Like many of the i-escape team, La Grenadine’s friendly Parisian owners Melodie and Maxime quickly fell in love with Cape Town. And we’re really glad they did: their beautiful French-style farmhouse, with its slightly wild and tranquil garden, is one of our new favourite places to stay in one of our all-time favourite cities.
Originally stables and later a school, the building has been carefully renovated to make the most of its features while injecting a dose of colour. The central location, just off trendy Kloof Street, is great: it’s tucked away in a peaceful area so you get pretty outside space and a good night’s sleep, but it’s within walking distance of brilliant bars and restaurants for a fun night out.
Rooms: All 5 rooms are light, airy and beautiful, with cool and modern décor. There are pops of bright colour in the African print cushions, framed prints and indigenous protea flowers. Downstairs rooms lead onto the pretty garden, and those upstairs have stunning mountain views. The ensuites are semi-open plan: some are open to the room while others have shutters or glass doors – best that you’re very familiar with your roommate! If you want some extra space, The Cottage has 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen, a lounge, and a large olive tree-shaded terrace.
Food: A continental breakfast is served at a long communal table and includes local cheeses, pastries, homemade jams and fresh juices. No other meals are available, but if you want to bring in a take-away you can use the hotel’s cutlery and crockery. The Cottage is self-catering and has a full kitchen. Eating out isn’t a chore as there are lots of popular places to choose from on the nearby streets – Melodie and Maxime can give you recommendations.
Author’s tip: Art galleries stay open late on the first Thursday of each month. Walk down to Bree and Loop Streets to see the latest in local art, jewellery and design – and eat at one of the funky food trucks.
Press review: “Step behind the garden gate at the end of a tiny cul-de-sac off one of the city’s busiest streets, and you step into a parallel universe – a renovated 19th-century farm building owned by French artistes, set in a pretty, tranquil garden with old pomegranate, guava, avocado and olive trees.”
The Guardian
i-escape gift: A hand-embroidered cotton envelope