Discover the Owner's Villa: A Luxurious Masterpiece in the Heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands
Epitomising the height of luxury in the Stellenbosch winelands, Delaire Graff ’s Owner’s Villa is an exceptional ode to art and design
When it comes to international accolades, you’d be hard-pressed to find many that Delaire Graff Estate hasn’t won, from its wines to its culinary offerings, from the art collection to the spa. Then of course there’s the estate’s accommodation – and at the top of the list is the Owner’s Villa.
Imagined by owner Laurence Graff, a leading figure in the international diamond industry, and brought to life by dhk Architects and London-based David Collins Studio, the Owner’s Villa (along with a variety of 16 accompanying lodges) showcases contemporary Cape architecture in all its glory. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Cape Winelands’, the estate has evolved continuously since inception in 2009, with its accommodation offering the pinnacle of this evolution.
Spanning 660 square metres over two floors, the Owner’s Villa embodies a seamless integration with the estate’s natural landscape, thanks to the use of mostly natural materials – solid French oak trusses, stone-clad walls and thatched roofs reflect the grandeur of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Commenting on this project, dhk executive chairman Derick Henstra states: ‘It is a privilege to have worked with Delaire Graff Estate for over a decade, and we are proud to be the design studio of choice for this renowned destination.’
On arrival, guests are greeted by a striking entrance featuring a thatched porte-cochère, stone-clad walls, tranquil water features and a grand timber door with dark bronze ironmongery, opening into an entrance hall that frames breathtaking views of Table Mountain, Botmaskop and the estate’s vineyards. The initial impression is one of serene opulence, setting the stage for the villa’s luxurious interiors.
Inside, the Owner’s Villa reveals a grand, double-volume living and dining area enhanced by a timber-clad ceiling and exposed 200-year-old French oak trusses. Large sliding doors open onto a generous terrace featuring a 14-metre rim-flow pool, jacuzzi and outdoor shower. Designed for both relaxation and entertainment, the space additionally includes a state-of-the- art kitchen, a walk-in wine cellar, and a private study-lounge.
David Collins Studio, led by chief creative officer Simon Rawlings, crafted interiors that are nothing short of spectacular. ‘Returning to any project completed in the past is always a joy,’ says Simon. ‘And to be invited back to create an Owner’s Villa like no other was a privilege.’
The four-bedroom villa’s interiors are a sophisticated mix of African-inspired colour palettes and European design elements, with Laurence Graff’s exceptional private collection of contemporary African art adorning the walls and celebrating the continent’s finest artists. The lobby itself serves as an art gallery, its expansive walls showcasing the estate’s evolving collection.
‘Every element, every nuance, every detail exemplifies the pursuit of craft, an obsession with perfection and a devotion to beauty – the Owner’s Villa at Delaire Graff Estate truly is my home away from home in South Africa’s Cape Winelands,’ exclaims Laurence. And we can see why!
Text by Lynette Botha
Photographs by Charles Russell and Riehan Bakkes