The historic Manor House on Doolhof Wine Estate has been restored to its former Cape Dutch elegance and now houses six luxurious en-suite bedrooms, offering luxury and comfort. A thatched stone cottage forms the 7th bedroom and stands a short distance from the house. Spacious entertainment areas, a spa room and landscaped gardens with a 15 meter pool guarantee privacy and relaxation. The 380 hectares of land are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, walking and mountain biking. Wine tasting, restaurant, function and conference facilities on site.
The Country House
Situated in a long valley just below the Bainskloof Pass, the Estate not only offers a wide variety of outdoor activities but is also an ideal base from which to explore the Cape.
The name "Doolhof" is the Afrikaans word for labyrinth and was given by the early settlers of the 1700's to this estate, due to the many hills and vales which allowed only one way in and out. Grand Dedale translates into "Great Labyrinth".
Today we invite our guests to experience the mystical Doolhof Valley. When entering the romantic country road leading into the Estate, visitors are surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, vineyards and mysterious forests. The gates with the great "D" lead past manicured horse paddocks and rows of white roses, revealing the beauty and elegance of the Estate.
We believe that luxury comes with space and have therefore created a large veranda, two dining areas, a library and tea lounge, a TV lounge with international channels, two conservatories, extensive landscaped gardens and a 15 meter pool, ensuring a high level of privacy and comfort.
Rooms
The 6 rooms in the Manor House are very spacious and all offer king size or twin beds, air-conditioning, tea & coffee tray, electronic safe, i-pod docking station with radio, wireless internet connection, remote telephone, a flat screen TV, hairdryer, under floor heating in the bathroom, heated towel rail, a free standing bathtub with separate shower or shower overhead, highest quality 720 g towels, luxurious velour bathrobes, 300 thread count percale cotton linen, imported, allergy free down duvets and pillows (fine fibre pillows are available on request) as well as luxurious amenities.
The three rooms on the ground floor offer a private patio and dining area. The romantic rooms upstairs are beautifully appointed under thatched roof.
The freestanding thatched stone cottage being the oldest building on the Estate, dating back to 1707 has been lovingly restored and is ideal for honeymoon couples or guests seeking additional privacy. There are
two bathrooms downstairs, one with shower and one with a jet bath. The wooden staircase leads to the bedroom upstairs with a king size bed overlooking the paddocks and the Manor House. As it stands a short distance from the main house, the cottage offers a private minibar and satellite TV in the open plan lounge downstairs. A private patio overlooking the horse paddocks & forests completes the experience.
Dining
Start your day with a delicious "Cap Classique" breakfast with a range of homemade treats and a mouth-watering selection of cooked dishes. Light lunches and snacks are served throughout the day picnic baskets or backpacks are available by prior arrangement. In the afternoons we serve a high tea buffet with homemade delicacies. Join us for a sundown aperitif or wine tasting, which is followed by an imaginative three-course table d'hôte menu, prepared by our resident chef. Emphasising game and seafood, all ingredients are locally sourced and prepared in a Cape idiom.
Activities
With an abundance of possibilities to fill your day, we recommend a minimum stay of 2 nights.
For the active traveller, the 380 hectares of mountains, vineyards and fynbos (which even stretch across Bainskloof Pass!) are ideal for hiking, walking and mountain biking. There are two well marked walks leading past the river and the vineyards, allowing our guests to enjoy the scenic views over the mountains and the Estate. For larger groups we can also arrange clay pigeon shooting, quad biking or paragliding on the Estate
Many more activities, such as trout fishing, hot air ballooning or canyoning are available close by and we are ready to assist with arrangements. Some of the most beautiful golf courses are within a 45-minute drive.
A treatment room by the pool area is available for a wide range of stress relieving and invigorating spa treatments performed by professional mobile therapists.
The full range of Doolhof's award winning wines is available for tasting in the tasting room on request, we will gladly arrange for a private tour through the wine cellar.
Functions
With the dramatic mountain ranges, the reputation for excellent food & wine, tranquillity & relaxation and the proximity to the major attractions of the Cape Peninsula, Grand Dedale Country House in the Cape Winelands is a preferred destination for guests seeking a special location for an intimate wedding or celebration from 2 to 120 guests.
The 380 hectares of mountains, vineyards and fynbos surrounding the Estate offer an abundance of possibilities for a wedding ceremony and provide the perfect background for your wedding photography.
