There is a rare kind of luxury that speaks not in whispers of restraint, but in joyfully unapologetic expressions of colour, comfort and curation. Franschhoek House is precisely that kind of place.
Tucked between vineyard-covered hills and framed by the majestic Mont Rochelle mountains, Franschhoek House — the newest addition to The Royal Portfolio’s prestigious collection — is designed with multigenerational travellers and small groups in mind. This exclusive-use villa is both a sanctuary and a showcase, where every room tells a story, every texture tempts the senses and every detail is quietly considered to elevate the guest experience.
‘We designed Franschhoek House for travellers who crave privacy and personalisation,’ says Liz Biden, the visionary behind The Royal Portfolio. ‘It’s a haven where guests have everything they need — so much so that they rarely feel the need to leave.’ And why would they? With a private chef, a dedicated butler catering to their every request and views that stretch across the Franschhoek Valley, it’s an immersive escape that balances complete seclusion with full access to the offerings of La Residence, just down the hill.
The villa is an exuberant expression of Liz’s design philosophy — layered, joyful and never cookie-cutter. ‘Every room is different and uniquely styled,’ she says. ‘All the fabrics for the furniture and curtains are hand-embroidered silk from India, which I’ve collected on my travels. And I always like to include something antique or old to give a space depth, something modern and something fun to make people smile.’
Nowhere is this more evident than in the ‘Long Room’ — a gathering space that blends billiards, books and bold decor under a chandelier salvaged from the Cape Town City Hall. Art, too, plays a starring role, with works from African artists such as Franklyn Dzingai, Kate Gottgens and Tafadzwa Tega weaving cultural richness into the fabric of the villa. A 17th-century tapestry by David Teniers II, lovingly restored in France, quietly presides over the space, grounding the riot of colour with historic weight.
The outdoor terrace, edged by a shimmering pool and uninterrupted vineyard views, invites guests to pause and exhale. ‘You feel immersed in nature the moment you step outside,’ says Liz. ‘Whether you’re sipping wine by the pool, reading by the fireplace, or just taking in the mountains, it’s a place to reconnect with yourself and those around you.’
While Franschhoek House is undeniably luxurious, it’s also intentional in its approach. Many of the interiors incorporate sustainable materials and thoughtful design choices, reflecting The Royal Portfolio’s ongoing commitment to balancing comfort with conscience.
Though there’s a thread of La Residence’s grandeur running through the villa’s bones, it confidently asserts its own identity — eclectic yet elegant, opulent but grounded. ‘It was easy to create something full of life and colour here,’ says Liz. ‘Franschhoek inspires that.’ Each nook and cranny is touched by splendour and consideration.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the house is not just its visual drama or layered design, but also the feeling it evokes — a sense of joyous belonging. ‘I hope guests come and feel at home,’ Liz reflects. ‘A home away from home — but more than that, a place to relax, rejuvenate and fall in love with Franschhoek the way I have.’
For those who seek beauty not just in their surroundings but in the spirit of a place, Franschhoek House offers a vibrant, artful retreat. It is one that’s as colourful as it is unforgettable — and one only the inimitable Liz Biden can create.
