Discover the Enchanting Charms of Franschhoek. Ft Janice Hicks & Kate Sanders

Franschhoek is a charming, yet very cosmopolitan,  village in the Western Cape of South Africa, celebrated as the "Food and Wine Capital of South Africa." It boasts a rich history of French Huguenot settlers, evident in its wine culture and culinary heritage. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lush vineyards, the town offers a picturesque setting for wine tasting, gourmet dining, and outdoor activities. 

Visitors can explore art galleries, enjoy cultural events, and attend annual festivals like the Bastille Day Celebration. With its proximity to Cape Town and a range of accommodation options, Franschhoek is a popular destination for locals and tourists seeking a taste of South Africa's finest wines, cuisine, and natural beauty.

The town's appeal lies in its unique blend of French influence, artistic vibrancy, and stunning landscapes, making it a captivating destination for those looking to indulge in the pleasures of wine and culinary exploration while immersing themselves in a rich historical and cultural tapestry.

Why do people buy and live in Franschhoek?

Nestled in one of the world's most beautiful wine valleys, just a short 45-minute drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek is often hailed as the "French corner of the Cape." The town's location provides easy access to the nearby wine routes of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington, and Somerset West. Beyond wine-related activities, Franschhoek offers a diverse array of experiences. 

You can indulge in wine-tasting vineyard tours and even take exhilarating helicopter rides over the vast valleys. Guided art walks, visits to the Motor Museum, horse riding, scooter tours, paragliding, perfume making, tuk-tuk adventures, and many more activities await, ensuring a rich and memorable visit to this charming South African town.

What exclusive estates/properties can you find in Franschhoek?

Franschhoek offers a diverse array of property types, reflecting its unique blend of South African charm and French-inspired heritage. Property options include vineyard estates, historic homes, luxury villas, country estates, apartments, vacation rentals, farms and smallholdings, residential plots, and wine estate residences.

Notable Hamilton's listings include the following coveted estates and homes:

Fransche Hoek Estate - https://www.fhae.co.za/
La Petite Provence - https://www.lapetiteprovence.co.za/
Domaine Des Anges - https://domaineda.co.za/
La Ferme Chantelle - https://www.lafermechantelle.co.za/

Are there schools in the area that act as a drawcard?

The quality of education in Franschhoek - or neighbouring Paarl -  is nothing short of outstanding, ensuring that the area's young minds receive the best possible foundation for their future. It's a testament to Franschhoek's commitment to nurturing the next generation and creating a thriving community that values knowledge and personal growth. Some notable schools in and around Franschhoek include the following:

Bridge House School - https://www.bridgehouse.org.za/
The Green School in Paarl - https://greenschoolsa.co.za/
Paarl Gymnasium  - https://www.paarlgim.co.za/
Paarl Boys High  - https://www.paarlboyshigh.org.za/
Paarl Girls High School - https://www.paarlgirlshigh.com/
La Rochelle Girls High School - https://www.larries.co.za/

It's worth noting that some of South Africa's most celebrated Springbok rugby players have emerged from the hallowed halls of these schools in Paarl. The schools' dedication to nurturing both the mind and body is evident through their comprehensive educational programs and robust sports culture, making them not only centres of academic achievement but also breeding grounds for future sports legends.

What recreational activities exist for those living in Franschhoek?

Franschhoek's vibrant social scene is enriched by a Village Market that comes alive every weekend, providing a delightful shopping experience. Throughout the year, the town hosts a medley of exciting festivals, such as the Bastille Festival, Champagne Festival, Harvest Festival, and the Literary Festival, to name just a few. 

What truly sets Franschhoek apart, however, is its culinary scene, offering a cornucopia of award-winning restaurants. Among the valley's finest dining establishments are:

La Residence(Hotel Restaurant) - https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/la-residence/
Orangerie at Le Lude - https://lelude.co.za/the-orangerie-restaurant/
Le Coin Français - https://lecoinfrancais.co.za/
La Petite Colombe - https://lapetitecolombe.restaurant/
Oku Asian Eatery - https://eat-oku.co.za/
Protégé - https://protege.restaurant/
Col'Cacchio - https://www.colcacchio.co.za/
French ConnectionReuben's - https://www.frenchconnection.co.za/
Restaurant & Bar Franschhoek - http://reubens.co.za/
Allora Franschhoek - http://allora.co.za/
Miko at Mont Rochelle - https://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/mont-rochelle/miko
Chefs Warehouse at Maison - https://www.chefswarehouse.co.za/maison

Franschhoek's access to major hubs, highways, or CBD?

Just a 45-minute drive to the N1, connecting you to an array of Cape Town's most alluring destinations.  A 20-minute drive will allow you access to both Stellenbosch and Paarl.

How close are Hospitals and Emergency Services?

Franschhoek residents are fortunate to be a mere 20-minute drive from the renowned Paarl Medi Clinic, a leading healthcare institution.

Other local medical facilities include:

Mediclinic Winelands Orthopaedic Hospital & Mediclinic Winelands Day Clinic
Optima Rustenvrede Hospital
Dr CF Weyers Practice
Rustenvrede Psychiatric Hospital

How secure is Franschhoek?

There are several private security companies which operate in conjunction with one another and patrol the streets and farming areas at night.  The bonus is that there is only one road in and one out, making it difficult for criminals to escape quickly. 

There are also several cameras throughout the village, as well as at the entrance and exit roads, which can pick up number plates.  There is a crime watch WhatsApp group which the community can join, and this gets the security companies involved as soon as an incident happens, which is a considerable deterrent to petty criminals.

About Jan and Kate

With two decades of experience in Franschhoek, Janice brings a wealth of local knowledge to her role as a resident and real estate professional. Kate, who has resided in the area for the same period, offers a remarkable 14 years of expertise in property rentals. Their diverse skill sets make them an invaluable resource for anyone seeking real estate guidance in this unique locale.

Contact Janice Hicks and Kate Sanders if you are looking to buy or sell in Franschhoek:

Janice Hicks
Cell: 072 991 6272
Email: janice@hamiltons.co.za

Read Janice's feature - Building Strong Relationships - Hamilton's Key to Success in Real Estate. Ft Janice Hicks

Kate Sanders
Cell: 079 068 2130
Email: kate@hamiltons.co.za

Read Kate's feature - Celebrating Women's Month - Meet Kate Sanders, A Remarkable Force in Real Estate at Hamilton's

Here's to another twenty years of delivering our promise of The Boutique Experience.

Read our previous article here.

Contact one of our offices below; we look forward to hearing from you:
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Email: reception@hamiltons.co.za

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