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'Galerie certainly packs the biggest punch in terms of art and lives up to its name'
Michelle Snaddon
Co-Founder, Art House Collection
Explore this stay

Franschhoek is full of gems but La Clé des Montagnes is one of the largest historic farms within a few minutes’ walk of the village, combining the best of peaceful country living with the charm of Franschhoek with its superb restaurants, galleries and boutiques. A stay at one of its cottages, Galerie, feels like coming home to family: it’s so relaxed and entirely up to you whether you want to be pampered with massages, have bbq’s prepared in the evenings or be left in peace to read or enjoy a cosy fireside glass of wine. On hot days, you’ll swim till late and then drift up the road to the village for a meal and saunter back when you’re ready – in fact, if you arrive by car, you’re bound not to use it for a while as practically everything’s within walking distance here. Families find that their team is fabulous with kids and Melanie Shepherd, the GM, is also an accomplished chef who effortlessly creates unfussy, delicious meals with quality local produce.

Of the four villas overlooking the plum orchards and vineyards, Galerie is the smallest of the four, but much-loved by guests who return year on year. They all have private swimming pools set in their own gardens with ever-changing mountain views, but Galerie certainly packs the biggest punch in terms of art and lives up to its name. It's literally a gallery of owner Michael Pawlowski’s favourite works, beginning with the entrance hallway which is lined on both sides with photography and paintings. Several Marc Stanes chromogenic prints of flowers are juxtaposed with more colourful works, including an early oil by Ayanda Mabulu – known for his often-controversial figurative paintings.

Dominating the living area is a striking bronze of a horse, but it’s the ‘Mythical Landscape’ oil on canvas by Peter van Straten over the royal purple Chesterfield sofa that draws the eye and soul, perhaps more hypnotic than ‘Scrubbing the Whale’, on the same wall. A coffee table piled with art books invites an evening of reading and good wine in front of the fire – everything from Dalí, Picasso and Lindström awaits. Bedrooms are also infused with colour: Beezy Bailey’s ‘Tropical Boat’ is the focus in one, and in the other you’ll find Zundi Stozana’s intriguing ‘In the Hole’.

Galerie’s diverse collection makes this cosy bolthole a favourite with locals during the spring when the plum orchards are awash with blossom or winter when Franschhoek is often blessed with crisp, sunny days and sometimes snowy peaks.

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4
Guests
2
Bedrooms
2
En-suite bathrooms
Adjacent bathroom
Rates from
8 500
ZAR
per night*

Two king bedrooms, one with garden access
Both en-suite with bath and shower
All with ample closet space


• Fully equipped kitchen
• 6-seater dining
• Heating
• Fireplace (wood)
• Air-conditioning
• Espresso machine
• Sound system
• Security system
• Television
• Alfresco dining
• Barbecue
• Swimming pool
• Lawn with mountain views
• Sun loungers
• Tennis court
• Private dam
• Private helipad

INCLUDED

• Breakfast baskets delivered each morning
• Housekeeping (daily)
• Concierge
• Unlimited Wi-Fi

AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Advance notice required:

• Activities and excursions
• Babysitting or au pair
• Butler and/or chef
• Dry cleaning
• Personal security
• Personal shopping
• Personal trainer
• Spa and beauty treatments

• Several excellent art galleries are in Franschhoek: let us know what you’re looking for before you arrive and we’ll give you an insider's into.
• Hike up in the Mt Rochelle Reserve or around the Berg River Dam for beautiful mountain views and pristine fynbos. Or simply use one of the four bikes on the farm, available for rides around the village.
• Explore nearby wine routes: Franschhoek’s wine route will keep you busyfor days but you’re also close to those of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Wellington.
• Take a drive: set off for the day to whale watch in Hermanus and enjoy the beach or a cliffside walk. The route takes you over some of the most spectacular mountain passes in the Cape.
• Some of the Cape’s top restaurants are in Franschhoek: book ahead and make this a gourmet holiday.

• Check in 14h00
Check out 10h00
• Maximum 4 guests

• No pets allowed
• Non-smoking
• Security deposit
• Social events on request (weddings or special birthday celebrations may be booked)
• All bookings subject to final approval by owner

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