Grand Dédale Country House

The historic Manor House on Doolhof Wine Estate, dating back to the early 1700s has recently been restored to its former Cape Dutch elegance and now houses six individually designed and appointed en-suite bedrooms, offering 5 Star luxuries and service. Our free-standing thatched cottage forms the seventh bedroom and is ideal for honeymooners or guests seeking additional privacy.

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.

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 1700s to this estate, due to the many hills and vales which allowed only one way in and out. 'Grand Dédale' 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. 

Start your day with a delicious 'Cap Classique' breakfast with a range of homemade treats and a mouthwatering 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.

For the active traveller, the 380 hectares of mountains, vineyards and fynbos, which even stretches across Bainskloof Pass, are ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. 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. 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 therapist.