LE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL & SPA – A NATIONAL MONUMENT

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Previously known as Swiss Farm Excelsior, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa carries a rich legacy. A favourite retreat for generations, it was a place where families and friends gathered to connect and unwind. Picture lush gardens, sprawling lawns, tennis and bowls courts, large swimming pools, and a charming restaurant and bar serving retro 60s cocktails. This Swiss-inspired farm in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, was a must-visit destination - for just R2.50 per night!

In the 1960s and 70s, trains connected travellers to Franschhoek. Families boarded for weekend escapes, students from Stellenbosch gathered for their beloved "tea and cake" traditions, and business professionals found it the perfect setting for productive meetings amidst the serene surroundings.

REVIVING A CLASSIC

When it was time to restore and reimagine this iconic property, JNA Thatchers was entrusted with its transformation. The journey began with a meeting between the property owner and our technical director to explore possibilities for replacing the aging, dilapidated tiled roof. The owner envisioned an expansion of 1000 square meters, seeking a solution that combined practicality with a design that would honour the heritage of the Franschhoek Valley.
During this discussion, our technical director had a moment of inspiration: a grand, striking thatched roof that would seamlessly tie the property to the surrounding landscape’s rich tradition of thatched architecture. Crafting a roof of this scale required both ingenuity and precision. Our lead engineer proposed a pioneering approach, combining robust A-frame steel structures with locally sourced Clear Treated South African pine poles. This innovative blend of materials provided the strength to support the substantial weight of the thatch while preserving the timeless elegance of a modern timber framework. The steel portals, discreetly concealed within the structure, harmonised strength with sophistication, elevating the property to new heights of architectural excellence. The result is a masterpiece — one that honours the property's historic charm and redefines it as a landmark of grandeur and innovation.

A MODERN RETREAT WITH HISTORIC ROOTS 

Today, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa overs 79 luxurious rooms, which include deluxe suites and villas. The hotel blends modern elegance with a nod to its storied past. JNA Thatchers is proud to have played a pivotal role in transforming this  conic 20th-century landmark into a modern 21st-century retreat.