Inside Guide

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Ensconced in a secluded slice of Stellenbosch’s Devon Valley, this lavish family-friendly villa is exactly like nothing you’ve experienced before.
At Le Jardin, all paths – and there are many – lead to pleasure. I mean, how many holiday homes do you know of that have a life-sized Tintin rocket in the kids’ bedroom, a chandelier strung up over a giant-lily-pad pond, a jetty with a rowboat, two outdoor lounges with couches and fireplaces, a zipline, teepee and playground, an outdoor steam room built into a rock, a Jacuzzi under ancient oaks, a glass-enclosed atrium in the garden, a gin room (and a gym room), an underground wine cellar and tasting room, a terrace with a pizza oven and a treehouse perched above the giant lily pond, a pinball machine, library, drawing room… and the list goes on?

The answer is quite simply Le Jardin, a playful yet palatial villa in the Stellenbosch Winelands that is exactly like nothing else! Part pleasure dome and part regal retreat, this Herbert Baker-style home is one of those rare properties that appeals to adventure-seeking four-year-olds and (70-year-old) style savants alike!

Children’s curious minds and boundless energy are catered for with the abundant activities and fantastical paraphernalia that will keep them entertained for hours, while grown-ups soak up and savour every drop of la dolce vita.

One villa. Endless experiences.

Amid days spent lounging by the pool, enjoying G&Ts in the outdoor lounge, and meals in the atrium and farmhouse kitchen, we went swimming in the eco-pool, paddled around the pond in a rowing boat, ziplined, watched an outdoor movie with blankets and buckets of popcorn, climbed onto the roof of the atrium, played soccer on the lawn and read stories in Tintin’s spaceship – which reminded us that one of the most enjoyable parts of being on holiday is acting like a child again.

Where substance meets style

And while there are bells and whistles aplenty, they’re matched by an exacting attention to designer detail and the utmost comfort, making stays here a feast for all senses.

In the historic homestead, the decor is a sophisticated mix of period pieces, plush upholstery and an exceptional collection of art, with funky wallpaper creating a cohesive canvas and blurring the lines between classic style and breezy playfulness.

The artful-curiosity vibe continues in the blue-hued gin room, with its saphire-coloured velvet couch and triptych by Lionel Smit. Next door is a copper-walled bar, with a wrought-iron staircase to an underground cellar.

And then there’s the Tintin-themed annexe, which needs to be seen to be believed. An oversized spaceship takes pride of place in the centre of the master bedroom that sleeps two adults and two children; its en-suite bathroom playing up the Hergé theme, with a mural of Tintin and Snowy and other surprising features that reveal themselves throughout your stay.

The lodgings

Facilities and services

Sleeps 15 (12 adults and three children)
Main house: three en-suite bedrooms, upstairs entertainment area, spacious downstairs living area, fully equipped bar, kitchen, formal dining room, office, library and outdoor terrace
Annexe: three en-suite pool suites, including a honeymoon suite, family room and queen-size room
a number of balconies and relaxation decks
all rooms feature complimentary wi-fi
large swimming pool
outdoor sauna and steam room
tree walks leading to a treehouse-inspired seating area
glass conservatory where breakfast is served each morning (this can also be booked for private functions, hosting up to 40 people)
dam and eco-pool
zipline
outdoor pizza oven
Jacuzzi
teepee
gym equipment
Le Jardin propels the concept of a holiday villa into another orbit. If you want to disappear into a one-of-a-kind wonderland that ticks all the boxes – and then some – look no further.

Good to know Stay for 10 nights and only pay for eight, from now until 31 March 2020.
Distance from CT 45 minutes
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost From R22 500 per night (depending on season, exclusive-use)
Where to find it Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape