WELCOME TO FRANSCHHOEK

Home from home

Holly Tree luxury self-catering accommodation is idyllically located in the quaint town of Franschhoek, 80km east of Cape Town, in the magnificent, world-renowned, Cape Winelands. Home to some of the best wines that South Africa has to offer, a wonderland of award-winning restaurants nestled in every nook and cranny, exclusive shops and surrounded by majestic mountains, it’s no wonder that Franschhoek has become a must-see on any trip to Cape Town.

As one of South Africa’s foremost wine tasting and culinary destinations, with a more than 300 year old rich French heritage, it is no surprise that the wine and food tradition of Franschhoek are cherished and celebrated both locally and internationally.

For the more adventurous, the area offers magnificent scenic hikes, diverse local bird life, golf courses, quad biking, horse riding, cycling and hang gliding. For the connoisseurs of the finer things in life, alongside the world-renowned restaurants, Franschhoek village boasts numerous boutique shops, art galleries and unique wine stores where you can shop to your heart’s content.

Holly Tree is conveniently located a mere 300 meters from Franschhoek village high street, making it possible to appreciate the mountains and enjoy that glass of wine with no niggling concerns. Slip your soul into pure ecstasy, exhale your tension and embrace the luxury that surrounds this vineyard-bordered piece of heaven.

HISTORY OF FRANSCHHOEK

Where it all began…

Franschhoek, was established in the late 1600s by French Huguenot settlers fleeing religious persecution in their own country.  It is one of South Africa’s oldest towns, and our very own French Corner The first French Huguenot settlers arrived in 1688 and their influence lives on, in this destination devoted to the creation and enjoyment of good food and wine, coupled with natural beauty. It has forever shaped the character of this beautiful town and its surrounds.

Many of the early French Huguenot refugees were allocated land by the Dutch government in a valley originally known as Olifantshoek (Elephants’ corner),  named for the resident elephants which found it the ideal place to raise their young. With so many settlers claiming their new farms, the name of the area soon changed to le Coin Français (the French Corner), and later to Franschhoek.

All of these farms still exist, although many have been sub-divided to a much-reduced size. One notable French celebration of French Huguenot heritage, still observed in Franschoek in July every year, is the Bastille Festival. This festival is held on the grounds of the Huguenot Monument which was erected in 1938 to commemorate the arrival of the French Huguenots in Franschhoek 250 years earlier.

Full details on the history of Franschhoek and the Huguenots can be found at the Franschhoek museum (at the top of the Huguenot Road) – a must visit during you stay in Franschhoek.

LOCATION

Nestled in the heart of the winelands

WEATHER

The South African Med

Franschhoek revels in a Mediterranean-type climate with rainy winters and balmy, dry summers. Because the climate is not extreme, Franschhoek can be visited at any time of year. Autumn (March – May) is a beautiful season with pleasant weather, as well as being harvest-time on the wine estates, a peak time for wine tours. Winter (June – August) is cold at night and mild during the day. Don’t forget your umbrella as this is also the wettest time of the year – but don’t let that put you off, winter is the best time to enjoy the bounty of the area before a warm crackling fire. During Summer (December – February) warm, sunny weather and almost no rain can be expected. One might also be lucky enough to witness the impressive “table cloth” clouds that can be seen draping the surrounding mountain. Spring (September – November) is a wonderful time to visit as the climate is comfortable and the flora is in bloom.

Below are the average temperatures that one can expect in the Franschhoek area:

Spring: September – November

11 – 23 °C (Mild)

Summer: December-February

20 – 30 °C (Hot & Dry)

Autumn: March – May

13 – 23 °C (Mild)

Winter: June – August

7 – 18 °C (Cool & Rainy)

View the latest weather report here

OUR OTHER PROPERTIES

Splash Inn B&B

In the heart of Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Only 25 mins drive from King Shaka International Airport, Splash Inn offers you a prime location for your next trip. Whether you choose to include breakfast or the self-catering experience, you will be sure to feel comfortable and at home.

Situated a few minutes from the uMhlanga and Durban Beach front and other major attractions surrounding Durban, the B&B Durban North offers tremendous value and convenience.  Whether your stay is for business, leisure, golf, a sporting event or an impromptu weekend getaway, our homely accommodation, prime location, good security, and generous hospitality are guaranteed to give you that home from home experience.

CAFE LIFE

Coaching and Facilitation experiences

Both Michelle and Splash Inn B&B are ably assisted by Mandy (Michelle’s sister). Mandy and her husband Mike, own a coaching and facilitation company called CAFE Life.

CAFE Life designs and delivers unique services aimed at fostering resilient, solution-based mindsets. Their mission is to activate thriving teams and individuals, and they believe resilience is a vital tool in creating innovation and success. CAFE Life offers a variety of services from coaching to team energisers, facilitation’s, workshops, and more. To learn more about their services, visit their website.

Michelle and Mandy are true entrepreneurs, and they co-manage Splash Inn seamlessly between the running of their other businesses.

A guest never leaves without being treated with the greatest of care.

THEY SAY

It begins with people