Brimming with nostalgia, romance and wonder…
An indulgent escape, a retreat into old-world charm where you are reminded of life's simple pleasures. Where there's time to read a book in the summer house, go wild swimming between the pink water lilies or choose your pony on the vintage carousel. Le Grand Jardin is about the art of getting lost in the right place. Of deliciously warm brownies, crackling fires and a toast to la dolce vita. Of savouring life's special moments with best friends and family. It's about slowing down and celebrating the wonders of life.
‘Here, you're not just a guest. You’re part of a living story woven through art, nature and connection. Your journey is uniquely yours – we hope you will let Le Grand Jardin be part of its most beautiful chapters’
‘A place to celebrate the wonders of life’
The feeling is relaxed and fun in our elegant Sir Herbert Baker-style manor house. Guests are enveloped by a sense of ease and a distinct feeling of belonging. Le Grand Jardin is more than just a rather grand heritage home, it is an invitation to play, to discover a joyful world of wonder.
‘We believe life should be celebrated – not just the big moments, but the whimsical ones too. Whether you're gathering kindred spirits, chasing giggles with your children, or seeking stillness under ancient oaks, your story belongs here,’ say Sue and Bernard Fontannaz, owners of Le Grand Jardin and co-founders of Wonderland Escapes.
‘One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things’ Henry Miller
Welcome to Wonderland – a joyful celebration of art, wine, design and the beauty of artisanal craftsmanship. Here, creative inspiration takes you on a journey of discovery: blend your own wine alongside our winemaker, take a private art tour with our art expert, or savour an Argentinian-inspired Seven Fires Cooking Experience with our chef – just say the word!
Feeling playful? How about croquet or boules on the lawn? Or would you like to learn to drive our 1980’s Mini Clubman? Soar across the dam on the zipline, indulge in every flavour of gelato from the whimsical Trolley of Wonder. As evening falls, take a front-row seat under a sky of stars for an open-air movie on the grass. Every moment at Le Grand Jardin is crafted to spark curiosity and a little bit of magic!
‘There is a place like no place on Earth.
A land full of wonder’
‘Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about’ OSCAR WILDE
Inspired after travelling the world for 25 years, and with homes in the English countryside, the vineyards of Argentina and the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland, South Africa is favourite summer destination for Sue and Bernard Fontannaz. Le Grand Jardin – their grand dame in the Cape Winelands – feels like a welcoming and gracious home, not a hotel.
Less than an hour out of Cape Town and hidden in Devon Valley near Stellenbosch, Le Grand Jardin’s location and garden is enchanting. Its vineyards, Le Grand Domaine, are a stone’s throw away. Magnificent 360-degree views extend over the flourishing vines towards the Stellenbosch mountains.
‘Life is not measured by time. It is measured by moments’ Armin Houman
This is where magic happens! Our Victorian-style glasshouse is built around the 100-year-old oaks and offers an intimate, sun-dappled venue to create unforgettable memories with extended family and friends.
The Looking Glasshouse is available for elegant, bespoke celebrations such as weddings, milestone birthdays, graduations, anniversaries or family reunions. Our new Floral Chapel, crafted in the same style as the glasshouse, is a beautifully private setting for wedding vows or even christenings.
Live for the moments you can't put into words
Live for the moments you can't put into words
Welcome to Le Grand Jardin!
Our elegant Sir Herbert Baker-style Manor House and Pool Pavilion sleep a total of 12 in six suites, with an additional three children by arrangement.
Le Grand Jardin is less than an hour from Cape Town and 10 minutes’ drive from the vibrant, historical university town of Stellenbosch: the best of both worlds. Experience the peace and privacy of a private villa with its own vineyards in a hidden and little-known valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Le Grand Jardin is part of a curated collection of homes and wineries called Wonderland Escapes.
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‘You can’t use up creativity.
The more you use, the more you have’
