Review: Pink Door Franschhoek, Winelands, South Africa

In the heart of Franschhoek, widely recognised as South Africa’s gastronomic capital, Pink Door Franschhoek by the Oyster Collection stands as a lesson in exclusive accommodation. Five friends and I headed to the Winelands to experience everything the home had to offer.

The welcome

Driving into Franschhoek is always a treat. Leaving the city of Cape Town behind, the mountains begin to cradle you, eventually narrowing in to the village itself. Here, the signs for wineries pause as the array of small shops comes into view. Turning onto Reservoir Road, it’s less than a minute’s drive until Pink Door Franschhoek appears. We’d hardly parked when our hosts, Kim and Bernadine, came to the gate to greet us.

From the parking area, our bags were carried into the house, and in the kitchen, a welcome hamper filled with tempting snacks was waiting for us – along with a bottle of sparkling wine from local winery L’Ormarins. With a glass of bubbly poured, we were invited on a brief tour to familiarise ourselves with what would be our home for the next few days. 

The rooms

This off-the-grid home has been exceptionally fitted out, with no expense spared. Three plush en suite rooms space themselves off the entrance hall. From the jute flooring, reed-woven wall coverings, to the rattan oak wardrobes, the designers have tastefully brought the outdoors inside. Each of the three bedrooms shares the warmth of the natural materials used, but each has its own personal touch via custom artwork, bed throws, and large scatter cushions. All three bedrooms also open onto the wraparound balcony through French doors, with tables and chairs for outdoor reflection.

The bathrooms

The bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, equipped with well-loved, proudly local brand Africology’s amenities. The highlight was the principal suite’s bathtub – the oversized Victoria and Albert tub sat prominently in the spacious room, adjacent to double sash windows. With accompanying bath salts and soak, it felt like a regal experience, reclining in the tub after an afternoon or evening of exploring. Even the fluted marble detail in the guest bathroom exceeded expectations.

The facilities

With bags unpacked, it was over to the home’s central living area. An open-plan kitchen/dining/lounge serves as the communal space for social connection. Here, attention to design details continues, from the warm timber tones and matt brass details on the chairs to the beautifully chamfered design on the table legs. A clever flow of natural materials, with all the flooring transitioning seamlessly.

The first thing you’ll notice in the kitchen is the classic Aga cooker, and yes, in powder pink. The centre island makes serving food easy, with the coffee machine and dual wine fridges within arm’s reach. Recognising that some may need to send a few emails or take an urgent work call, there’s a beautifully enclosed study, making work feel like a special occasion.

Outside, the large veranda with neoclassical pillars lends a stately air, before descending to the ten-metre heated pool. One end of the rounded rectangular pool features a built-in ledge for sitting, with invigorating jets activated at the push of a button: a clever design that combines both pool and jacuzzi. An adjacent hot shower completes the outdoor hydrotherapy setup.

Surrounding the house is a beautifully landscaped garden designed by Francesca Watson, with various spaces for natural connection. The lush vegetable and fruit beds are both an aesthetic treat and a source of fresh produce, which guests are welcome to pick and graze from. The garden botanicals made a splendid addition to our evening G&Ts – enjoyed beneath the shade of large olive trees. There’s even a courtyard off the lounge with a tranquil koi pond – perfect for early summer mornings or soaking up the late afternoon winter sun.

The location

Franschhoek is South Africa’s renowned Winelands village. From Cape Town and the airport, it’s an easy 45-minute drive. Along the way, there are numerous premium wine estates to explore, as well as some of the country’s top dining experiences. Being just a minute’s walk from Franschhoek’s main street, exploring from Pink Door Franschhoek is a breeze. For a scenic nature walk, Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is a 15-minute drive up the Franschhoek pass – offering a range of hikes suitable for different fitness levels, with views of the mountainous reserve.

Other nice touches

A novel feature I’d not experienced before was the lights hanging above the outside dining table doubling as heaters. A clever touch for outdoor evening dining on cooler nights (we enjoyed outdoor meals despite it being midwinter). The quirky drinks trolley was a helpful addition, especially when we wanted to serve drinks in the garden. The garden’s pizza oven was a lovely twist – we didn’t have time to try it, giving a convenient excuse for a return visit.

The cost

Bookings start at around £1500, accommodating up to six guests. This rate includes a dedicated butler, daily breakfast with a private chef, discreet housekeeping, and a complimentary minibar. In addition to the bed-and-breakfast option, full-board arrangements can also be easily made. Keep an eye out for the current ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ special, which can reduce the cost to around £1000 per night. 

The best bit

A stay at Pink Door Franschhoek is truly an experience of ‘curated luxury’. In addition to the welcome snacks and drinks, our host returned later with a mixologist, and custom cocktails were shaken up and served in the garden. In the evening, a barbecue/braai was lovingly prepared for us, including a table setup on the veranda. The next morning, we woke to inviting aromas – not only was a continental spread waiting, but also a hot breakfast menu, prepared by the cook in the back kitchen. With daily cleaning, turndown service, complimentary minibar, and tailored help with your itinerary, it truly is the most effortless of stays. 

The final verdict

All this makes for what must be one of Franschhoek’s most incredible private villa stays, and fresh on the market, the team are eagerly waiting to welcome guests to their piece of Winelands paradise.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Pink Door Franschhoek

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Pink Door.

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a travel writer from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting people and experiences through words, images and social media.