeu Collection | Leeu Estates
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