Tockies

Located on one of Franschhoek’s oldest roads, this historic and popular, two bedroom cottage’s unimposing wooden entrance and tin-roof veranda belie the elegance and spaciousness found inside.

Wrapped around a secluded, bougainvillea-clad courtyard garden with swimming pool and sun-loungers, Tockie’s charm and warmth lie in its modern farmhouse feel, large sash windows, wooden floors and ceilings and relaxed, open-plan layout. The mountain views, sun-drenched rooms and complete privacy make this an idyllic Franschhoek retreat.

Tockie’s has 2 bedrooms: 1x king, 1 x twin or king and can sleep a family, or two couples. The main bedroom has French doors that open directly onto the sunny courtyard garden and pool. The second, twin/king, bedroom opens out onto a secluded stretch of the garden. Both bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning units and ceiling fans for warmer nights and wall-panel eco-heaters for cooler nights, as well as heated towel rails in the bathrooms.

An open-plan TV, dining and kitchen area make up one wing of this cottage, opening out onto an outdoor eating area in the courtyard garden. The fully-equipped kitchen is centred round a wooden preparation island. A large wooden, farmhouse-style dining table comfortably seats 8 people and both overlook a relaxed TV room, with a smart TV, Blu-ray player, sofas and a gas fireplace.

A generous main living area with air-conditioning links the west-wing to the main ensuite, with two comfortable sofas and large, glass sliding doors that open up to take in the sunny garden, pool and mountain views. The wood-burning stove transforms this area into a cosy, warm retreat in winter, and heats the rest of the house. In the garden is a Weber barbeque, or in South African-speak: ‘braai’, for outdoor grilling. Most of Franschhoek’s village restaurants are within walking distance of the cottage.