An Unfolding Story

Experience the perfect blend of history and modern luxury at Vendôme Manor House—where past and present unite for an unforgettable escape.

Nestled in the picturesque Valley of Paarl, Vendôme Manor House offers a serene retreat on a working wine and fruit farm with deep historical roots, dating back to 1690 when French Huguenots first settled here. The building, originally constructed in 1898, has been thoughtfully renovated to reflect the rich Huguenot heritage with a modern, luxurious interior that exudes charm and comfort.

Surrounded by the majestic Paarl and Drakenstein Mountains, our guest house provides a tranquil base with easy access to the renowned Paarl Wine Valley, world-class wineries, and exceptional dining. The original Cape Dutch main house sits within a peaceful garden, complete with a spacious stoep under a large oak tree—ideal for unwinding.

Whether exploring nearby hiking and cycling trails or relaxing by the pool and garden, Vendôme is perfect for both rest and adventure.

Just a short stroll away, Salmon and Brine offers world-class seafood, sushi, and Japanese fusion dining, perfectly paired with our own Vendôme wines.

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Your Stay

2 Nights

Bed and Breakfast

Your Rooms

1x Luxury King Room

Fast Facts

Guest House

Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English

No. Rooms: 5

Special Interests: Cycling, Golf, History & Culture, Nature, Relaxation, Wine

Garden Credit: Just Judy Photography

Garden Credit: Just Judy Photography

Swiming Pool Credit: Just Judy Photography

"Stoep" Credit: Just Judy Photography

Breakfast Room Credit: Just Judy Photography

TV Room Credit: Just Judy Photography

Luxury King Room

Shiraz Room is a King room with a private outside entrance. It has a connecting door to the Cabernet room for families. Our luxury rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate tub and shower. The unit also has a tea and coffee-making station and air-conditioning.

Shiraz Room Credit: Just Judy Photography

Shiraz Room Credit: Just Judy Photography

Shiraz Room Credit: Just Judy Photography

Shiraz Room Credit: Just Judy Photography

Shiraz Room Credit: Just Judy Photography

Shiraz Room Credit: Just Judy Photography

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En Suite Bathroom, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, LED Camp Lights, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Vanity Cabinet

Property Facilities

Air conditioner, Barbeque Facilities, Gym nearby, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Reversing Camera, Secure Parking, TV Room

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En Suite Bathroom, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, LED Camp Lights, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Table, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Vanity Cabinet

Available Services

24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities

Activities Nearby

Art Galleries, Child Friendly Activities, Cycling, Garden Tours, Golf, Hiking, Historical Tours, Hot Air Ballooning, Museums, Practice Green, Wine Tasting

On the fringe of the Grand Karoo, The Lord Milner Hotel, the last authentic vestige of Victoriana, sits in all its past glory as a "must" stop on the N1 national highway linking Cape Town to Johannesburg and the northern part of South Africa.

Matjiesfontein is indeed a Great Country Getaway where pure relaxation is enjoyed. In addition, we provide an unrivaled setting and excellent facilities to cater for your wedding, family celebration, or conference.

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• Restaurants

Your Stay

1 Night

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Your Rooms

1x Lord Milner Hotel Rooms

Fast Facts

3 Stars

Hotel

Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English

No. Rooms: 49

Special Interests: Birding, Cycling, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing

Coffee Shop Credit: Lord Milner Hotel Coffee Shop

Lord Milner Hotel Credit: Lord Milner Hotel Front

Post Office & Gift Shop Credit: Lord Milner Hotel Post Office and Gift Shop

Lord Milner Hotel Rooms

The Lord Milner Hotel is a graded Three-star heritage site hotel and offers 15 classically furnished Luxury, Standard and Single Rooms in the Main hotel building

Take a step back in time, to hear history’s palpable heartbeat—while the rooms have been tastefully updated in terms of linen and bathroom facilities—the experience will take you back to the Karoo of old.
The hotel was named for Lord Alfred Milner, who was the governor of the Cape during The South African War (Anglo-Boer War). The gracious grand dame was completed in 1899, and shortly thereafter served as the Headquarters of the Cape Western Command.
At The Lord Milner Hotel, historic ambience, old world service and classic comfort combine.

Property Facilities

Bar, Chapel, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, TV Room

Room Facilities

Bath, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Heater, Shower, Tea / Coffee

Available Services

Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Cycling, Natural History Tours, Tennis Court, Walks (Self Guided)

Activities Nearby

Big 5, Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, General Sightseeing, Golf, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Museums, Natural History Tours, Tennis Court, Walks (Self Guided)

Museums British Army Remount Camp Old London Bus Tour around Matjiesfontein Hikes & Mountain Bikes Tennis and Swimming pool Voice Map Tour

The Transport Museum, located on the edge of the village, features a remarkable collection of vintage cars from the 1930-1960s era, among them, Chevys, Dodges and a Jaguar MK8. The collection includes two Royal Daimlers from King George VI’s 1947 tour of South Africa, which he undertook accompanied by Princesses Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) and Margaret. There are also antique bicycles in all styles, an ex-London bus as well as a steam train and carriages, which you can explore inside.

The Marie Rawdon Museum, one visit alone isn’t enough to take in the vast collection of Victoriana, you may need to do a couple of turns to truly appreciate the multitude of relics. Situated in Matjiesfontein’s train station, the contents of this double-storey museum were originally curated by avid collector, David Rawdon. The exhibitions include everything from personal and household items to antique war souvenirs and so much more—it’s a layered look into life at this colonial outpost at the turn of the century. The eclectic items also include some of the dresses that belonged to Emma Logan herself, penny-farthing bicycles and royal memorabilia.
A walk through here is a true adventure, you’ll stumble across dentistry and surgery equipment, personal letters, portraits, children’s toys; and even tableau scenes of a barber’s shop and a fully-stocked apothecary with shelves lined by glass jars filled with elixirs and potions. It’s one of the biggest privately owned museums in South Africa, and Matjiesfontein's second oldest.

Railway Museum, just outside you'll find a station master's office dating back to the late 1800s as well as the original signal room

"Over 10,000 infantry and 20,000 horses were camped in the surrounding veld..."

During the years of the British remount encampment (c.1900), the area in front of the railway station served as parade ground, where over 10,000 infantry and 20,000 horses were camped in the surrounding veld.

The Lord Milner, with its central turret as lookout post, served as Cape Command Headquarters as well as a field hospital.

Many esteemed military leaders, including General Haig, and similarly revered regiments were stationed here including The 17th Lancers, the Coldstream Guards, the Highland Brigade and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Rifles. General Haig occupied the old laundry (opposite 13. Jail) as his officer mess.

To this day the veld is still littered with relics and artefacts from this time, and guests can take a walk up to the site to view these bits of war history.

Take a trip on the Old London Bus every evening from Mondays to Saturdays —which promises the shortest tour on earth around the village to see its sights and ending in the Liard’s Arms to enjoy a pint in the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Stay for the regular honky-tonk played on the piano, delve into Matjiesfontein’s cricketing history and marvel at the antiques.

Enjoy hikes and mountain bikes in die Veld. Mountain bikes are available to rent from the hotel.

Play a game of tennis or simply relax, and read in the hotel's opulent lounges or by the residents only pool.

Tour the perfectly preserved Victorian town of Matjiesfontein with renowned author Dean Allen. Starting at the majestic Lord Milner Hotel, you'll be guided down the high street, through the immaculate gardens, and along the train station, ending up at The Laird's Arms for a well-deserved pint.

Over the course of the walk, Dean will tell the tale of the village's creation by the 'ideal colonialist', James Logan, in the late 1800s. You will follow Logan's transformation from a penniless 19-year-old Scottish immigrant to the man who built a model town in the middle of nowhere, influenced trade and politics, and toured Britain with his very own South African cricket team.

Hotel Dining Room Laird's Arms Bar Coffee Shop

The Dining Room at The Lord Milner Hotel has been serving its guests for the last 120 years; and boasts the same historic ambience found throughout Matjiesfontein. Dine in a Victorian setting filled with period antiques and let the red-jacketed porters welcome you and offer a selection of fine wines from across the Western Cape region.

It’s here head chef, Tronette, prepares her unique and contemporary take on many of South Africa’s traditional dishes, including Karoo springbok and lamb sourced from the local district.

Right next door to the Lord Milner Hotel is The Laird's Arms. Enjoy a quiet pint or pub lunch in the historic, saloon-like atmosphere.

Here you’ll meet head bartender, Abraham, who has poured travellers drinks for 20 years while spinning tales of the village’s history and its inhabitants (ghostly and otherwise).

Abraham recommends you try the Karoo Lamb Curry. The lamb comes from a nearby Little Karoo farm, where the fragrant dwarf succulents and shrubs impart a distinctive aromatic herb flavour to the meat.

Pub lunches are served daily between 12:00 and 14:30.

Take a stroll down Matjiesfontein’s main street, and pop in here for home-cooked hearty breakfasts, light lunches and a fine selection of baked goods.

This relaxed eatery is the ideal spot for a quick bite or mid-morning coffee, with its variety of scones, cakes and koeksisters.

The historic main building opens onto a lovely courtyard overlooking fountains and a pond.

Mooiplaas Guesthouse, you can relax, unwind and enjoy yourself in the comfort of our stylish and luxurious 4 star accommodation and experience something different, an authentic and unique farm stay. Soak up the family friendly atmosphere while enjoying the peace of wide open spaces and big open skies of the Klein Karoo.

When you arrive at Mooiplaas Guesthouse, you will be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink, explained what to do and where to go to on your stay in the Klein Karoo.
The rooms are elegantly decorated and equipped with all the necessary items to make you feel extra special. At night we light up the evening atmosphere with an unique barbecue dinner and afterwards, you can join the stargazing session done by one of our local guides( at an extra cost). Returning back in your room, you will find two bottles of free water and a night cap of the local port to enjoy before you drift off!

We delight in spoiling our guests - no request is too much effort for us!

Our dining room offers fine local cuisine and serves a full breakfast (included in the rate), four course set dinner menu and an open bar. Find out more about our traditional Klein Karoo cuisine and check out our favorite recipes!

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• Rooms
• Facilities

Your Stay

3 Nights

Bed and Breakfast

Your Rooms

1x Luxury Double Room

Fast Facts

4 Stars

Guest House

Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English

No. Rooms: 31

Special Interests: Leisure, Nature

Restaurant Balcony Restaurant Balcony

Swimming Pool Swimming Pool

Manor House Manor House

Luxury Double Room

Double room with king/queen bed, coffee/tea facility, en-suite bathroom, TV, Air con, Honesty Fridge, safe, private terrace, room service, outdoor area, welcome drinks free, hairdryer, emergency lighting, some have private toilet in room, private parking

Property Facilities

Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah

Available Services

24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Room Service

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Cycling, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, Massages, Natural History Tours, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours

Activities Nearby

Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boules, Bowls, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cooking Courses, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Marine Adventures, Mini Golf, Mountain Biking, Museums, Natural History Tours, Paragliding, Quad Biking, River Cruises, Safaris, Sailing, Scenic Flights, Scuba Diving, Sea Kayaking, Shark Cage Diving, Sky Diving, Squash Court, Surfing, Tennis Court, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing, Wildlife Tours, Windsurfing, Wine Tasting

*Arniston is a leisurely two-hour drive from Cape Town, on a road that meanders through the beautiful rolling hills of the Overberg region

*Blessed with an abundance of sea life the hotel promises delicious oysters from nearby shores and the freshest fish from the local fishing boats

*Our sophisticated menu blends traditional South African cuisine with modern innovations from renowned chefs. Your culinary treat is complemented by an award-winning list of wines, many of which are from the local wine routes. We offer a breakfast buffet that is a delicious spread of traditional and healthy foods

*Arniston Spa Hotel is set in one of the Cape`s most exquisite locations, next to an old fishing village, surrounded by pristine beaches and nature reserves offering the best in Arniston accommodation. We have 5 types of rooms from which to choose, all varying in luxury and comfort to suit your needs and offer the best in Arniston accommodation

*Make your children’s stay enjoyable. We have much to keep them occupied, both indoors and outdoors

*Thanks to the warm Mozambique current, Arniston is blessed with considerably warmer waters than Cape Town or even nearby Hermanus. Not to mention the brilliantly clear turquoise water and clean white sand

*Calm your mind in our relaxation spa. We have two saunas, and a steam chamber and offer a range of treatments. There is so much to do. Beautiful walks, swimming, cycling and whale watching to mention but a few. Our restaurants offer traditional South African cuisine, including delicious local seafood

*Our state-of-the-art conference venue is set in an exquisite location with so much to do

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• Rooms
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Your Stay

2 Nights

Bed and Breakfast

Your Rooms

1x Luxury Sea Facing

Fast Facts

4 Stars

Hotel

Arniston Spa Hotel Massage Credit: Kobus Tollig Photography Two guests enjoying a massage at our Ginkgo Spa, which offers two saunas, a steam chamber and a range of treatments

Arniston Spa Hotel Swimming Pool Credit: Dewald A guest lounging in the sun next to our swimming pool

Arniston Spa Hotel Luxury Sea View Room Credit: Kobus Tollig Photography A view from inside one of our Luxury Sea View Rooms

Luxury Sea Facing

Stylish room with king bed, en-suite bath & shower, private ocean-view balcony, and optional fireplace. Select rooms offer a spacious lounge and up to 2 extra beds for children on request.

Property Facilities

Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Facilities, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fridge, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly

Available Services

24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service (Available), Room Service

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Cycling, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Whale Watching

Activities Nearby

Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Battlefield Tours, Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Bowls, Child Friendly Activities, Cycling, Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Horse Riding, Jet Skis, Museums, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Sea Kayaking, Shark Cage Diving, Squash Court, Surfing, Tennis Court, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing, Wildlife Tours, Windsurfing, Wine Tasting