Within a three-minute drive of the lively town centre, yet far enough from anything to provide the reinvigorating quietness that even the most hardened city-slicker needs, Basse Provence is great for an uncomplicated Franschhoek getaway.
Surrounded by the rustling of oak leaves, rolling lawns, pastures and vineyards, the Manor House, which dates back to 1855, is as stately as it is inviting with its creaking wooden floorboards, high ceilings and sash windows.
Up a steep flight of stairs, tucked beneath the pitched thatch roof, manor suite one, is every bit as spacious as a luxury hotel room, with all the expected mod-cons: DStv, white linen, underfloor heating, a prodigious bath complete with gold faucets. But still it has a relaxed air that makes you want to kick off your shoes and dig your toes deep into the woolen carpets. Some of the fittings in the room could do with an upgrade, but I liked the fact that there was nothing pretentious about the space.
Two other suites are available in the Manor House: suite 2’s bathroom is not en-suite, you have to walk a metre or so out your door across a landing area, which could be a bit awkward. Also available are four rooms in the Country Guest House, another Cape Dutch-style building, next door to the Manor House. These overlook a small swimming pool, which does become crowded on sweltering days (as it was when I stayed here).
Breakfast is a casual home-cooked affair (think scrambled egg with a generous helping of cheese).
Basse Provence is adjacent to, and part of the same stable as, Rickety Bridge, one of my favourite wineries in the valley – its Shiraz has an illustrious, award-winning history, and the 2010 vintage (R130), which is currently available for tasting, is a great example.
B&B rates start from R350 a person sharing (manor suite one from R450 per person sharing).
Contact Basse Provence
Tel: (021) 876-2994
Email: [email protected]
