The Map Room

The Map Room is a romantic bolt-hole for two intrepid travellers located an hours drive from Cape Town and 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport. Originally settled by French Huguenots in the 17th century, Franschhoek has become the gourmet capital of South Africa. This picturesque village, nestling between towering mountains in the Cape Winelands, offers not only food and wine, but also a vibrant, artistic community in one of the most beautiful valleys in the country.

The house is located in one of the oldest and grandest streets of Franschhoek, Cabriere Street. This section of the street is one of the last streets to remain un-tarred in the village, retaining its "agricultural" feel, where tractors still ply the track. This unusual accommodation is arranged over two floors with the bedroom downstairs and the living area upstairs accessed through a spiral staircase.

The living quarters at raised ground-level comprise one gargantuan master bedroom with inbuilt sultans bath leading into an en-suite wet-room with shower, loo and basin. There is a ceiling fan above the bed and heating panels on the walls. Downstairs is the hallway, guest bathroom with shower, loo and basin, and a spiral staircase leading to the upstairs living area.

The first floor is known as the watering hole, grazing area and place to kick off your thousand-milers. It boasts an expansive open-plan, double-volume kitchen, living, and dining area with a log fireplace, flat-screen TV with DStv, DVD and classic movie selection, and is perfect for unwinding after a long attack at the local vineyards, or a gorging meal at one of Franschhoeks many restaurants.

Six folding glass doors open onto the deck with barbecue, table and chairs, looking out across the vineyards and mountains. There is a fully-equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine and the Map Room has a fast WiFi connection for those who want time to research their next expedition into the wild blue yonder.