ALMOST three decades after opening as a luxury country hotel, and three centuries since the farm was first granted to an ambitious young farmer, Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl has reopened with new owners, a new restaurant and a refreshed look across its luxury suites.
Entrepreneurs Hansie and Theresa Britz, both born and raised in this charming town, acquired the property in early 2019 and immediately set about rejuvenating this icon of the winelands. The hotel was closed for a month, while painters, decorators, designers and landscapers set to work refurbishing the suites, buildings and public areas.
“Externally it’s a simple refresh, but our major focus has been rejuvenating the interiors, which are a complete departure from before,” enthuses Johann Bouwer, director of Grande Roche Hotel.
The refreshed look has seen each of the 18 luxurious Terrace Suites completely refurbished. Striking fynbos-inspired wallpapers celebrate the local flora and provide a flash of colour on arrival, while the sash windows, wooden beams and exposed thatch neatly encapsulate the farm’s winelands heritage.
“We wanted to restore that atmosphere of an historic Cape farm to the property, with a sense of refined country style,” explains Bouwer. That style finds easy expression in the plush deep-buttoned headboards; scatter cushions, luxuriant throws, warming rugs and rich cotton curtains.
“The new owners are absolutely committed to quality, throughout the property,” says Bouwer, adding that while no expense was spared in the renovations, nothing went to waste either. Where possible existing furniture was refurbished and revitalised in a bid to minimise the environmental impact of the revamp.
For more information about Grande Roche Hotel and Viande Restaurant, visit www.granderoche.com
