Accommodation at Akademie Street Guest Houses, Western Cape, South Africa

Safari Lodges and Accommodation in South Africa

Accommodation at Akademie Street Guest Houses, Western Cape, South Africa

AKADEMIE STREET GUEST HOUSES

Luxurious guesthouse in Franschhoek
Three unique houses
Private gardens and swimming pools
Beautiful mountain views

Akademie Street Guesthouses are different in that they offer five star guest house accommodation in three totally separate and unique guesthouses. Despite their differnces, each guesthouse is adjacent to the next and all are situated in a quiet area in the heart of the Cape Winelands Village of Franschhoek. In summer the sun shines warmly in Franschhoek but each guest house has its own swimming pool and shady, private garden where one can lie in privacy and listen to the cicadas and the cooing of the Cape Doves - sounds so evocative of the Cape Winelands. It is an easy stroll to the renowned restaurants and attractions in the village of Franschhoek and almost all of the most famous vineyards of the Cape Winelands are a short drive away.

Each of our Franschoek Guesthouses has a special name, Oortuiging (conviction), Vreugde (Joy) and Gelatenheid (Equanimity) and each Franschhoek guest house joins on to pathways leading through lush gardens to the main house where breakfast is served under a vine covered patio or in the Cape Dutch home called Twyfeling (Doubting).

ACCOMMODATION

OORTUIGING is a luxury Franschhoek guesthouse - built in the 1860's, with an interesting role in the history of Frnaschhoek during the Anglo-Boer war. The Oortuiging guest house has two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, a kitchen and a dining room. This Guesthouse in Franschoek can accommodate two persons sharing in spacious luxury and has its own pool and private garden. The guest house can also accommodate three persons if required.

VREUGDE is a garden suite that sleeps two in twin three-quarter beds or in a king-size bed if requested before hand. The bath and shower are separate, there is a small kitcheneete and French doors open onto a wide verandah with a beautiful garden and small pool. Vreugde guest house offers both tranquility and peace.

GELATENHEID is a luxurious double storey guesthouse with a wide balcony and superb mountain views over the Franschoek winelands. It has an extra large loft incorporating the bed/dressing/sitting room with a king size bed, TV and en-suite bathroom. This is guest house accommodation at ist most spacious. In a quiet corner of the balcony of this Franschhoek guest house a Victorian bath rests under the tree tops. Downstairs is a large lounge and kitchenette with French doors leading out onto a verandah with a pool and fountain garden.

FRANSHOEK WINE FARMS

Franschhoek has some of the most stunning scenery in the wine world and some of the Cape’s best wines. The wineries range from very large to very small. They are all a few minutes drive from Akademie Street Guesthouses. You can also visit many of them by bicycle or on horseback.

FRANSCHHOEK:
Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and our top chefs create international cuisine.

Breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines. This is the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history centered around a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people.

The wonderful spectrum of accommodation for visitors ranges from internationally renowned auberge's and guest houses to self-catering cottages on wine farms and much more besides.

In the village you will find wonderful crafts, art and antique shops and galleries. The main streets are lined with coffee shops and restaurants. Only 45 minutes from Cape Town - come and enjoy the gourmet capital of South Africa. Let Franschhoek be your base while you explore this exceptionally beautiful region.

Historical and cultural heritage:
After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in France in 1685, when Protestantism was Outlawed, hundreds of so-called Huguenots fled their homeland, 277 of them arriving by ship at the Cape of Good Hope. Many of them were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant Corner) - so named because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. Soon after they settled here, it become known as Franschhoek (French Corner). These French Huguenots saw the potential of this fertile land and introduced wine production to South Africa. The Huguenot Valley, ringed by majestic mountains, is today one of the most beautiful wine areas in the world. Due to tradition of winemaking, the local winemakers have remained true to the classical method which gives wines from the area a unique style and produces some of South Africa’s top wines.

This heritage lives on today with the Huguenot monument standing proudly at the top of the village. The museum nearby chronicles the history of those brave pioneers, with each of the original Huguenot farms having its own fascinating story to tell.

Wonderful wines:
Driving into Franschhoek you will notice that most of the farms still bear their original French names and are usually complete with a spectacular Cape Dutch homestead, towering oaks and luscious vineyards. There are a variety of cellars, from small boutique wineries that cater for those in search of something unique, and large cellars that offer organized tours and conducted tastings.

The Gourmet Capital:
Eight of South Africa's "Top 100" restaurants are in Franschhoek - the gourmet capital of the country. Leading chefs create everything from world-class cuisine to light meals using the freshest produce of the valley, complemented by the wonderful local wines. Linger awhile and savour the hospitality, ambience and variety of 28 great restaurants.

Accommodation:
The picturesque village, ringed by tall mountains, offers the best accommodation - from stylish country auberge's to small bed & breakfasts. Stay among the scenic vineyards with spectacular views or in the quaint village. Enjoy the hospitality of charming guest houses, comfortable and well-appointed self-catering cottages, intimate bed & breakfasts and internationally acclaimed country lodges in the most beautiful setting imaginable.

Shops and Galleries:
A host of shops and galleries line the Main Street, providing a wonderful choice of antiques, a world class collection of artworks and interesting bric-a-brac to browse through. There are also specialty shops such as fromagerie's, a chocolate factory and a carpet maker.

Things to do:
For the more energetic there are numerous walking trails in the surrounding mountains, while the La Motte Forestry Station offers hiking, cycling, horse-riding and fly-fishing. There are also a number of trout fishing spots in various streams and dams on the surrounding farms. Locally trained guides are on hand to help you explore the region. For a wine tour with a difference hop onto a horse and visit a few of the Vignerons de Franschhoek. However, those in favour of a more sedate excursion might enjoy a carriage ride through the village and to some of the wine farms.

If you're in the vicinity in July, try to visit Franschhoek over the weekend closest to Bastille Day (14th July) when the village celebrates its French heritage with a wine and gourmet fair and lots, lots more.