Of Art, Wine and Wonder / A Cultural Canvas in the Stellenbosch Winelands

Tucked away in Stellenbosch’s picturesque Devon Valley, Le Grand Jardin embraces this philosophy. Here, luxury and art blend harmoniously, dissolving the boundaries between living space and gallery. The Sir Herbert Baker-style manor house, dating back to 1934, awakens the senses with the hoot of night owls, the nostalgic scent of home-baked bread drifting from the kitchen, the fragrance of roses in the garden and a kaleidoscope of colours —from the pink-tinged Helderberg Mountains to the vibrant green of freshly mowed lawns.

From Gardens to Art

The artistic canvas that is the extensive garden also serves as inspiration for the villa’s interior aesthetic, with custom-designed wallpapers continuing the garden motif throughout. The interiors of Le Grand Jardin are adorned with a diverse array of artworks, ranging from contemporary pieces to classic South African art. Each space is thoughtfully curated to evoke a unique ambience, effortlessly blending art with the villa's historic architecture.

“Being surrounded by colour and design brings joy and a sense of play, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously,” shares co-owner Sue Fontannaz.

The Stellenbosch Triennale

This curated approach creates a fluid dialogue with the broader Stellenbosch art world, from contemporary exhibitions at the Stellenbosch Triennale to the historical collections at the Rupert Museum and Stellenbosch University Museum.

The Triennale, a cornerstone event in the Stellenbosch art calendar and themed BA’ZINZILE: A Rehearsal for Breathing in its current iteration, is transforming the town into an open-air gallery, and runs until 30 April 2025.

Andi Norton, Triennale Project Director, states, “Stellenbosch is primed for this evolution in the art world. The Triennale stands as a premier destination for global visitors to experience some of the most compelling contemporary art emerging from Africa and its diaspora.”

Bespoke Art Tours

Le Grand Jardin recently launched bespoke art tours in collaboration with Art Route. The in-house art tours, tailored to the unique art collection at the villa and taking into account the specific interests of each guest, will see a continued celebration of Le Grand Jardin’s connection to the greater art world.

Art in Wine-Making

Le Grand Jardin’s connection to creative excellence continues beyond its art collection. As the sister property to Le Grand Domaine Wines, both beautifully intertwine the worlds of art and wine. The refined wines at Le Grand Domaine, crafted with a terroir-forward focus and a respect for nature and tradition by head winemaker Debbie Thompson, complement the carefully curated art collection at Le Grand Jardin.

Sue Fontannaz reflects, “We often overlook our innate creativity and sensory nature. At Le Grand Jardin, the fusion of art, the breathtaking Stellenbosch vineyards and the majestic mountain landscape invite us to fully engage with our surroundings - awakening our senses and inspiring a deeper connection to beauty and expression.”

Text by Ryan Enslin.