Crown Jewel

The Owner's Villa living room interior at Delaire Graff Estate designed by David Collins Studio

Today’s discerning travellers seek the luxury of space, privacy, harmony and tranquillity. They yearn to discover havens away from the madding crowd, where they can still their minds, sharpen their senses, and physically recharge.

Discretely positioned at the highest point of the Helshoogte Pass, amid rolling vineyards and olive groves, Delaire Graff Estate welcomes guests in quiet splendour. Here the Lodges & Spa overlook the Elysian beauty of the Cape Winelands in a setting that never fails to take your breath away. Found beneath the Botmaskop Peak, the Delaire Graff Owner’s Villa is a showcase of design by David Collins Studio as the latest addition to an esteemed property portfolio.

The Villa is the ultimate refuge in the Winelands, offering complete privacy and exclusivity within a sophisticated sanctuary that spans more than 660 square metres. Calming reflection ponds set the tone at the entrance, while your gaze is drawn to the imposing front door of solid wood enhanced with dark-bronze ironmongery. This in itself is a work of art and a sign of things to come once you cross the threshold. It’s like stepping into a beautifully curated gallery where there is no time limit to absorb the contents of your surroundings fully and appreciate the attention to detail that has been applied to absolutely everything.

Walls covered in chic, neutral linens create the textured backdrop for an evolving exhibition of artworks, each piece personally selected by Laurence Graff from his private collection of creations by some of Africa’s finest contemporary artists. Dusty pinks and burnt oranges are showcased in the Villa alongside deep greens and clarets. Fumed oak floors are overlaid with hand-knotted rugs, and Crema Marfil Marble is prevalent in generous proportions.

Picture windows frame the landscape, elevating the panoramic view to artwork status. Elsewhere floor- to-ceiling glass further showcases the magnificent environment while open-plan, double-volume living spaces and dining areas lead to a private outdoor space that appears to float above the verdant valley. Imagine long, unhurried days spent soaking up the summer sun in-between refreshing dips in the 14-metre infinity pool. You can’t but help putting your mind in neutral as you take in the scenery below.

In autumn the falling leaves turn from rich emerald to gold, red, orange and brown, a spectacular colour palette that gives rise to flourishes of wild blossoms in spring. Cooler winter temperatures further promote rest and relaxation. You’ll be hard-pressed to move away from the glowing fire or the warmth of the Jacuzzi if you’re restoring tired muscles. Each season brings a beauty all its own and a chance to experience something remarkable.

Delaire Graff Estate is all about nourishing mind, body and soul. With four expansive bedroom suites, the Owner’s Villa is a premier destination for those travelling with companions, partners and families wanting to experience the pinnacle of luxury in Africa. From the Villa’s fully-appointed Gaggenau kitchen (stocked with thoughtfully selected homemade treats) to the exclusive wine library tempting you to discover the Estate’s award-winning older vintages, this is just the beginning.

Delaire Graff Owner's Villa Pool and Terrace in Stellenbosch

Dedicated villa attendants are on hand to spoil you with genuine warmth and South African hospitality. Attuned to anticipate and satisfy your every need, Delaire Graff Estate does nothing in half measures. When you’re ready to leave the intimacy of the Villa, you’ll no doubt relish a stroll through the manicured gardens designed by celebrated horticulturalist Keith Kirsten or the vineyards themselves that feed a world-class winery. Once you reach the main Lodge, you’ll be invited to try the holistic wellness treatments offered by the Delaire Graff Spa and the award-winning cuisine at Indochine Restaurant. Rest assured, you’ll go back for more.

Of his diamonds, Laurence Graff once said, “At Graff, we often feel that our work is about perfecting nature’s raw materials and revealing the innate, inherent beauty within the gemstones we cut and polish.” The same can be said of his Lodges & Spa. The finishes for the Owner’s Villa have been chosen to enhance the overall aesthetic of the Estate and blend harmoniously with the landscape. The result is an evolution of the David Collins Studio’s original design vocabulary for Delaire Graff Estate.

Luxury hotel suite at Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa in Stellenbosch

Bespoke materials and soft furnishings reflective of European flair have been carefully chosen to complement textures and tones inspired by Africa. The combination achieves a modern yet timeless appeal, taken up a few notches once again by Mr Graff’s personal selection of rare objects to create focal points for the interior.

The Lodges, which complement the Owner’s Villa, are stylishly designed to accommodate two guests. The living spaces feature delicately coloured, grass-cloth wall coverings in silver-blue tones and sofas in woven fabrics that mirror the African sky at night. Each bedroom features a soft palette of neutral colours. Oyster drapery in pure linens gently diffuses the light while linen sheers reveal a filtered view of the landscape.

Delaire Graff Estate is a legendary destination that delivers an exemplary lifestyle experience that makes you yearn to remain cocooned in sumptuous luxury. There’s just one challenge: it is virtually impossible to leave.

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