I’ve always thought that the setting at La Petite Ferme Wine Estate is like something out of a fairytale. Perched high on the northern slopes of the majestic Franschhoek Mountains, this exquisite estate arguably has the most breathtaking views of the picturesque Franschhoek Valley and village below.

Popular for many years with both local and international visitors, La Petite Ferme is a true gem, promising each guest an unforgettable experience. Here you will find beauty, luxury, tranquility and impeccable service. And they deliver on that and much more with their award-winning cuisine, boutique wines and luxurious accommodation.

There has never been a better time to eat, stay and play at La Petite Ferme. Why is that you may ask? About an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the luxury boutique hotel’s Vineyard Suites recently enjoyed a magical makeover and they are simply spectacular!

I had the pleasure of joining Monique Roux from Manley Communications and a small group of media for a sneak peek of their newly refurbished Vineyard Suites prior to the grand reopening on 1 October 2018.

It was a rainy morning when we arrived, but this did nothing to dampen our excitement at being amongst the first to view the new Suites. Receiving a warm welcome from the General Manager of La Petite Ferme, Riaan Kruger, and charming owner Karim, along with a lovely glass of bubbly; that was my day made already!

Three months of extensive renovations saw the five Vineyard Suites receiving a complete overhaul. The spectacular location plays a large part in making the Vineyard Suites a favoured destination in Franschhoek and was refurbished in response to guest feedback, says Riaan Kruger.

“Staying relevant, adapting with the times and trends, and responding to our guests needs is very important to us at La Petite Ferme.”

Setting out with umbrellas in the crisp, cool air, we began our first Suite tour – the Léman Suite. The other four Suites have equally beautiful and romantic names – Florentine Suite, Provençale Suite, Africa Suite and Moresque Suite. I swooned from the moment I stepped onto the private terrace and saw the re-tiled plunge pools (the patterned tiles are all handmade!) with day-beds, just perfect for relaxing and taking in the stunning valley views. I think I could stay here forever and just order room service! This was followed by more swooning and oohs and aahs from our group as we explored the beautiful interior.

The Vineyard Suites were Cape Vernacular in both look and feel prior to the major renovations, with reed ceilings and Cape cottage-style furnishings and décor. So what can you expect now? The exquisite interiors now feature a more contemporary, upmarket, modern and on-trend look. The exterior of the Vineyard Suites are still in keeping with the heritage of the wine farm and the area and retain their Cape Vernacular style.

The look and feel throughout all five suites is similar, with all the renovations, décor and finishings being individually selected and customized for each room. Interior decorator Clinton Savage was brought on board to design the Vineyard Suites, and the owners and team at La Petite Ferme were involved throughout the entire refurbishment process, personally curating the overall look and feel.

“From the top down the Vineyard Suites were overhauled. “The suites were basically gutted as part of the renovations, providing a blank canvas for the new look. Amongst the many changes made, we replaced the reeds with modern, crisp white ceilings, the gas fireplaces were replaced with wood burning ones, the flooring was redone, and new state-of-the-art air-conditioning installed, says Riaan Kruger”.

I am definitely a bathroom kind-of-gal, and these bathrooms are the epitome of luxury and style! They all received a complete makeover with the very best in luxury fixtures and fittings. A feature wall of stunning handmade patterned tiles occupies pride of place in each bathroom. This feature wall is carried through and mirrored in the wallpaper in the bedrooms of the suites, and each ties back visually to the name and theme of that particular Suite – the five being the Florentine Suite, Provençale Suite, Africa Suite, Moresque Suite and Léman Suite. The bath in each suite is another perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine while enjoying uninterrupted valley views. That’s my kind of heaven right there!

All of the doors and windows were replaced by installing much larger versions to maximize the breathtaking views. So whether you lie on the plush bed or relax in the bath, you will experience quite possibly some of the most stunning views in the world.

Discerning guests will appreciate the carefully considered conveniences such as underfloor heating in the bathrooms, heated towel rails, Wi-Fi, smart televisions, fireplaces and air-conditioning.
There is no doubt that the five star luxury accommodations will delight past and future guests. They are truly exquisite and I could quite happily stay here for a few nights. What I particularly loved about the revamped Suites is that they have a warm and welcoming feel to them, despite their modern and on-trend look. Clinton Savage and the La Petite Ferme owners and team have succeeded in creating beautifully refurbished world-class Suites that will no doubt be a hit with their guests.

What would a visit to La Petite Ferme be without a spot of lunch? If you have had the pleasure of dining at their lovely restaurant, then you know that you are in for a culinary experience like no other. Always delicious, creative and beautifully presented with a focus on fresh and local in-season produce, Head Chef Kyle Norris and his team continue to produce homely country style cuisine with a fresh, contemporary touch.

Encouraged to express their creative freedom, they experiment with various flavours, ingredients and textures to create an authentic menu showcasing seasonal produce from the area. Paired with a glass of their finest wine, sweeping valley views and great company, I thoroughly enjoyed our delectable lunch.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion such as a honeymoon or wedding anniversary, or you simply want to get away for a relaxing break in wine country, the Vineyard Suites are perfect for both summer and winter escapes. A luxurious stay at La Petite Ferme is definitely very high up on my travel bucket list! How about yours?

Yours in Travel, Food and Wine
xoxo

Please note – I was kindly hosted by Manley Communications and La Petite Ferme. All views are my own and based on personal experiences.
Images courtesy of Manley Communications. These images were taken on a different day to our visit, hence the sunshine weather!