Vrede en Lust: A well known secret not only for honeymooners

In the middle of the Cape wine lands between the historical towns of Franschhoek and Paarl, a peaceful place named Vrede en Lust marks a delightful retreat for those who are looking for a special breakaway space. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Simonsberg, the beautiful 318 year-old Manor House of Vrede en Lust, surrounded by vineyards and old ok trees, has become a well known secret as the ideal spot particularly for weddings and other special occasions of (business)-life. (4 star rated)

The beautifully restored Manor House dates back to 1688 when Huguenot Jacques de Savoye started on his farm Vrede en Lust, not imagining that three centuries later, the gracious old home would be enjoyed by travellers from South Africa and abroad. Next to the Manor House is a quaint row of guest cottages created out of the original jonkmanshuis (young man's house), named after the founders daughters Marguerite and Barbére.

 
Manor House - For larger view click image
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It was updated in 1780 by the De Villiers family and in the 1920's a fire destroyed part of it, again leading to some changes in its structure. When Vrede en Lust was bought in 1996 by its actual owner, Dana Buys, it was a fruit farm, with a few vines. He started that the estate was being modernized in terms of winemaking and replanting vast areas with noble wine grape cultivars, and the Manor House was also being faithfully restored.

At night, tucked up in the big and comfortable bed, with its crisp white duvet and piles of pillows, guests can hear the sounds of the owls hooting under cover of darkness. But as the sun rises, it seems as if all the birds in the winelands come out to play.

Barbere Entrance - For larger view click image

Vrede en Lust wines went on sale in 2004. The winery is currently producing 15.000 cases per year, and has the capacity to deliver 40.000 cases per annum.

The farm's winery, built to exacting specifications and overlooking vineyards and the Simonsberg mountains, is ideally situated for visitors to experience the passion of the wines created on the three century old estate. To encourage people and students to taste new wines Vrede en Lust is offering free wine tasting and also the so called wine enthusiast tasting which was created with the idea of a suberb fusion of tastes in mind. The wines on offer at the free tastings are Karien, Barbère, Simond, Cara and the Classic.

At the same time, a tasting is offered for the “Wine Enthusiast”, fee-based five wine tasting that includes Marguerite - a handmade Chardonnay sold only on the estate - and the Reserve. This tasting is paired with local cheeses and pâtés.

Many travellers in South Africa enjoy the great variety of golf courses. A stay at Vrede en Lust can combine all the pleasures South Africa has to offer. Only a 20 minutes drive away from the estate is the famous Pearl Valley Golf Course, a signature golf course by Jack Nicklaus, perfectly manicured and almost ready for the next coming South African Airways Open in 2007.

The Manor House is available only as a package while the cottages are rented out as single units. Prices on request.

For more information please contact: Vrede en Lust at: