Manor House
The sense of magical playfulness begins the moment you step into the double-volume entrance of the Manor House where de Gournay’s ‘Amazonia’ wallpaper provides a wildly exotic welcome. Lush palms and banana leaves, tropical birds, swinging monkeys and ornate butterflies dance across the walls in a riot of colour and charm. At the foot of the grand Burmese teak staircase, a pair of blue toy cars dating back to World War Two adds a nostalgic touch.
Elegance with a touch of magic
The Manor House balances heritage elegance with contemporary comfort. Gracious reception rooms unfold one into another, flowing onto a wide verandah with views across the pool, garden, dam and glasshouses. From the refined drawing room and tranquil library to the crystal-lit dining room, each space is layered with original art, antiques and character.
Lived-in rather than formal, the house has an inviting atmosphere – enhanced by a vibrant blue gin bar, a tasting room with private cellar and welcoming lounges, all warmed by working fireplaces or cooled with air conditioning.
At its heart lies the welcoming country-style kitchen, anchored by an authentic AGA stove. This is where life gathers – over coffee at sunrise, shared stories with the chef or laughter-filled dinners that stretch late into the night. It’s a soulful, generous space made for connection, capturing the spirit of Le Grand Jardin: elegant yet relaxed, luxurious yet deeply personal.
‘We adore our cotton velvets that age beautifully on deep and comfortable couches, nothing is too “design tight” in this grand dame’
Dream Suite
The upstairs master suite features a king-size bed and a spacious bathroom with both a bath and a shower. Jungle scenes by Henri Rousseau were hand-painted by local designers, African Sketchbook. The cheetah and vervet monkey design captures the owner’s love of the African wild. The bath is green marble, handcrafted and shipped from India. It was inspired by the bath tub in Rhodes House in Cape Town, which was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. It brings the garden into the home. There’s a romantic fireplace to keep you toasty.
Garden Suite
The fresh blue-and-green combination in this upstairs suite includes a double and single bed, with a full bathroom (bath and shower), designed with comfort and practicality in mind. This bedroom is ideal for siblings or cousins, or a couple with one child rooming-in. The Andy Warhol artwork is offset by Christopher Farr ‘Carnival’ wallpaper.
Vineyard Suite
The decor in this guest bedroom upstairs was inspired by the beautiful colours of summer blooms in the garden. The antique double bed was a Stellenbosch find and the space is cosy and private – ideal for visiting friends or extended family. The en-suite bathroom has a shower and, as its name suggests, this peaceful bedroom overlooks the Grand Domaine vineyards beyond from its private stoep.
‘The house is truly a wonderland, with different pockets of surprises in every corner. After a week, I still don’t think we discovered the free enormity of the delights we could have experienced…’
