Adara Palmiet Valley: Orchard House Suite

On the eastern outskirts of Paarl (where the most magnificent mountain views are), this 16-hectare estate is a dreamland of vineyards, guava orchards, jacaranda trees and a beautiful park-like garden filled with flowers and old oak trees. It’s also steeped in history, dating back to the 18th century.

Rooms and Suites are divided between four Cape Dutch buildings, one being the original 1754 manor (Jacaranda House), another the old stables (Mountain View House), a third overlooking the vineyards (Vineyard House) and the fourth nestled amongst the guava orchards (Orchard House). Some units are under cosy thatch roofs, with petite balconies; others have a lounge, kitchenette, patio or private garden with a pool. Expect all the luxuries, from sumptuous bed linen, marble bathrooms, air-con and underfloor heating to bathrobes, slippers and TV with Netflix.

Good to know
Breakfast is included in the rate, and the property is entirely off-grid with its own water and power sources.

THE LODGINGS

The Orchard House consists of three two-sleeper Rooms, one three-sleeper Suite and the lavish four-sleeper Presidential Suite, which comes with a full kitchen and dining area, a separate living area, an Art Deco-style bathroom with an antique bathtub, and a large outdoor terrace. Each Room/Suite is booked separately.

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom with a shower (large double shower in Suite 13)
• Bathroom amenities

Indoor living

• Living area with a fireplace (Suite 13 only)
• Kitchenette (Suite 13 and Junior Room 15)
• Bar fridge (Rooms 16 and 17)
• Coffee machine (Suite 13 and Junior Room 15)
• Walk-in closet (Junior Room 15 only)
• TV with Netflix
• Tea and coffee facilities
• Air-conditioning and in-floor heating
• Complimentary WiFi

Outdoor living

• Large outdoor terrace (Suite 13 and Room 15)
• Furnished balcony with mountain views (Rooms 16 and 17)
• Communal swimming pool

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Swim in the communal pool
• Sunbathe
• Farm walks
• Mediterranean dining at Adara Restaurant
• Wine-tasting

In the area

• Cheetah sanctuary next door
• Franschhoek Wine Tram (there’s a stop down the road)
• Paarl Rock National Park
• Various wine estates
• Hiking and mountain-biking
• Various golf courses
• Polo at Val de Vie Estate
• Restaurants, shops and historical sites in Paarl