Franschhoek House: More Than Just a Hotel in South Africa
Dream-like atmospheres, bright and lively colors, and a touch of yesteryear charm set amidst pristine natural landscapes woven through lush vineyards—it’s not a scene from a Kehinde Wiley painting, though the rich palette and decor might suggest otherwise. Instead, this is the distinctive charm of Franschhoek House, a recently opened eclectic hotel in the wine-producing region of Franschhoek, South Africa, just an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
Part of the renowned La Residence estate in Franschhoek, this location boasts six brand-new suites that enhance the hospitality offered by the Royal Portfolio—a family-run collection of luxury hotels, lodges, villas, and private residences across South Africa. Notable properties such as Royal Malewane, Birkenhead House, and The Silo Hotel, like The Residence, are situated in some of the country’s most beautiful and iconic areas. With a mix of luxury properties designed for safaris, the Winelands, beaches, and urban settings, Royal Portfolio is highly sought-after by luxury travelers.
The Unique Aesthetic Sensibility of Liz Biden
The breathtaking landscapes of the region aside, what captured our attention is the unique aesthetic sensibility of Liz Biden, the interior designer and owner of Franschhoek House. She shared her love for color in all its potential (as long as it’s not too desaturated) and her passion for embracing challenges without losing her identity. “I could never conceive of a room in white or beige. If we can live in color, well… why choose to live in beige?” she told AD.
The result of her design project? The interior design of Franschhoek House is a sophisticated mix of cultural influences where French baroque and rococo aesthetics blend with the vibrancy of colors and textures from African and Indian cultures. The walls feature tributes to African art, showcasing works by contemporary artists such as Franklyn Dzingai, Tega Tsfadzwa, Amanda Mushate, Chokuwamba, Kate Gottgens, and Grace Nyahanga.
Contemporary Art Enlivens the Suites
When asked about the role of contemporary art in the concept of the suites, Biden expressed her deliberate choice to include design pieces with strong personalities and vivid chromatic contrasts. Her preference leans towards “flamboyant” tastes. She elaborates, “I love colors! I’ve never had a day of professional training, so I’m not afraid of colors. People say, ‘You can’t put red with pink.’ I do it, and for me, it’s fantastic. It makes me happy. I could never create a room in white or beige. If we can live in colors, why live in beige? The use of color and combinations are considered. Color emanates vibrancy and joy, creating a relaxing and soothing environment.”
“For all our projects, we collaborate with many local suppliers. For instance, the flooring in the Long Room and the tiles on the terrace are from Zerocrete, a local brand that uses non-recyclable waste in concrete and diverts it from landfills. The beautiful wallpaper is by Robin Sprong Wallpapers and was designed by Francois Mostert. And as I mentioned earlier, many artists are African,” Biden added.
A Rejuvenating and Comfortable Hotel
Describing the style of this location in terms of interior design choices, Biden remarked, “It’s a quiet and rejuvenating place, and the style reflects this aspect. We’ve created comfortable spaces throughout the villa, where guests can relax and enjoy the view of the Franschhoek valley. The mountain immediately connects visitors with nature, and the colors present in every room brighten their stay.”
Inspirations Behind the Project
Biden draws many ideas from her travels and collects furniture, decorative items, and fabrics from places like Marrakech and India. “Most of the fabrics at Franschhoek House, including the curtains, are hand-embroidered silk from India. In all properties, when I prepare a suite, I always like to include something old or vintage to provide depth, something modern, and something fun that makes people smile,” she explained.
What to Do in Franschhoek
Discussing must-have experiences in the area, Biden highlighted, “Franschhoek is known as the culinary capital of South Africa, with many incredible restaurants, renowned chefs, and numerous wineries with award-winning wines. The food and wine experience is a must when visiting Franschhoek. A pleasant way to explore the surroundings, thanks to the numerous trails in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, is by walking or biking. It’s a unique experience.”
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Theo is a dynamic fitness coach who brings energy, realism, and flavor to healthy living. His content is about strong bodies, positive minds, and meals that fuel both.