{"id":40112,"date":"2019-09-06T06:00:29","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T06:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/?p=40112"},"modified":"2019-09-19T07:27:15","modified_gmt":"2019-09-19T07:27:15","slug":"luxuriate-in-the-artistic-haven-of-leeu-estates-franschhoek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/luxuriate-in-the-artistic-haven-of-leeu-estates-franschhoek\/","title":{"rendered":"Luxuriate in the Artistic Haven of Leeu Estates, Franschhoek"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When you arrive at the gate of a property, are greeted by name and &#8220;W<em>e\u2019ve been expecting you\u201d,<\/em> you know that you\u2019re going to be in for a special stay. Leeu Estates, part of the Leeu Collection portfolio, is set at the foot of the Dassenberg mountains in Franschhoek and is owned by Analjit Singh, who has become synonymous with development in the area.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72812\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/leeu-estates-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/leeu-estates-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/leeu-estates-2-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/leeu-estates-2-940x564.jpg 940w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Premium Status<\/h4>\n<p>The Leeu Collection is also known for its impeccable style and luxury to the nth degree and in fact, Leeu Estates <span class=\"s1\">is the only hotel in the Cape Winelands to have achieved the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA)\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/leeu-estates-secures-new-5-star-premium-status-a-first-for-the-cape-winelands\/\">5-Star Premium status<\/a>. This was introduced in April 2019 to recognise exceptional 5-star properties that have reached the pinnacle of quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"rir-row\"><div class=\"rir-cols-2\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Manor-House-Main-Entrance-4x6.jpg\" \/><\/div><div class=\"rir-cols-2\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Estates-Gardens-4x6.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72813\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Leeu-Estates-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Leeu-Estates-3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Leeu-Estates-3-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Leeu-Estates-3-940x526.jpg 940w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The grounds of Leeu Estates at Dassenberg are absolutely immaculate, not a leaf is out of place. The drive through the property to the reception area passes lawns, young vines and the &#8216;bokkie&#8217; rose garden, all of which are perfectly manicured \u2013 nipped and tucked by a team of garden management who only operate at certain times of the day, so as not to disturb the guest experience. This is just one example of the degree that the team have gone to in order to ensure that guests have the ultimate stay.<\/p>\n<h4>For the Art Lover<\/h4>\n<p>The rooms, some of which are in the main house, and others that are located in the gardens of the property, all overlook the lush green lawns, which are dotted with an enviable collection of incredible artworks \u00a0\u2013 one of the hallmarks of the venue.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72810\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Leeu-Estates-Manor-house5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Leeu-Estates-Manor-house5.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Leeu-Estates-Manor-house5-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Leeu-Estates-Manor-house5-940x564.jpg 940w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>The main garden is home to Artemis, goddess of hunting and her pack of wild dogs; she is a bold presence in the space and is central to the other pieces of work dotted around the property both inside and out.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Art lovers will be entranced by this private collection that boasts pieces from notable South African artists such as Guy du Toit, Beezy Bailey and Lionel Smit, plus pieces from international artists as well. You can spend a good few hours just browsing the art inside and out&#8230; and you really should.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Living-Room-Manor-House-Leeu-Estates-1x600.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-40131\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Living-Room-Manor-House-Leeu-Estates-1x600.jpg\" alt=\"Leeu Estates Franschhoek\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Living-Room-Manor-House-Leeu-Estates-1x600.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Living-Room-Manor-House-Leeu-Estates-1x600-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Living-Room-Manor-House-Leeu-Estates-1x600-940x564.jpg 940w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Tastefully Luxurious<\/h4>\n<p>The interior of the hotel lounge, patio and communal areas are all beautifully decorated and manage to find a level\u00a0of opulence through the selection of lush textiles and thoughtful finishings, while still remaining tasteful and comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>Our suite was located inside the main manor house and was extremely spacious. A full lounge area to relax in, as well as a huge room and private patio. The patio has been built around an enormous tree that provides wonderful shade and the perfect spot to sit back with a good book, or as we did, with a bottle of wine and a board of local cheeses.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Every detail has been thought of and the cool, muted colour palette extends the feeling of ultimate relaxation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Estates-Manor-House-Executive-Suite-LC-1x600.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-40125\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Estates-Manor-House-Executive-Suite-LC-1x600.jpg\" alt=\"Leeu Estates Franschhoek\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Estates-Manor-House-Executive-Suite-LC-1x600.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Estates-Manor-House-Executive-Suite-LC-1x600-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Estates-Manor-House-Executive-Suite-LC-1x600-940x564.jpg 940w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Collection Connections<\/h4>\n<p>One of the things that is a priority for the Leeu Collection is offering their guests premium dining and wine experiences. To this end, the group has joined forces with well-respected players in these industries, in order to be able to offer a complete experience.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Wine<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>On the wine side, they partnered with South African winemaking family, the Mullineuxs, forming <em>Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>At Leeu Estates there is a working cellar that can be seen from within the tasting area and tastings are guided by a seriously knowledgeable team. During our wine tasting (offered to all guests as part of your stay) we were introduced to some of the collection\u2019s most well-respected wines, including the Leeu Passant range that includes a heavenly Chardonnay and a Dry Red.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dine<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On the food side, you are spoilt for choice as a guest at the Leeu Collection. You can opt to catch a ride into town from the hotel and enjoy laid back very, top craft beer and casual bites at <a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/tuk-tuk-microbrewery-new-menu\/\">Tuk Tuk Micro-Brewery<\/a>. If you are looking for something a bit more upscale, you can enjoy amazing cuisine at <a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/protege-restaurant-franschhoek\/\">Prot\u00e9g\u00e9<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/an-exquisite-culinary-journey-at-la-petite-colombe-in-franschhoek\/\">La Petite Colombe<\/a>. For an authentic Indian dining experience, you simply have to try <a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/indian-food-marigold-restaurant-in-franschhoek\/\">Marigold<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mullineux-Leeu-Family-Wines-1x600-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-40134\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mullineux-Leeu-Family-Wines-1x600-1.jpg\" alt=\"Leeu Estates Franschhoek\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mullineux-Leeu-Family-Wines-1x600-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mullineux-Leeu-Family-Wines-1x600-1-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mullineux-Leeu-Family-Wines-1x600-1-940x564.jpg 940w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Leeu Estates also has a world-class spa, as well as a well-equipped gym area, including a lovely yoga lawn. If you have the time (unfortunately we didn\u2019t), then book in for a treatment or just relax at the spa pool.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>The spa is designed in a way that best showcases the beautiful view of the pool area and is all round a calming, relaxing place to spend a few hours in.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4>Breakfast at Leeu Estates<\/h4>\n<p>Breakfast is served in The Conservatory, an annex of the main dining room, which is a modern, glass-enclosed space that makes the most of the garden views (they also do an <a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/delightful-afternoon-tea-at-leeu-estates\/\">incredible high tea<\/a> here). We enjoyed a variety of delicious options from local salmon trout and freshly baked ciabatta to fresh fruits, homemade granolas and yoghurt.<\/p>\n<p>It simply wouldn&#8217;t be a trip to Franschhoek without indulging in some fine French pastries and the Pain au Chocolat and croissant we indulged in were some of the best I&#8217;ve had.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-1x600.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-40128\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-1x600.jpg\" alt=\"Leeu Estates Franschhoek\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-1x600.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-1x600-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-1x600-940x564.jpg 940w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-Relaxation-Area-1x600.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-40129\" src=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-Relaxation-Area-1x600.jpg\" alt=\"Leeu Estates Franschhoek\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-Relaxation-Area-1x600.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-Relaxation-Area-1x600-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Leeu-Spa-Relaxation-Area-1x600-940x564.jpg 940w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll admit, it\u2019s hard to leave the comforting embrace of Leeu Estates; nothing is too much for the attentive team of staff and the estate truly is beautiful. When he first visited Franschhoek in 2010, \u00a0Analjit Singh described experiencing \u201ca deep sense of belonging, of energy, a sense of place\u201d and I must say I feel the same way about the area. It is my favourite corner of the country and a stay at the lovely Leeu Estates will most likely\u00a0confirm it as yours too.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/leeucollection.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">leeucollection.com<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/leeucollection\">Facebook<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/leeucollection\">Twitter<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/leeucollection\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you arrive at the gate of a property, are greeted by name and &#8220;We\u2019ve been expecting you\u201d, you know that you\u2019re going to be in for a special stay. Leeu Estates, part of the Leeu Collection portfolio, is set at the foot of the Dassenberg mountains in Franschhoek and is owned by Analjit Singh, who has become synonymous with development in the area. Premium Status The Leeu Collection is also known for its impeccable style and luxury to the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":923,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4098,3902],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general","category-travelling"],"acf":[],"brand_slug":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/923"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40112"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40112\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72834,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40112\/revisions\/72834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}