Our last night of the trip was the crowning point of our trip. It had been several years since I last spent the night at La Residence in Franschhoek and my husband had never stayed there so it was time for a revisit.
I book this property for many of my clients who are visiting Cape Town as it is the finale to their amazing trips. What I did not realize was that the property had just reopened following repairs from a devastating flood of a few months earlier. The region had been deluged by unseasonably heavy rains causing a river of mud and water to cascade down the mountain slopes. All the roads were washed away.
I actually had clients staying at La Residence when this occurred and they were stranded at the property for two days. Eventually, they were extricated by helicopter.
Liz Biden and her husband Phil were at the property for the reopening so we were very warmly greeted and hosted. Our room overlooked the surrounding mountains and vineyards.
Liz has a very vibrant, eclectic taste and each room is decorated in a different style.
Ours was possibly in the colonial Indian style. Peacocks roaming freely around the beautifully manicured gardens. Very colorful but noisy birds especially during the mating season. La Residence exudes an aura of peace and tranquility. Guests were either bathing in the pool or simply relaxing on the verandas sipping tea and reading their books.
Our dinner that night in the Great Hall with its glistening crystal chandeliers was superb. The chef’s combination of fresh ingredients from their gardens with prime cuts of meat was one of the best meals of our trip.
The drive from Cape Town to the Winelands takes you through beautiful valleys and wine estates. The surrounding Simonsberg mountains are an exquisite backdrop to the most breathtaking region of the world.
As we boarded our flight home I commented that we are blessed to be in an industry where we get to experience the finest properties and game viewing in the world.
