Sunshine & the great outdoors
For those of us who grew up on the wild imaginings and fictional landscapes of The Secret Garden, Tom's Midnight Garden, and The Hundred Acre Wood of Winnie the Pooh, there is something very intriguing about a large country house.
This freedom of imaginative play is what captivated Le Grand Jardin's owners Sue and Bernard Fontannaz when they bought this grande dame over 20 years ago.
'It became an ode or love letter to our childhoods, much of which was spent outdoors,’ says Sue. 'I think every adult should try to retain something of the curiosity, mischief and wonder of childhood.’
A wonderland awaits...
Row around the dam in our wooden boat or swim in the eco-pool.
Enjoy daily sessions of croquet, boules or French cricket on the lawn.
Take a ride on the ‘40s fairground carousel complete with lights and music, play games in the showman‘s caravan or giant teepee.
Enjoy our hidden-away Jacuzzi followed by warm-up in the steam room.
Batten down the hatches at our pirates lookout on the pizza deck.
Find our ‘Magic Dress-Up Box’ and act out your fantasies in our gardens, or go on our themed Alice in Wonderland treasure hunt.
Pick fresh flowers with our head gardener or plant a legacy rose.
Learn to drive our 1980’s Mini Clubman with our manager (if you’re over 16!).
Discover the tree-hung bucket shower – every pirate’s preferred mode of cleaning!
‘We don’t stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing’
Connect with nature...
Perhaps one of the greatest joys of holidaying in South Africa is the glorious sunshine and a barefoot lifestyle, all of which evokes a playfulness, spontaneity and a sense of wonder.
At Le Grand Jardin, we invite you to connect with nature:
Hike the Helderberg or nearby trails with an experienced local guide.
Play a round of golf on award-winning golf courses.
Enjoy a game of padel down the road.
Sunbathe at the pool or zipline into the eco-pool.
Stroll through our lush gardens with secret spots for reading or reflection.
Or, simply enjoy sweeping vineyard and mountain views.
Le Grand Jardin not only offers luxury villa accommodation and unique experiences in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, but the perfect base to explore numerous wine routes nearby, take day trips along the Koegelberg coastline or into Cape Town. Discover why we have the best of both worlds, without the crowds, of course!
Let’s chat when you’re ready to book!