Leeu Estates
Franschhoek, The Winelands, South Africa
At a Glance
A beautiful boutique property set in an expansive 68 acres of land with views out over the Franschhoek Valley. Spend time exploring the grounds by bike or foot and finding the magnificent Dylan Lewis sculptures dotted around.
With two of the countries most coveted dining options you will be spoilt for choice.
Make the most of the vineyard on site with their very own wine studio. Each guest get a complimentary tasting afternoon but let us know if you would like something more tailored for you!
Art lovers will enjoy exploring the hotel which has so many fantastic pieces in all rooms.
The spa, taking healing benefits from the local pinotage grape, is a must when visiting Leeu Estates. The serene treatment rooms looking out over the mountains are a truly wonderful place to relax.
-
J
-
F
-
M
-
A
-
M
-
J
-
J
-
A
-
S
-
O
-
N
-
D
Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The Winelands are a wonderful year-round destination and enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, somewhat like the South of France, which is what makes the area perfect for grape-growing. Summer in Franschhoek is the reverse of the Northern hemisphere. The best season to visit is September to March when it is hot, sunny and dry. From April to August it cools down with some rain.
Insider's View
If you've overindulged in all the fine wine and food, get a little exercise by hiking up the hill behind the estate - you'll be rewarded with stunning views down the valley.
We can arrange a private guided tour of the winelands - a great way to see estates you'd never have found, meet the winemakers, and avoid the issue of who's going to drive!
Art lovers should visit the Holden Manz art gallery in Franschhoek village, showcasing an excellent collection of local and national artists.
Call us on 020 3993 5269 to start planning your holiday to Leeu Estates or take a look at our itineraries to South Africa
Description
Leeu Estates is a luxury five star hotel in the heart of the Cape Winelands valley, set on its own vineyard. There is a spa, heated swimming pool, fine dining restaurants and a wine tasting studio showcasing the estate's own vintages.
Occupying a particularly scenic spot in the Franschhoek valley, Leeu Estates is a beautiful luxury hotel set amongst vineyards and landscaped gardens. There are 17 rooms and suites, set in the main Manor house as well as cottages. This is an elegant and stylish property, with an emphasis on great service, incredible food and wine and all the comforts you could need. The estate covers 68 hectares / 168 acres and features a working vineyard, oak trees, lawns and an impressive collection of sculptures. There are bicycles to borrow to cycle into the village or to other neighbouring vineyards, hiking trails to explore on the estate and the hotel offers complimentary transfers into the village which is just a three minute drive away.
Guests can enjoy a tasting of the award-winning Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines in the beautiful wine studio, overlooking the barrels of wine which are ageing to perfection. Meals are served in the stylish dining room or al fresco on the spacious terrace and the food is as impressive as the wine list. The menu is designed by head chef Oliver Cattermole whose passion is presenting creative fusion dishes that bring out the best in the locally sourced ingredients. In winter months, the cosy reading room is an attractive spot, with armchairs and a roaring fireplace. The state-of-the-art spa features several treatment rooms, steam room and hair salon as well as a gym overlooking the vines and a 15 metre swimming pool.
Six of the rooms are located in the main Manor House, and the rest are in the four cottages dotted around the property which contain between two and four rooms. The bedrooms in the main house are all vast in size, the smallest measuring 42m² with luxurious marble bathrooms and all with views over the vineyard and valley. Many also have their own terraces and fireplaces.
Accommodation
All of the bedrooms are light and airy, with a contemporary style and calm colour scheme. There is original artwork and sculptures in all of the rooms, cosy armchairs, crisp linens and all have lovely marble bathrooms. Many of the bedrooms have their own terraces and fireplaces, and all are generously sized. Six of the rooms are located in the main Manor House whilst the rest are in the cottages as follows, which can be booked per-room or as a whole cottage, ideal for families or couples travelling together.
Cellar cottage accommodates four guests, comprising an executive suite with terrace and a deluxe room, with a shared living room and terrace. Vineyard cottage accommodates four guests, with a deluxe room and an executive suite with terrace, and a shared large garden, terrace and living/dining room. Max House accommodates six and has two classic rooms and one executive suite with its own lounge; there is a shared living/dining room here and a courtyard space. Fynbos cottage accommodates eight guests in two deluxe rooms and two studios and has a shared lounge/dining room.
| Classic room | The classic room is the entry category, measuring 42m² with contemporary furnishings and an ensuite bathroom. |
| Deluxe room | The deluxe rooms measure 55m² and have lovely views over the vineyards and gardens. |
| Studio | The studio rooms are really spacious, measuring 63m² and some feature a private terrace. |
| Executive suite | The executive suites are the largest rooms on the estate, measuring a vast 97m² with a large marble bathroom. |
| Executive suite with terrace | The executive suites with terrace have a lovely private outside space, ideal in the summer months. The room measures an impressive 94m² including a large ensuite bathroom. |
Childcare
Children aged 6 and upwards are welcome and children under the age of 12 can be accommodated free of charge on a sofa bed in selected rooms, with a maximum of two children under 12 permitted per room.
Services
Amenities included in your stay include mini bar and snacks, breakfast, house wines, soft drinks and local spirits, laundry, national phonecalls, internet, shuttle transfers into Franschhoek village and one wine tasting per stay at the Mullineux & Leeu Family wine tasting room.
Facilities
Dining is a real highlight here, as with most destinations in the Winelands. Choose from fine dining options served in the sunshine on the terrace or in the stylish dining room, or visit one of the Leeu Collection's sister properties in the village of Franschhoek. The conservatory at Leeu House offers casual meals throughout the day and evening, you can enjoy light snacks and craft beers at the Tuk Tuk microbrewery, or fine dining at the Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais (pre-booking essential).
Experiences
-
Boschendal Estate
Boschendal Estate is one of the oldest wine producers in the New World, incorporating French viticulture heritage. This is also the site of the original Cape Dutch Manor House, with history dating as early as 1685.
-
Butterfly World
Stroll through a beautifully landscaped indoor garden as brightly-coloured butterflies flutter around you
-
Chocolate & Wine Pairing
This is a unique opportunity to learn how to pair sweet wines with delicious chocolates at Waterford Estate.
-
Cycling in Devon Valley
This half-day trip allows you to take in the picturesque view of Devon Valley, working off the delicious calories from the region's famous four-course gourmet at Clos Malverne, paired with wine tastings at two award-winning estates.
-
Elgin Valley
Enjoy a guided tour of Thandi Estate to visit the orchards and interact with the local community.
-
Hike Jonkershoek: Panorama Circuit
Follow the famous Panorama Circuit, trekking around 17km or approximately 6 hours through some of the most exceptional views of the Cape Peninsula.
-
Hike Jonkershoek: Sossyskloof
This scenic trail takes you through 7.2km or approximately 2.5 hours to a scenic lookout point.
-
Hike Jonkershoek: Tweede Waterval
For those looking for a relatively easier trek in Jonkershoek, trek around 6.5km or approximately 2 hours to a beautiful hidden waterfall.
-
Huguenot Memorial Museum
Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the museum narrates the story of Huguenots's arrival in the Cape, how they survived and contributed to the newly-established nation.
-
Private guided Winelands tour - Full Day
Exploring the Winelands with a private guide comes highly recommended. Not only do you avoid the question of who's driving, but you'll be taken to some hidden gems you'd never find in a guidebook, and the tour can be completely tailored to your interests.
-
Waterford Estate Vineyard Safari
Waterford Wine Estate, in the heart of Stellenbosch offers a range of tours for visitors, including a Wine Safari Tour in a safari style Land Rover, a Wine and Chocolate Tasting Tour and a Reserve Vintage Tasting Tour.
Location & directions
Franschhoek, The Winelands, South Africa
Located just outside Franschhoek (a 15-minute walk) in the heart of the beautiful Cape Winelands.
How to get there
Approximately a one and a half hour drive from Cape Town city centre, depending on traffic.
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
Stay on the UK site
Go to the USA site