Franschhoek, South Africa
Rickety Bridge Estate
Cape Dutch farmstead
Cape Dutch farmstead
The estate operates as a working winery, where guests stay in restored Cape Dutch buildings beside active vineyards and cellars.
What it’s good at
Notable
Cape Dutch farm buildings from 1839 hold rooms with period antiques beside vineyards.
Listed
Active vineyards along the Franschhoek River host cellar tours and regional wine tastings.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Bunches of wildflowers and a warm lighting scheme add a down-to-earth appeal that suits the rural setting.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Amid Franschhoek Valley vineyards along the Franschhoek River, beneath the slopes of the Dassenberg Mountain.
The rooms
The 1839 Manor House has Cape antiques and a private pool. Across the river, thatched farm cottages share a courtyard garden pool.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Loungers line the circular paved terrace, which looks out across rows of vines toward the Dassenberg Mountain.
Rickety Bridge Restaurant
Tables sit along a covered veranda facing the vines, serving French bistro dishes made with local South African produce.
Bar
Wine Tasting Centre & Cellar
Pours of estate wines like Regna Loca and Foundation Stone accompany guided cellar tours among the oak barrels.
How it began
Pioneering winemaker Paulina de Villiers acquired the estate in 1797, making her one of the first female landowners in South Africa.
Franschhoek
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.