Nestled in the heart of the scenic Franschhoek valley, Leeu House stands as a beacon of luxury and history. Franschhoek has been called the gastronomic and wine capital of South Africa and was recently recognised by TIME magazine as one of the top 50 places to visit in the world. This charming town, known for its Cape Dutch architecture and world-class amenities, provides the perfect backdrop for this exquisite guesthouse.
Example of Cape Dutch Architecture
A Blend of History and Contemporary Design
With its thatched roof, whitewashed walls, and ornate gables, the 12-room Leeu House seamlessly blends into the historic town known for its Cape Dutch architecture. The interiors offer a balance to this old-world charm, drawing from contemporary South African design. You'll find latticed partitions fashioned from tea-dyed kudu leather and vibrant canvases by renowned artist Lionel Smit.
This is one of the finest boutique hotels in South Africa, with 12 rooms and a 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.
Accommodation and Amenities
Guest accommodation consists of just 12 rooms. All are beautifully styled, with a soothing neutral palette amidst touches of bronze and gold, and a number of interesting artworks. There are four room categories - Classic, Classic with Terrace, Deluxe, and Deluxe with Terrace.
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The accommodation is booked on a B&B basis, including in-room Nespresso, mini-bar items, national telephone calls, internet access, bicycle hire (subject to availability), a shuttle service between the guesthouse and Leeu Estates, and one tasting per guest per stay of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines at Leeu Estates. The guesthouse can be accessed via 75 kilometers’ road transfer from Cape Town.
Here's a breakdown of the room categories:
| Room Category | Size | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Room | 32m² | Double bed, writing desk, easy chair, ample storage, en-suite with twin washbasins and walk-in shower. Some washrooms offer a bathtub too! |
| Classic with Terrace | 53m² | Larger than Classic, double doors to terrace with mountain views, sofa beds for up to two children. |
| Deluxe Room | 43m² | Pleasant vistas of the gardens or mountains. |
| Deluxe with Terrace | 65m² | Most spacious, double walk-in dressing room, double sofa bed. |
The communal areas at Leeu House are equally well presented. In the lounge bar, comfortable seating surrounds chic little tables and there’s a very welcoming fireplace. The house’s restaurant is called The Conservatory, and its contemporary interior space flows out onto a delightful terrace within the grounds. This is the setting for breakfast every morning, with an all-day dining menu providing options suitable for brunch, lunch, dinner, and any times in between. There’s a children’s menu too, and an exciting array of treats for Afternoon Tea!
Guests of Leeu House also enjoy access to gym and spa facilities at Leeu Estates. Of course, you’re welcome to relax in the house’s garden, which features well-kept lawns, mature palm trees, and some intriguing sculptures.
I stay in the Leeu House Suite. It is 59sqm with a wonderful mountain view and a terrace overlooking an enticing 15m pool with a fun martini seat in the shallow end of the pool (sadly the weather is too cold and rainy to enjoy it). This is winter time in South Africa so the wood fire glowing in the suite is a welcome edition while the expansive bathroom features an enticing freestanding bathtub. Products are from the Healing Co including a luxuriant lemon and verbena and argan oil body wash. Black cosmetic towels are a nice touch to ensure make-up does not ruin it. A cashmere hot water bottle lying in the king-sized bed and underfloor heating add to the peacefulness of the suite.
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Historical Significance
Several buildings within the Leeu Collection boast rich histories. Max House, for instance, dates back to 1831, when Johannes Petrus Kriel acquired ownership. 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. 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.
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.
Jacqueline Kennedy
The Leeu Collection
Leeu House is listed in the Leeu portfolio, which is made up of three high-quality properties, numerous excellent eateries, and some wonderful wine experiences, all within the scenic Winelands. The Leeu Collection is the manifestation of the vision of founder Analjit Singh (aka BAS) for sophisticated escapes and unique guest experiences.
The hospitality portfolio currently comprises one premium five-star and two five-star boutique properties in South Africa’s winelands: Leeu Estates, a five-star premium 24-room country house and boutique winery in the Franschhoek valley; Leeu House, an exclusive hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village with 12-rooms and Suite; and Le Quartier Français, a romantic 25-room hotel also located in the village.
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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.
Leeu Collection has welcomed top chefs and their restaurants into our properties to enhance the guest experience. Protégé, a casual fine dining establishment under the guidance of Chef Proprietor of La Colombe, Scot Kirton, recognizes talented young chefs and offers them a platform to establish themselves in the culinary world. A venture from the team behind La Colombe and other world class dining establishments, Épice is an intimate fine dining restaurant, serving an array of delectably curated dishes.
Exploring Franschhoek
Ideally situated on Franschhoek's High Street, Leeu House gives you the best access to some of the finest restaurants in South Africa. You could consider taking in other estates. The concierge arranges a ticket to the legendary Franschhoek hop on hop off Wine Tram. The sister property is the magnificent Leeu Estates, home to one of the best restaurants in South Africa, La Petite Colombe. A complimentary shuttle whisks guests straight there. Its Full Chef’s Experience is sensational, a mouthwatering 7 course menu featuring inventive dishes paired with local wine including Vin de Constance, a fabled wine that Jane Austen wrote in Pride and Prejudice would mend a broken heart.
For dining experiences in Franschhoek, Le Petite Colombe is one of South Africa's best restaurant and is located in Le Quartier Francais and is complemented by a more casual dining experience at Protege. Both restaurants offer excellent service and culinary delights that blend traditional South African ingredient with French flavours.
Franschhoek is just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
Breakfast is served in a sunny conservatory overlooking the pool with the freshest fruit, granola and eggs benedict (with Three Streams trout) of the highest standards. It is the picture-perfect start to the day and gives me the energy to explore the charming High Street. I admire the huge Hugenot Memorial and the architecture of the white painted Dutch Reformed Church.
The natural beauty of the Franschhoek valley, dotted with vineyards, has attracted many famous celebrity admirers including Elton John, Richard Branson and Adrien Brody. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner even celebrated their honeymoon in the valley.
Featuring the work of both local and South African artists, Franschhoek has really established itself as an art destination. There are two Everard Read galleries in Franschhoek. Everard Read Franschhoek adjacent to Le Quartier Français, and Everard Read Leeu Estates on the flagship property of Leeu Collection, namely Leeu Estates.
Leeu Estates
For location and value for money, Leeu House is hard to beat. With a complimentary winetasting at the Estate's boutique wine studio, you can be sure of a fabulous experience here.
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