Lavender Farm Guesthouse: A Magical Franschhoek Escape

lavender farm guesthouse franschhoek

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.

lavender farm guesthouse franschhoek
Even off season, you’ll find a touch of purple at the Lavender Farm Guesthouse.

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.

lavender farm guesthouse franschhoek
You’ll be staying on a working lavender farm.

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.

lavender farm guesthouse franschhoek
Who else would like to stay here?

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.

lavender farm guesthouse franschhoek
My gorgeous accommodation at the Lavender Farm guesthouse, complete with chandelier.

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.

lavender farm guesthouse franschhoek
All this space!

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.

lavender farm guesthouse franschhoek
Sunset captured from my private patio at the Lavender Farm Guesthouse.

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!

lavender farm guesthouse franschhoek
The manmade lake on the estate.

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!

lavender farm guesthouse franschhoek
The beautiful pool with mountain views.

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.

Huguenot memorial franschhoek
The Huguenot memorial, is a 15-minute walk from the Lavender Farm Guesthouse.

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.

Franschhoek main street
Franschhoek’s Main Street is lined with pubs, cafes, shops and art galleries.

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 franschhoek
A weekend at the Lavender Farm Guesthouse might be just what the doctor ordered!

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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