Akademie Street Boutique Hotel and Guesthouse is located on the quiet oak-lined street of Akademie in Franschhoek. It’s owned by Arthur and Katherine McWilliam Smith, with daughter Jessie in the management mix.
Arthur, a respected foodie, is a former mayor of Franschhoek and the founder of the famed Le Quartier Francais restaurant so we knew we were in good hands.
When I arrived for my memorable stay I was warmly received by Anna the black labrador and manager Hazel Hippolyte, a happy start to a unique experience.
I have never experienced such care, consideration and attention to detail. I have been to exclusive hideaways that cover all the bases – or so I thought. Here it is “au naturelle”, never overstated or hoity toity.
We were placed in one of two guest suites in the main house, both of which were soundproofed to ensure guests were not disturbed. There was a charged cellphone next to each bed, with Akademie Street’s number on speed-dial, for guests to take on their outings.
Virtually everything was complimentary – premium bubbly, mini bar, wi-fi, laundry, a Nespresso machine, and effective aircon.
The huge bed, linen and bathroom were top notch. Curtains on the inside, shutters on the outside, a private conservatory, a glass roof which retracts during the day and a beautiful, relaxed garden were some of the attractions.
Other accommodation included Oortuiging, a cottage built in the 1860s in the shade of a great white stinkwood, and Gelatenheid, a double-storey building with a wide balcony, outside bath, superb mountain views, a long swimming pool and fountain.
All of The guesthouses connect through winding garden pathways and meet at the main Cape Dutch home, Twyfeling, where breakfast is served under a vine-covered patio alongside a heated pool.
And what breakfasts they were – definitely not ones to be rushed.
Although Franschhoek has much to offer, our first stop was to nearby Paarl to visit DV Artisan Chocolate, situated in a Cape Dutch manor house on the Suid Agter Paarl Road. This is single origin stuff from Trinidad, Madagascar, Sao Tome, two different locations in Venezuela and, my favourite, Uganda. Century-old artisanal methods result in gorgeous flavours. This is not chocolate to be scoffed but to savour slowly.
We decided to take Arthur up on some of his insightful food and wine recommendations in the area.
Highlights included Boekenhoutskloof, high up on the slopes in the corner of the valley. It was established in 1776. Rescued from dereliction in 1993 and revamped, Boekenhoutskloof was John Platter’s 2012 winery of the year. , producing such wines as Porcupine Ridge, Wolftrap and Chocolate Block.
We enjoyed the premium Boekenhoutskloof label wine on the terrace, sharing the magnificent views with the giant porcupine sculpture.
We then visited the less-known but equally commendable Stonybrook, en route to a light lunch at Funiki, Kiyomasu Deon Sensei’s quaint little Japanese eatery. We had the best salmon roses and wasabi imaginable here.
We kept space though for dinner at Le Quartier Francais’s Common Room – needless to say, it was world-class and highly memorable.
During this short Franschhoek getaway we were treated like gold and enjoyed some delectable tastes. It comes highly recommended.
Roll out the barrel for the Bastille Festival
Dust off your berets, pull on your boots and dress up in your finest red, white and blue – French fever’s in the air with the Franschhoek Bastille Festival. South Africa’s leading wine and culinary destination, which is now in its 20th year, takes place over the weekend of July 13 and 14.
Join in the fun and festivities at the Food and Wine Marquee, which over the years has become the focal point of the festival. It’s a popular meeting place, serving superb wines from Franschhoek’s award-winning wine estates, as well as appetising dishes created by some of the most acclaimed chefs in the Franschhoek valley.
Tickets to the Food and Wine Marquee cost R150 per person, and include a complimentary tasting glass plus a booklet of tasting coupons. Additional coupons can be bought on the day.
For avid wine enthusiasts the VIP Marquee offers the opportunity to sip, sample and savour a variety of complimentary wines from the Franschhoek Valley. It includes three complimentary food vouchers: for a hot and cold meal and dessert. Tickets, which cost R550 per person, include separate VIP access, entry to the Food & Wine Marquee, a complimentary tasting glass and wine-tasting coupons.
If you fancy a break from wine tasting, try some of the festivities of the non-grape variety. These include boules, the Waiters’ Race, the Franschhoek minstrel parade and the popular barrel-rolling contest. A farmers’ market, craft market, musicians and children’s activities are also included in the line-up of festival celebrations. - Weekend Argus
* For tickets, visit www.webtickets.co.za.