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There are some places in the world where the landscape seems to be showing off. Franschhoek, with its undulating vineyards and dramatic mountains, is one of those places. Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, it’s a destination known for its gourmet dining, world-class wines, and an air of effortless luxury. Yet, there’s one secret sanctuary tucked high in the hills that even seasoned travellers may not know – 7 Koppies.

Perched on the side of a mountain, 7 Koppies overlooks the Franschhoek Valley like an eagle surveying its domain. It’s less than 15 minutes from the town’s bustle,  yet feels like another world entirely. This is not just another hotel; it’s a retreat from reality, where time slows down, and the noise of modern life fades into the wind. For those in search of peace, privacy, and beauty, 7 Koppies is the destination you’ve been waiting to discover.

A Luxury Boutique Hotel Like No Other

The term ‘boutique hotel’ gets thrown around a lot these days, but true boutique properties are still a rare find. 7 Koppies is one of those rarities – a place that’s more than a place to stay. It’s a feeling, a story, an experience. With only seven rooms, the estate is intimate, personal, and wonderfully secluded. Here, guests aren’t numbers or room keys; they are invited into a home.

Unlike the polished sheen of larger hotels, 7 Koppies has a charm that feels earned rather than manufactured. The design is both elegant and understated, combining family heirlooms with handpicked local pieces, creating a space that’s stylish but never ostentatious. It’s a home, albeit a very luxurious one, where you can kick off your shoes and sink into a well-worn armchair, knowing that everything around you has been crafted with care.

The accommodations range from spacious rooms with mountain views to the wonderfully private Rockwood Cottage. With its own garden, pool, and outdoor bathtub, it’s the perfect spot for honeymooners or couples seeking a romantic hideaway. But whichever room you find yourself in, the one constant is the view – sweeping vistas that seem to go on forever.

The Views That Stole the Show

Let’s not mince words here – the views from 7 Koppies are among the finest you’ll find in Franschhoek. Facing west, the house and its 25-metre infinity pool are perfectly positioned to catch the sunset, which paints the valley in hues of gold and violet each evening. It’s a spectacle that no restaurant reservation can compete with – and many guests, seduced by the beauty of it all, often cancel their plans to dine out, preferring instead to stay on the property, glass of wine in hand, watching as the sun slips below the mountains.

The 25 metre infinity pool, which seems to stretch endlessly across the horizon, adds to the sense of serenity that pervades the estate. Framed by two barn-like structures inspired by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the pool is both a focal point and a quiet refuge. The reflections of the mountains in the water create a scene that’s almost surreal, as if nature itself is performing just for you.

It’s moments like these that make 7 Koppies stand out. You’re not just staying at a hotel; you’re living in a masterpiece, where the natural world is framed as perfectly as an artist’s canvas.

A True Escape into Nature

While Franschhoek has no shortage of luxury hotels, few can offer what 7 Koppies does – a sense of isolation and tranquillity that is as rare as it is refreshing. The estate spans 125 acres of pristine fynbos, South Africa’s unique and endangered floral kingdom, which the owners have carefully preserved. There are no neighbours, no distractions, just nature in all its untouched glory. For those looking to disconnect from the world, this is the place to do it.

Guests are invited to explore the estate’s hiking trails, which meander through the fynbos, offering stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. There’s a palpable sense of peace here, as if the world beyond the hills no longer exists. The air is clean, scented with wild herbs, and the only sounds are the rustling of the wind and the call of birds. It’s a landscape that invites contemplation, and many guests find themselves spending hours wandering the property, immersed in the beauty of it all.

For those interested in South Africa’s rich biodiversity, the estate is home to several rare plant species, including the striking Kumara plicatillis. Protecting this fragile ecosystem is a priority for the owners, who have gone to great lengths to remove invasive species and create firebreaks to safeguard the fynbos. In doing so, they’ve created not just a luxury retreat but a small nature reserve, a sanctuary for both guests and the natural world.

A Taste of Farm-to-Table Luxury

At 7 Koppies, the food is as much a part of the experience as the views. The estate has its own kitchen garden, lovingly tended to by the team of gardeners, Jamalo, Brendan, and Benjamin, who take pride in growing everything from fresh herbs to citrus fruits. Meals here are fresh, simple, and delicious, with much of the produce coming straight from the garden to the table.

Artwell, the estate’s butler and resident culinary wizard, is known for his hearty comfort food. His chicken pies, schnitzels, and beef lasagna are guest favourites, served alongside vibrant salads made with freshly picked greens. And then there are his drinks – legendary cappuccinos in the morning, perfectly mixed gin and tonics in the afternoon, and Negronis by sunset. It’s this kind of personalised, thoughtful service that makes 7 Koppies feel like a home rather than a hotel.

For those who crave an even deeper connection with their food, the estate offers tours of the garden, where guests can pick their own ingredients for a meal. There’s a certain luxury in knowing that what’s on your plate has been grown just metres away, under the same sun that’s now setting over the valley.

Privacy, Romance, and the Personal Touch

There are many things that set 7 Koppies apart from other luxury boutique hotels in Franschhoek, but perhaps the most important is its sense of privacy. With only seven rooms, the estate is never crowded, and guests are free to enjoy the property at their own pace. It’s this exclusivity that has made 7 Koppies a favourite among honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic escape.

The staff, led by the ever-charming Artwell, goes out of their way to ensure that every guest feels cared for, without ever being intrusive. Whether it’s arranging a private picnic, organising a couple’s massage, or discreetly setting up a photographer for a surprise proposal, the team at 7 Koppies excels at creating special moments. It’s no wonder so many guests choose to return, year after year, to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, or simply to relive the magic of their first stay.

The personal touch extends beyond service to the design of the estate itself. The interiors, a thoughtful mix of family heirlooms, auction finds, and South African craftsmanship, reflect the tastes and stories of the owners, Marc and James. Marc, a Munich based architect and interior designer and owner of Lumisol Munich, has filled the property with artisanal pieces, while James, who founded the luxury travel company Ampersand Travel, has curated a space that feels luxurious but lived in. It’s this balance – between elegance and homeliness, grandeur and intimacy – that makes 7 Koppies so unique.

Sustainability with Style

In today’s world, luxury and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive, and 7 Koppies is proof of that. From the beginning, Marc and James were committed to creating a property that was not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious. The estate is almost entirely self-sufficient, with its own water supply and plans for a solar farm in the works.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of their sustainability efforts is the preservation of the fynbos. Instead of converting the land into farmland, the owners have chosen to protect this fragile ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same untouched beauty that guests experience today.

For travellers who care about the environment, 7 Koppies offers the perfect combination of eco-conscious luxury. It’s not just a place to stay – it’s a place to feel good about staying.

A Legacy of Luxury

In a world where true luxury can often feel elusive, 7 Koppies offers something rare – a sense of timelessness. It’s a place where every detail has been carefully considered, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by the thoughtfulness of the design.

Recently, 7 Koppies was featured on the front cover of the UK edition of House & Garden, a testament to its impeccable style and design. The estate has also been recognised by The Financial Times’ How to Spend It, and is part of the prestigious Mr & Mrs Smith and Pretty Hotels collections. For those in search of the best luxury boutique hotels in Franschhoek, 7 Koppies is undoubtedly a top contender.

Why 7 Koppies Should Be on Your List

There are many reasons to visit Franschhoek – the wine, the food, the scenery – but there’s only one 7 Koppies. With its spectacular views, luxurious accommodations, and commitment to sustainability, it’s a place that offers something truly special. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a quiet retreat, or simply looking to escape into nature, 7 Koppies is a destination that will leave you enchanted.