Step Into a Hollywood Classic: My Weekend On a Beautiful Lavender Farm
This post was written in collaboration with the Lavender Farm Guesthouse in Franschhoek. As always, all opinions are my own.
It has always been a dream of mine to visit a lavender farm. Although I narrowly missed lavender season in Provence a couple of years ago, I still remember that intoxicating fragrance that lingered in the air even after harvest, as I drove past the fields on my way to the Verdon Gorge.
Since then, I’ve been looking for opportunities to infuse my life and travels with lavender, no matter the season. So when I realized lavender grew in South Africa, and there even was a guesthouse surrounded by it on the outskirts of Franschhoek (just over an hour from Cape Town), I knew I had to stop by.
My timing once again coincided with the tail end of lavender season, but this didn’t stop me from having a wonderful stay. The Lavender Farm Guesthouse in Franschhoek is a haven of peace regardless of the time of year. And yes, you do smell the lavender in the air as you amble about this gorgeous estate.
The Lavender Farm Guesthouse: Countryside Idyl
Upon arrival at the Lavender Farm, it felt as if I had stepped right into a Hollywood classic. The immaculate surroundings, the Cape Dutch style breakfast hall, the white, vine-covered cottages, the pool and the manmade lake all added to the estate’s charm.
And then you have those manicured rows of lavender bushes extending to the edge of the property, beyond which the mountains beckon. It wasn’t hard for me to imagine I was Audrey Hepburn on a South African holiday.
The Lavender Farm Guesthouse is an ideal base for travellers seeking to indulge in some of the region’s famous wine tasting, art lovers searching for their next piece at one of Franschhoek’s many galleries, and anyone in need of some R&R with a side of luxury.
Stay in a Vine-Covered Cottage
While the grounds seemingly pay tribute to Classic Hollywood, the Lavender Farm’s cottages exude a thoroughly modern and minimalist yet cosy chic.
My beautiful Lavender View Suite (which, indeed, offered direct access to the sprawling fields) was entirely decorated in white and earthy tones with wooden accents.
It was the perfect spot to retreat to with a good cup of tea and catch up on some writing projects that first evening. In fact, I thought to myself, if I ever settle down enough to buy an apartment, I would decorate it in exactly the same style.
On a practical level, my spacious home away from home had all the features necessary to ensure a comfortable stay.
These included a large bathroom with ample shelving, a sitting area and separate desk space, plenty of closets, a super comfortable bed and basically what one calls a breakfast kitchen (kettle, fridge, assortment of coffees and teas).
Perhaps the crowning feature of my suite was the plant-lined private patio, providing uninterrupted views over the lavender fields and mountains; the prime spot to catch a Franschhoek sunset.
Life on a Working Lavender Farm
The Lavender Farm Guesthouse might provide upscale accommodation, but it’s also a working farm, producing and selling 4 kinds of lavender. If you’re interested, you can also try a bottle of lavender champagne!
Explore the Grounds
Beyond the lavender fields themselves, there are plenty of corners to explore on the property. Wander under the trellises and canopies of mature trees, lounge by the pool or relax by the lake. You’ll be sure to find a quiet spot to call your own.
At the lakeside, a bougainvillea adds a pop of colour and a large oak, its branches extending into the water, creates a European touch. I can imagine the entire property would be the perfect destination for a photoshoot!
Don’t Miss the Delicious Breakfast
A complimentary breakfast is served each morning as of 8 am. Guests can choose from a handful of a la carte warm dishes and a buffet spread of croissants, cheeses and cold cuts, muesli, fruit salad and juices.
On the first morning, I sampled a “Franschhoek Breakfast”: a warm croissant stuffed with scrambled eggs, topped with strips of bacon. The second day, I opted for the buffet breakfast. Both mornings, I indulged in the delicious fruit salad as a side.
Breakfast at the Lavender Farm Guesthouse definitely puts you in the right mood to start the day!
Walk to Town in 20 Minutes
Conveniently, the Lavender Farm is just a 20-minute stroll from the pretty town of Franschhoek. You’ll get to town by wandering along country lanes, passing a couple of wineries, before reaching the Huguenot Memorial.
This elegant monument was built in honour of protestant French and Belgian immigrants who, escaping religious persecution, arrived throughout the 17th century and greatly influenced the region’s development – including by planting the first vines). Surrounded by lovely rose patches, it is open to the public during daylight hours.
The memorial watches over Franschhoek’s main street, which is lined by galleries, cafes, wine bars and boutiques. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, many leading to quaint courtyards and housing outdoor art installations. You can easily spend an afternoon (window) shopping in Franschhoek, soaking up the charming small-town atmosphere.
Lavender Farm Guesthouse: A Picture-Perfect Escape
If you’re looking for stylish holiday accommodation giving off serious old Hollywood glamour, a short distance from Franschhoek’s main street and many wineries, make sure to check in at the Lavender Farm Guesthouse. I was instantly charmed by this beautiful estate and would visit again in a heartbeat!
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