Barefoot Luxury at its Best

Franschhoek luxury villaFarm Lorraine estate is the epitome of Barefoot Luxury, (which happens to be one of CVC’s business principles). The moment you pull up to the hedge-lined drive and curve up the slope to the mountain backdrop and the bountiful orchards, you are swept up in the luxurious embrace of our Franschhoek homestead.

When the CVC team recently spent a weekend at Farm Lorraine, we made sure to practise what we preach. The minute we’d dropped our bags, we slipped off our shoes to enjoy the feel of the lush manicured lawns beneath our feet, pick some fresh lemons off the laden lemon tree and prepare for sundowners on the deck.

Ideal for Family Celebrations

Our exclusive use estate lends itself to family festivities. When we arrived, our work ‘family’ spread ourselves into each of the three gorgeous villas on the estate and while the grownups got settled, the kids congregated around the pool and the dam. Some jumped into the peddle boat to visit the sweet private beach on the opposite side of the dam, while others launched into an active game of Marco Polo in the pool.

The Manor House is the perfect spot for everyone to come together and the open-plan kitchen was soon filled with laughter and chatter. The kids adjourned to the games room to play pool on the professional-size billiard table, while some grownups got the braai going on the deck. We all savoured the play of light on the water of the dam as the sun set and the flames of the fire warmed our cheeks.

At the end of the evening, we retired to our various sumptuous accommodations. Mornings at Farm Lorraine estate are spectacular, as the sun’s rays stroke the shoulders of the mountains, birdsong fills the air and the steam from your coffee rises.

Franschhoek things to doFranschhoek Splendour

The world-renowned town of Franschhoek is only a 5-minute drive away from our estate, where there is a bountiful selection of award-winning restaurants and wine farms to visit. Spend a pleasant morning exploring the high-end boutiques and art galleries in the main road, then have a coffee at one of the many sidewalk cafés and watch the passing parade or take some time to hop onto the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

Kommetjie Time

Kommetjie beach holidayWithin a few moments of putting your bags down and arriving for your holiday in one of our Kommetjie villas, you’ll find yourself slowing down to the laidback rhythm of Kommetjie time. Feel your breathing deepen and your body unknot as you take in the expansive views of Long Beach and Chapman’s Peak. Let the song of the waves soothe you as you savour the thought of days ahead filled only with sun and sea.

When you’re ready to emerge from the self-contained comfort of your holiday home, wander over to the village hub for breakfast at one of the cafés, then browse the local deli to stock up on artisan breads and Cape wine for a languorous lunch at the poolside of your villa.

Take an easy stroll along the wooden boardwalk towards the lighthouse, with occasional stops for the kids to explore the many rock pools along the way.

Kommetjie beach holidayThe lighthouse in Kommetjie, called Slangkop (Afrikaans for ‘snake head’) has been burning on the shores of the Atlantic since 1917, warning ships about the rocky coastline. Book a guided tour of this beacon, one of South Africa’s oldest lighthouses. The lighthouse keeper will take you up the internal spiral staircase all the way to the top with its panoramic views.

Head back along the boardwalk and appreciate the view of Table Mountain from a different angle. Sink back into the welcoming comfort of your holiday home and savour the luxury of long days ahead… of Kommetjie time.