Cape Town - Standing in the vineyards at night, halfway between Holden Manz guest house and the winery and restaurant under a full moon, the surrounding mountains silhouetted and wreathed with white clouds, I had a moment. The view from the Franschhoek valley floor was magical, surreal.
No doubt the marvellous evening in the Franschhoek Kitchen above the wine cellar added to the fairy dust feeling, though the magic had begun months before when the wine tram dropped me off at Holden Manz.
Seated on a sofa on the grass on a warm spring day, enjoying their characterful wines, I knew I had to return – and was so glad I did.
The luxurious five-star guest house is so spread out within the whitewashed and gabled walls that you hardly bump into fellow guests save at breakfast or around the pool. The elegant, restrained architecture allows the eye to flow freely through the large spaces, with abundant natural light interplaying with the warm interior finishes.
It is as stocked as any art gallery. Diverse paintings, sculptures and other art forms by the likes of Lionel Smit, Marie Stander, Luhanri Bekker and many more are for sale – and there is plenty more down the road in Franschhoek village, since resident co-owner Migo Manz runs the Holden Manz Collection gallery.
He and his son live adjacent to the guest house so, unusually perhaps for a five-star country inn in the winelands, Holden Manz is child-friendly. They – and you – could get safely lost down by the Stony Brook stream, among the yellowwoods and oaks, in the orchards, or the pool area.
Accommodation in the five suites is varied; Oliphant Mountain has a fireplace and sleeps four adults, Franschhoek River has a kitchenette. There are flat screen TVs, iPod docks and wi-fi everywhere.
Underfloor heating, extra-large pillows on king size beds, fresh flowers and lemon and mint infused water on bedside tables, and loads of interesting books and magazines create an atmosphere that whispers “relax, rejuvenate”. A feng shui consultant angled the building to ensure an uninhibited flow of chi and, according to him, the country house is one of the most ideal places you could ever live in. No arguments here.
The labels on the award-winning wines are designed by Manz, mostly incorporating his love of abstract paintings. In the mountains you’ll see the outlines of an elephant head, with a watchful eye, as reflected on the Big G red.
In the morning, the smell of freshly-baked bread infuses the main building, accompanied by blue-gum honey from the estate. Much of the produce served is from the abundant gardens. Although they may claim that high dining is for others, their country-inspired dishes are as superb as the surroundings, whether inside or on the balcony.
There is so much to do in the area and there is a free shuttle service between the estate and village, though chilling with a glass of rosé or pampering yourself at the spa alongside the country house is a drool-inducing option. There is a yoga studio and three treatment rooms each having a terrace opening out onto the vineyards with those beautiful views.
l To order wine, or book in, call 021 876 2738 or visit www.holdenmanz.com
Adrian Rorvik, Sunday Tribune
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Adrian visited the elegant Holden Manz wine estate in Franschhoek valley. The luxurious country hotel is like your own private Eden. Experience the Cape with First Car Rental – www.firstcarrental.co.za