La Residence

Franschhoek, South Africa

A 30-acre private wine estate between mountains and vineyards, with Vineyard Suites and a six-bedroom villa built specifically to welcome children of all ages

At a glance

La Residence sits on its own private 30-acre estate in the Franschhoek Valley, surrounded by mountains and working vineyards, and sets the benchmark for luxury stays in South Africa's Cape Winelands. Liz Biden's maximalist, art-filled interiors sit against a genuine working farm, guinea fowl and miniature horses wander the grounds, orchards line the paths, and the estate's own restaurant serves whatever the harvest brings that day. It's the kind of place that feels like a grand country home rather than a hotel, the sort of stay families return to year after year.

The estate offers real choice depending on the shape of your family. The Vineyard Suites and the six-bedroom Franschhoek House were designed to welcome children of all ages, with private gardens, pools and even a loft bedroom built specifically with little ones in mind, while the original Luxury and Superior Suites, reserved for guests aged 10 and over, suit families travelling with older children or teenagers who want a quieter, more adult pace. Wherever you stay, the same 30 acres, spa, restaurant and farm life are yours to enjoy.

Why families love it

Vineyard Suites and Franschhoek House both welcome children of all ages, with private gardens and pools of their own

The Loft-bedroom Vineyard Suite has two single beds built in specifically for children, ideal for a family of four

Franschhoek House is a private six-bedroom villa with its own pool, casual lounge, games room and private chef

Working farm setting with guinea fowl and miniature horses, plus cooking, arts and crafts, and flower arranging for children

30-acre private estate, so children have genuine space to roam safely

Farm-to-table dining with a kitchen team happy to adapt menus for younger palates

Franschhoek village and its family-friendly excursions, from the Motor Museum to cycling and hiking trails, all close by

Private wellness treatment room for parents wanting time to properly switch off

Where you'll stay

Accommodation ranges from hotel suites to multi-bedroom villas, all set within the private estate.

From £625/night*

*Prices from are indicative only - see Terms & Conditions for details.

Luxury Suite

90 m². Elegant and comfortable, with incredible views across the valley and a well-appointed en-suite bath and shower. Reserved for guests aged 10 and over. Sleeps 2 adults.

Superior Suite

100 m². A spacious double room with mountain or vineyard views, en-suite bathroom with bath, and a private balcony or verandah. Reserved for guests aged 10 and over. Sleeps 2 adults.

One-Bedroom Vineyard Suite

90 m². A romantic, often honeymoon-favoured suite with a central living and dining area, covered patio and private garden. Sleeps 2.

One-Bedroom Vineyard Suite with Loft

94 m². The main bedroom is downstairs, while the loft bedroom has two single beds, ideal for children. Sleeps 2 adults and 2 children.

Two-Bedroom Vineyard Suite

110 m². Ideal for a family of four, with a central living and dining area opening onto a covered patio, private garden and pool. Sleeps 4.

Three-Bedroom Vineyard Suite

165 m². Two spacious bedrooms plus a smaller children's room, central living and dining area, covered patio, private garden and private swimming pool. Sleeps 4 adults and 2 children.

View Room Types: Luxury Suite

90 m². Elegant and comfortable, with incredible views across the valley and a well-appointed en-suite bath and shower. Reserved for guests aged 10 and over. Sleeps 2 adults.

Superior Suite

100 m². A spacious double room with mountain or vineyard views, en-suite bathroom with bath, and a private balcony or verandah. Reserved for guests aged 10 and over. Sleeps 2 adults.

One-Bedroom Vineyard Suite

90 m². A romantic, often honeymoon-favoured suite with a central living and dining area, covered patio and private garden. Sleeps 2.

One-Bedroom Vineyard Suite with Loft

94 m². The main bedroom is downstairs, while the loft bedroom has two single beds, ideal for children. Sleeps 2 adults and 2 children.

Two-Bedroom Vineyard Suite

110 m². Ideal for a family of four, with a central living and dining area opening onto a covered patio, private garden and pool. Sleeps 4.

Three-Bedroom Vineyard Suite

165 m². Two spacious bedrooms plus a smaller children's room, central living and dining area, covered patio, private garden and private swimming pool. Sleeps 4 adults and 2 children.

Franschhoek House

880 m², an exclusive-use villa with six individually decorated bedrooms, a private heated pool and multiple patios. Includes a dedicated host and private chef, plus a casual Long-Room with lounge, games and dining space. Sleeps 12.

Dining for all ages

Dining draws on produce grown on the estate itself, served across a range of settings from poolside to fireside.

La Residence Restaurant - The estate's main dining room, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner using seasonal ingredients, with poolside and al fresco settings available
The Cellar Door Experience - A private five-course dinner in the hotel's candlelit wine cellar, suited to families or groups celebrating together (minimum four guests)
Afternoon Tea - Served daily with sweet and savoury treats, set against vineyard and mountain views
Chef's Table - A curated menu of fresh, seasonal ingredients, guided by Executive Chef Cheslin, celebrating the diverse flavours and cultures of South Africa.
Private chef service - Available at Franschhoek House, allowing families to dine entirely on their own schedule

Experiences for all ages

The estate itself offers as much as the surrounding valley.

Farm life activities for children, including cooking, arts and crafts, and flower arranging
Exploring the 30-acre estate on foot, with guinea fowl and miniature horses often nearby
Cycling and hiking across trails in the neighbouring Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Franschhoek Motor Museum, a firm favourite with car-loving children and adults alike
Wine tasting for adults, drawing on the estate's own vintages alongside the wider valley
Helicopter excursions available for special occasions, including mountain picnics and coastal tours
Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula within easy reach for a day trip further afield

Wellness for parents

The estate's double wellness treatment room is a genuine adult retreat, best booked ahead given demand.

Treatments available in the double treatment room, guests' own suite, or private balcony
Booking in advance is strongly recommended given how popular treatments are
Spa treatments for children not confirmed, likely adult-focused, check directly with the hotel before booking

Family Logistics

Approximately 75 km from Cape Town International Airport (CPT), around an hour's drive through the Cape Winelands

Private 30-acre estate with smooth pathways throughout, easy for exploring with children

Vineyard Suites and Franschhoek House both welcome children of all ages; the Luxury and Superior Suites do not, being reserved for guests over 10

Private chef and dedicated host included at Franschhoek House, useful for larger family groups

Multiple private event spaces on-site, suited to birthdays and family celebrations

Cots, high chairs and babysitting available on request

Family Suite Exclusives

Exclusive perks designed to make your family feel truly welcome — from personalised gifts for little travellers to complimentary activities and flexible check-in options.

Booking via The Family Suite includes:

TFS Exclusive Credit: £100 (or equivalent in local currency) towards a family experience

*Subject to Terms & Conditions

To enquire and access your Family Suite exclusives, please complete the form below. Your request will be shared directly with the hotel’s reservation team.