After staying overnight at Leeu House, part of the Leeu Collection, I visited the newly opened Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, which began receiving guests just a couple of weeks ago.

It’s a five-star boutique hotel in a dreamlike setting, backed by mountains and with an unparalleled view of the Francshhoek Valley. There are 17 rooms, and they’re quite beautiful.

Proprietor Analjit Singh fell in love with South Africa after visiting for the 2010 world cup, and has since invested serious money in his various ventures here, including the Mullineux winery, and this – the flagship. The Leeu Collection includes restaurants, a brew pub, and luxury accommodation.

The Leeu Estates is a grand project that started in 2013 when Singh bought three adjoining Franschhoek farms -Dieu Donné, Von Ortloff and Klein Dassenberg. Over the last couple of years it has taken its current form, with 68 hectares of vineyard and beautifully sculpted gardens. The main manor house has 6 bedrooms, with the remaining 11 split among cottages. Singh loves art and gardening, and these interests are reflected in way the estate has been developed.

There’s also a lovely spa here, which I was lucky enough to experience. It was amazing.

The Bokkie Garden is beautiful, and eventually will be home to a herd of small bokkies (deer). In the middle of the garden is an impressive Angus Taylor bronze called ‘Reflective Resonance’. It’s the setting of Leeu Estates that really makes it. Yes, the development is tasteful and luxurious with incredible attention to detail. But this can be done anywhere. What’s special about this project is its location. Together, the combination is irresistible.

More details: Leeu Collection