Established in 1947 in the scenic Devon Valley, this popular country retreat stands on a sheltered slope offering stunning views to the Helderberg Mountains on the opposite side of Stellenbosch. The hotel formed part of the Protea chain for several years but now functions independently, and it lies on the Sylvanvale Estate, a boutique winery founded in the 1960s.
Reception is in the main building, a large farmhouse-style construction with whitewashed brick walls and a dark tiled roof, set among a copse of tall oaks and other deciduous trees. In the same building is the award-winning Flavour Restaurant,
which is particularly strong on game meat and seafood from the nearby Atlantic, and is known for its excellent Sunday buffet, all complemented by a carefully selected wine list. For casual alfresco dining, there's the Vineyard Terrace, with its fantastic views over the vine-planted valley, and the more somberly decorated Cedarwood Lounge is the place to sip an after-dinner port or whisky on a chilly winter evening.
The hotel offers good wine tasting, but it's worth venturing farther afield to explore some of the many different wine routes that emanate from Stellenbosch.
There are two pools and a Jacuzzi on-site, and guests are offered guided walks through the surrounding vineyards. Several golf courses and horse-riding facilities are within 15 minutes of the hotel, and transfers can be arranged.
Five types of rooms are available. Classic rooms in the main building have been refurbished to reflect the hotel's Edwardian roots but are a little cramped and old-fashioned with their patterned wallpaper. The superior rooms and suites have a more spacious and contemporary feel, with tiled or wooden floors, balconies with a view, and well-equipped baths with combined tubs and showers.
This is a beautifully located hotel, and it comes with plenty of period character, a dedicated staff, world-class wining and dining, and good facilities. It appeals to a broad spectrum of tourists, though it's worth booking the superior rooms, as the price difference is less significant than the quality gap by comparison to standard rooms.