Stellenbosch Manor, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Stellenbosch, located in the beautiful Cape Winelands of South Africa, is renowned for its historical university, charming white-washed houses, stunning landscapes of vineyards and mountains, and its warm and welcoming residents. It is also known as 'Eikestad,' the Oak City, due to its oak tree-lined streets. The Stellenbosch Wine Route is the oldest in the country and boasts various world-class wine estates.

While Stellenbosch is close enough to the capital for easy access to attractions, it offers a more tranquil atmosphere. As a solo traveler, safety was a top priority when choosing accommodation. Stellenbosch Manor, a luxury guesthouse, is located on a quiet street, a 10-minute walk from the center of the town. I felt safe enough to walk there and back during the day. Although the reception of the guesthouse closed at 7 pm, they had 24/7 security surveillance inside and outside of the premises, which made me feel comfortable.

Stellenbosch Manor

Stellenbosch Manor dates back to 1904 and stands as one of the oldest buildings in Stellenbosch. In 1996, the Oosthuizen family purchased and recently renovated this Victorian building. While European design influences are evident in the architecture and interior, the use of natural materials and decorative elements brings it distinctly to South Africa. This fusion of European and African design creates a unique style. I fell in love with the place immediately when I stepped in and saw the stylish sofas, window shutters, inviting fireplaces, and the original wooden floors! The décor seamlessly combines contemporary and rustic styles, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the guesthouse.

The reception of the guesthouse was very attentive and contacted me before the trip for dinner reservations and the possibility of booking beauty treatments through them. December and January are part of the high travel season in South Africa, making early booking necessary. I was interested in visiting Lanzerac Wine Estate, dating back to 1692 and located a mere 2 kilometers from the guesthouse. I was pleasantly surprised when the personnel managed to secure a table for me in one of Lanzerac's restaurants!

My Luxury Suite

There are only 9 individually designed suites to maximize guests' comfort. I had the Luxury Suite (number 4) on the second floor, which meant I had a private balcony. The room was generously sized (30 m²) and had a cozy nook for lounging, and a desk for working. They provided complimentary water as well as coffee and tea-making facilities in the room. The balcony offered a beautiful view of the pool area and the garden. It was the perfect spot for a cup of coffee in the morning!

The sizable bathroom with a shower and a bathtub was in a separate room, featuring luxurious products by Charlotte Rhys. I loved my suite, even though the sounds of people walking up the stairs were quite audible in the room. At night, it was quiet, and the air-conditioning provided a comfortable temperature for a good night's sleep.

Amenities at the Stellenbosch Manor

In addition to the guests' rooms, there are many communal areas for lounging, beautifully decorated and featuring fireplaces. I felt truly inspired by these spaces. However, the pool was a bit of a disappointment. It was too small for swimming, and the water didn't look clean, even though it was cleaned every morning, so I didn't feel like going in. For this reason, in my opinion, the guesthouse was more suitable for exploring the surrounding area than for relaxation.

Their breakfast offered both a buffet and à la carte options. The menu featured a good selection of omelets and the buffet included a variety of fruits, pastries, yogurt, granola, sereal, cutlets, and bread. The service was very thoughtful and kind. I wish customer service could be this warm everywhere!

In Conclusion

Stellenbosch Manor is full of charm and character due to its age, providing an excellent base for exploring Stellenbosch and the surrounding wineries. The staff takes great pride in their work, and their dedication is evident in their attentive service. I loved the warm atmosphere, the carefully thought-out design, and the delicious cuisine! My time here left me longing for more, and I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Stellenbosch Manor to anyone exploring the Cape Winelands.