My boyfriend and I recently celebrated 7 whole years of blissful partnership. While the beginning was a little rocky, as most relationships are, the past few years have been almost freakishly blessed with love, laughter and happy moments.
In celebration, we decided to celebrate it at the gorgeous Val d’Or Estate in Franschhoek. A beautiful 4 star guest house estate nestled in the many vineyards surrounding it.
The beautiful vista from the balcony
The estate is sprinkled with luxurious rooms, both B&B and self-catering (we were all cosy in the Luxury Self-Catering Unit), a sparkling blue swimming pool for those iconic hot Franschhoek days, braai areas, and even a small mandarin orchard!
The Luxury Self-Catering Unit we stayed in had (as most, if not all of the rooms do) aircon, tv set & DStv, a large and very plush double bed (with the most intricate headboard!), tea/coffee making facilities, robes, slippers, a wall safe and even a hairdryer.
The living area of the Luxury Self-Catering Unit
Our kitchen was fitted with a stove top, and an Honesty Bar stocked with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to quench your thirst.
Breakfast, included with some rooms, consisted of croissants, muffins, fruit salad, a selection of cereals, fruit juice, and cheeses. Also provided is a hot breakfast, which consisted of two eggs, a small sausage, fried tomato, mushrooms and bacon. Forgive me for being so detailed on the breakfast, but it was by far a highlight of my day! Hehe!
When not sunning yourself at the pool, or cuddling up on the couch with your loved one, there is the town of Franschoek or its surrounds to explore. Try Val d’Or’s affliated restaurant, Chez d’Or, or pop in for some pizza and cocktails at Col’Cacchios, or get your chocolate fix at the popular Huguenot’s Fine Chocolates (sporting chocolate shotglasses, characteristic of places offering chocolate tasting such as Lourensford).
The wonderful and friendly staff of Val d’Or are more than happy to help you plan your days’ events, as well as assist with reservations at the local restaurants should you need them. The reception area is also well stocked with pamphlets on other exciting things on offer, as well as a bar area and a lounge area with family games and many rows of well-worn books to thumb through.
Of course, being a blog focussed on (among other photographic events) weddings, I would be remiss not to mention that Val d’Or is no stranger to wedding functions. Their stunning estate has spectacular, well manicured lawns on which to hold your ceremony, perfect for a warm summer’s night.
I would personally recommend any bride to consider this 4 star guesthouse as their wedding venue…you wont be disappointed!
The view of the sunset from our room
