Basse Provence Country House
Cape Dutch heritage, wine-country pastoral. High timber ceilings, polished wooden floors, sash windows, and antique accents. Old-school guesthouse warmth, not boutique-hotel cool.
Book the Elizabeth Room for its private entrance and honeymoon-suite feel under the thatch
Why It Matters
One of Franschhoek's most storied vineyard guesthouses, with a guest list that reportedly includes the Earl of Wessex and Jude Law. Complimentary wine tasting at the adjacent Rickety Bridge Winery is included for all guests. The property sits on a farm granted to French Huguenot settlers in 1694.
A four-star Cape Dutch guesthouse sitting on a working wine farm dating back to 1855, Basse Provence Country House is the sister property to Rickety Bridge Estate, separated from the main winery by a short walk through the vineyards and over a river bridge. Rooms spread across the original thatched Manor House and an adjacent Country House, all looking out over a vine-green valley and the Franschhoek mountain ridge. Classic rather than sleek — think antique furniture, wooden beams, and fireplaces — with the genuine warmth of the staff being the thing guests consistently rave about.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
De Villiers Room
Larger room that sleeps up to four guests — one of the few options in the property that can accommodate a small family or group travelling together. En-suite with bath and shower, full room amenities including air conditioning, DStv, mini bar.
Multiple
Elizabeth Room
Upstairs in the Country House, under the thatch and poplar beams. Has its own private entrance — the closest thing to a standalone suite on the property. King-size bed (can be converted to twin), en-suite with bath and separate shower, full vineyard, river, and mountain views. Air conditioning, DStv, tea and coffee station, mini bar.
King (or twin)
Gideon Room
Ground-floor room in the Country House. Simply decorated but well-appointed, with vineyard views from the window. En-suite bathroom with bath and shower. King or twin beds, air conditioning, DStv, tea and coffee station.
King (or twin)
Jacob Room
Large upstairs bedroom in the Country House. The standout feature is a roll-top bath in the en-suite alongside a separate shower — a genuinely nice touch in this price bracket. King-size or twin configuration, air conditioning, DStv, tea and coffee facilities. Vineyard views.
King (or twin)Manor One
Master bedroom of the 1855 thatched Cape Dutch Manor House. Built on foundations from the original Huguenot farm, the room features underfloor heating — a genuine differentiator in Franschhoek winters. Full en-suite facilities, DStv, air conditioning, fridge, and tea and coffee station. Private entrance with access to the guesthouse pool.
King
Paulina Room
Ground-floor room in the Country House, named for Paulina de Villiers — one of South Africa's first female landowners and the estate's 18th-century owner. Solid wooden beams, warm atmosphere. En-suite with bath, shower, and heated towel rail. King or twin configuration, air conditioning, DStv, mini bar.
King (or twin)Two-Bedroom Cottage
A self-contained private cottage set among the oak trees on the wine farm — the best option for a couple wanting total privacy or a family of four. Two bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities, plus a lounge, private garden, and terrace. Full access to the guesthouse pool. A state-of-the-art stereo system, full-sized kitchen with heated tile floors, conservatory, private pebble-lined pool and jacuzzi facing the vineyards, and a stainless steel barbecue with outdoor dining area.
MultipleThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Traditional pétanque/boules on the estate grounds among the vineyards. A very Franschhoek way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Padel courts recently opened on the Rickety Bridge estate. Bookable via Playtomic. Open to guests and the public. Views of the vineyard and mountains while you play.
Pearl Valley Golf Course is about a 15-minute drive from the property. One of South Africa's top Jack Nicklaus-designed courses. Staff can assist with arrangements.
Guided cellar and vineyard tours available on the Rickety Bridge estate. Covers hand-harvesting techniques, fermentation in amphorae and concrete eggs, and barrel aging. Must be booked in advance. Available Monday through Sunday.
Complimentary wine tasting at the Rickety Bridge Wine Tasting Centre, a five-minute walk through the vineyards. Included for all guests. Multiple tasting formats available, from the Foundation Stone collection tasting to the premium Regna Loca experience. Expert-led sessions Monday through Sunday including public holidays.
Hands-on wine blending session at the Rickety Bridge winery. Guests create their own blend from estate varietals. A genuinely fun way to spend a couple of hours in the Winelands.
The famous hop-on, hop-off wine tram departs from Franschhoek village (a short drive away) and tours the valley's top estates. Staff at the property can help book and advise on the best route.
Picnic baskets available from Rickety Bridge Winery to enjoy in the private garden or on the lawns. A great option for a leisurely afternoon on the estate.
Scenic walks and cycling routes through the estate vineyards and along the Franschhoek River. Mountain bikes available for the Franschhoek Valley trails. Best at sunset.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
On-site conference/meeting room suitable for up to 10 delegates.
Full English breakfast served daily from 08:00–10:00 in the dining room or on the terrace. Included in the room rate.
One complimentary wine tasting session at Rickety Bridge Winery included for all guests.
Private swimming pool in the garden with sun loungers, looking out over the vineyards. The Cottage has its own separate private pebble-lined pool and jacuzzi.
Stainless steel barbecue with outdoor dining area available, particularly for the Cottage.
Mini bar stocked in all rooms, included in the room rate.
Staff assist with activity recommendations, restaurant bookings, and local excursions. WhatsApp contact available for in-stay requests.
On-site parking available at no charge. Reservation recommended.
Airport and local shuttle available at additional charge.
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