Ludus Magnus: Villa Charlotte

  • 6 guests
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 3 bathrooms

We should have known we were entering an Olympian wonderland before we even arrived at Ludus Magnus. Named after an Ancient Roman gladiator training school, this five-star, 100% off-the-grid guesthouse is beautifully positioned between Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. It’s home to an eye-watering array of cutting-edge amenities and activities, all of which revealed themselves in the most charming of ways during a recent stay here.

The farm is owned by a French-Italian husband-and-wife team, who bought the land a few years ago when they moved to Franschhoek from Europe. Well-versed in luxury and hospitality, they’ve been developing it – from scratch – ever since, constructing an idyllic Manor House as well as three luxury villas.

Named after the owners’ three children – Charlotte, Stanislas and Vittoria – each of the villas boasts spectacular views of the estate and Shiraz vineyard, as well as three individually styled en-suite bedrooms, a beautiful lounge and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen and two terraces, each with its own private pool (one heated). Villa Charlotte, in particular, has a serene and elegant ambience that soothes the body, mind and soul.

The Olympian theme continues with a 400m running track, a state-of-the-art sports field and a dam with 50m-long training lanes! Why, you may ask? Well, one of the owners was a professional athlete in his former life, and wanted to offer guests world-class training facilities while they’re on holiday. There’s even an altitude chamber in the pipeline.

THE LODGINGS

Bedrooms + bathrooms

  • Three luxury en-suite bedrooms villas
  • High-speed complimentary wifi
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Mini-bar (with complementary soft drinks)
  • Plush gowns
  • Electronic safe
  • Blackout curtains
  • Luxury bathroom amenities
  • Daily cleaning service

Indoor living

  • Stylish lounge
  • Dining area with 8-seater table
  • Floating fireplace
  • Semi-separate TV nook
  • Le Creuset-equipped kitchen
  • Mobile spa
  • Daily airport transfer
  • Dishwasher
  • Tumble-dryer and washing machine

Outdoor living

  • Expansive gardens
  • 2 private terraces
  • 2 private pools (one heated)
  • Olive grove
  • Shiraz vineyard
  • 50m swimming lanes (dam)
  • 400m running track
  • Full-sized rugby field
  • Mobile gym
  • Fruit trees
  • Beehives
  • Rescue donkeys, tortoises, chickens and horses

Catering

  • Restaurant (private chef on request)

THINGS TO DO

On the property

  • Private gatherings at the hideaway boma, mini-island and river deck
  • Canoeing/kayaking
  • Walking
  • Horse riding
  • Mountain Biking
  • Spa treatments
  • Supping
  • Trail running
  • Ziplining
  • Rugby and soccer
  • Visit the beehives and rescue animals

In the area

  • The historical town of Franschhoek, with restaurants, shops and galleries
  • Wine tastings or pairings, picnics and dining at various wine estates
  • The Franschhoek Wine Tram
  • Various golf courses
  • Hiking and biking trails

 

Features

  • WiFi
  • Indoor Fireplace
  • Braai
  • Heating
  • Fire Pit
  • Pool
  • Bath
  • Coffee Machine
  • Air-Conditioning
  • Dam
  • Dishwasher
  • DStv
  • Fully Equipped Kitchen
  • Hairdryer
  • Microwave
  • Secure Parking
  • Serviced
  • Sound System
  • Backup Power
  • Washing Machine

Best for

  • Families

Rates

Low Season
R21,250.00 Per Night

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