South Africa’s scenic Cape winelands, which have earned a reputation as one of the world’s most exciting wine and food destinations, is home to an exclusive new five-star destination – Leeu House, the second property in the Leeu Collection. Leeu House’s appeal lies in the fact that although it feels like a country guesthouse it is situated on the main road of vibrant Franschhoek, within easy strolling distance of award-winning restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, as well as many other attractions. The village is also a mere hour’s drive from the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. The stylish interiors are a contemporary take on the traditional Cape Dutch heritage quintessential to Franschhoek. The seamlessly integrated finishes are neutral, calm and multi-textured, with sisal on the floors, oak and bronze on the furniture, and linen curtains. Leeu House also showcases a number of contemporary artworks. The 13 individually styled rooms feature beds with goose-down duvets and fine linens, air conditioning, flat-screen smart televisions, unlimited WI-FI access, Nespresso machines and private bars. The attractive en-suite bathrooms have marble floors, showers and vanity tops, freestanding baths, generous showers, underfloor heating and heated towel rails. Three of the suites open onto their own private gardens, while others boast small intimate terrace courtyards. The lounge is the perfect place for guests to sink into a comfortable couch and unwind in front of the open wood-burning fireplace with a cup of tea and a magazine. On offer are Leeu Collection wines and spirits from the complimentary bar, and delicious light snacks are served throughout the day. Guests can dine inside in The Conservatory or al fresco on the terrace. Innovative cuisine is prepared by the talented culinary team headed by executive chef Oliver Cattermole. Committed to sourcing organic and ethically farmed ingredients, his globally influenced menu features the freshest local produce. All-day breakfast is served in The Conservatory. Leeu House’s resident manager will ensure attentive service in a relaxed atmosphere. The gardens at this luxurious oasis in the centre of Franschhoek have been carefully laid out to create a sense of serenity and seclusion. Oak trees provide shade and azaleas, camellias and fragrant jasmine offer visual appeal, framed by manicured lawns and a striking pattern of evergreen hedges. Strategically placed artworks add further stimulation. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s 15-metre heated swimming pool. A shaded terrace makes this the perfect place to chill out on a summer day. All Leeu House guests have full access to the world-class facilities and spectacular grounds at sister property Leeu Estates, situated a short distance from the Franschhoek village centre. Here they can indulge in luxurious pampering treatments at the on-site spa, enjoy the inspired cuisine, or make use of the gym facilities and heated infinity swimming pool. Leeu Estates also features an extensive network of walking, jogging and cycling trails, and a world-class wine cellar and tasting facility.
An average size of 32m²/344ft², two of these four comfortable and spacious rooms have full bathrooms; the other two have large walk-in showers.
An average size of 43m²/462ft², one of these two spacious rooms is situated on the ground floor looking onto the manicured gardens, the other on the first floor with lovely mountain views.
At an average size of 53m²/570ft², these rooms have their own private terraces, one of which has easy access to the pool. They also boast en-suite bathrooms with modern finishes and fittings.
An average size of 65m²/699ft², one of these two rooms with terraces offers a double walk-in dressing room and offers easy access to the lounge and conservatory facilities, the other has a patio with outside seating.
An average size of 59m²/635.07ft², the private suite located separately from the main building has a lounge area with fireplace, and a walk-in closet with sit-down vanity desk. The outside seating area offers views of the tropical paradise-inspired Leeu House pool, and the mountains. Here too is the perfect place to consider sculptor Dylan Lewis’s Leopard On A Rock.
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Battery Charging Facilities, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Secure Parking
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating
Airport Shuttle (Available), Chauffer Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service (24 hours), Travel Desk
Art Galleries, Beach, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Hot Air Ballooning, Massages, Mountain Biking, Museums, Paragliding, Quad Biking, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Shark Cage Diving, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Whale Watching, Wine Tasting
The Great Heart Wines Boutique recalibrates the notion of an ‘intimate’ and ‘personalized’ wine tasting with availability for a table that sits four guests at a time for Le Quartier Français and Leeu House guests only. Non-resident guests are welcome to enjoy the tasting option by making a booking at Protégé (right across from the Boutique). These wines can also be purchased at the Boutique.
Great Heart is the staff empowerment project of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, known for their multi-award winning Leeu Passant and Mullineux wineries. Aimed at improving the livelihoods of those who work for the company as well as their families, the Great Heart wine brand is collectively owned by the winery staff, and a portion of all sales under this label go directly to them.
Set among the vineyards, Leeu Spa by Healing Earth is an immersive wellness sanctuary that offers holistic treatments and experiences by expert therapists. The tailor-made offerings are inspired by Africa’s rich natural resources, with a unique focus on the myriad therapeutic benefits of South Africa’s unique Pinotage grape. Pure and premium natural products from leading holistic wellness brand Healing Earth are used in the memorable treatments.
Leeu Spa is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.
Indaba – The Meeting Place at Leeu Estates is a state-of-the-art multipurpose event and meeting venue available for all in-house Leeu Collection guests. The light-filled space, with its open roof trusses, tall windows, timber floors and natural finishes, perfectly complements the collection of art and sculptures.
The well-appointed venue can accommodate up to 60 guests (cocktail) both inside and on the terrace overlooking the beautiful valley and mountain landscape for a variety of private parties, exhibitions and product launches.
Press briefings, seminars, business meetings and management think tank sessions for up to 20 guests can be accommodated in boardroom, schoolroom or U-shaped seating. Cinema seating can accommodate up to 60 guests. Indaba, which is 140 square metres (1 510 square feet) in size and has its own lift, boasts audio and video conferencing equipment, a 203-centimetre (80-inch) television screen and high-speed Wi-Fi. Catering for Indaba is done by The Dining Room culinary team.
Indaba is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.
The Wine Studio offers a truly immersive wine experience. Housed on Leeu Estates, it is run by the Mullineux & Leeu team, whose knowledgeable tasting room staff will guide guests in the finer nuances of these handcrafted wines.
Complimentary wine tastings are offered to Leeu Estates guests only.However, Leeu House guests are welcome to book a tasting should they wish with our concierge team.
Other activities within Franschhoek that can be arranged via our Concierge includes:
- Franschhoek Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za)
- Hiking in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (www.montrochellehiking.co.za)
- Franschhoek Motor Museum (www.fmm.co.za)
- Various full day and half day wine tours
- Franschhoek Huguenot Monument (www.museum.co.za)
Leeu House offers a delicious menu available exclusively to resident guests. Breakfast is served from 07h00 to 10h30. The all-day dining menu (available from 11h00) features light meals with a focus on local produce, served in The Conservatory or al fresco on the terrace, seating up to 24 people.
At sister Franschhoek property – Leeu Estates, guests staying at any of our Leeu Collection properties can look forward to an avant-garde approach to a list of favourite novelty dishes at our exclusive in-house dining option, The Dining Room. From our gardens to your plate our chefs use the seasons as their inspiration while preparing food full of flavour, with many of the ingredients coming from the Leeu Locally Grown initiative.
Whilst at the end of a scenic pathway, La Petite Colombe (sister restaurant to La Colombe in Constantia), offers a world-class dining experience synonymous with this world renowned collective.
At Le Quartier Français, the La Colombe team continues to offer memorable dining experiences, starting with Protégé which recognises talented young chefs and provides them with an opportunity to put themselves on the map. The fresh, seasonal menu is based on an à la carte offering where guests are free to select as many or as few courses as they desire.
At Epice, an array of delectably curated dishes is served in a fine-dining environment. The menu is flavour-packed and inspired by the team’s culinary expedition to India, as well as memories of travels through Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark and the US.