Hawksmoor House in Stellenbosch

Hawksmoor House has 15 individually decorated rooms in historic Cape Dutch buildings. The Superior Queen Room includes a fireplace and a seating area with French vintage decor. The Standard Double Room is off the main dining area, so it suits early risers. The Villa offers a separate lounge, fireplace, and underfloor heating in the bathrooms. Each room has a private bathroom with either a bath or shower. The property has no TVs, but the thick walls keep rooms cool in summer.

Breakfast is served in the manor house dining room. The menu includes fresh, locally sourced options and a vegan breakfast is available on request. The honesty bar in the main lounge offers Hawksmoor wines and other drinks. Guests can book dinner on the premises, but this must be arranged in advance. Otherwise, Stellenbosch restaurants are a 10-minute drive away.

The property has an outdoor swimming pool with views of Table Mountain. The pool area is surrounded by lavender bushes, lemon trees, and veteran oak trees. A sundowner patio overlooks the valley. There is a shared kitchen for self-catering guests. The 220-hectare working farm includes a wine farm producing award-winning wines. Guests can also arrange hot air balloon rides or book beauty treatments from a mobile spa service.

Hawksmoor House is on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, a 15-minute drive from Stellenbosch town center. Cape Town International Airport is 30 minutes away by car. The property is near Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, known for hiking trails. It is also close to Paarl and Franschhoek wine routes. The nearest public transport is Uber Black; the road to the farm needs clearer signs for drivers.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, though it can be intermittent. There is free parking and a 24-hour security guard. The manager, Kerry, provides private check-in and check-out. Daily housekeeping is available, but the bathrooms may have issues with plumbing or hot water. Guests can use the shared bar fridge for food storage. The property has no air conditioning, but fans are provided. The farm uses solar energy to reduce electricity cuts.