La Rive

Alexis Gillis, a proud Capetonian born and bred, is completely and utterly obsessed with the Mother City; if you’ve had the good fortune to visit, you’ll understand why! She adores working in the luxury villa rental world as it enables her to combine her deep-rooted passion for Cape Town with exceptional top-end customer service.

Alexis has always loved working with people, so the service industry felt like a natural calling. Fully qualified in hotel management, she has worked at the best game reserve in the world, Singita, and the five-star deluxe Athenaeum Hotel in London. Alexis also works in the stills photographic industry with Cape Town Productions.

So, when it comes to curating her portfolio of private homes for rent, it is crucial for Alexis that she offers only the very best of South Africa‘s Western Cape. Currently, Alexis has access to the crème de la crème of Cape Town and Franschhoek: two elegant La Rive properties.

La Rive Franschhoek

When the owners first bought La Rive in 1993, it was barely recognisable from what it has become today. They spent the better part of 2 years renovating and developing their dream Winelands home before completion by Easter 1995.

Today, La Rive has been transformed into an incredibly warm and homely 6 bedroom villa that resembles a marriage of colonial English and traditional Afrikaans/Dutch heritage. It can be enjoyed exclusively and is also available for single room bookings, couples and smaller groups.

The sounds of water from various features around the grounds will transport you to a tranquil hideaway just off Franschhoek’s Main Road. Considering it’s only a block from this vibrant street, you’ll be amazed that you can’t see any forms of human habitation from any part of the garden, swimming pool or outside verandahs.

A marvellously eclectic mix of Victorian, Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture and furniture, as well as numerous pieces from famous South African artists such as Neil Rodger, Gregoire Boonzaier, Edward Wolfe and Dylan Lewis are on display, which illustrates the owner Brett’s passion for collecting art. “It’s how I imagined the house would have evolved if the family who built it had lived here forever,” Brett says.

When you step outside onto the spacious, airy patios, marvel at the sights before you. An inviting swimming pool provides you with a refreshing respite from Franschhoek’s hot summer days, and if you venture further afield, you stumble across a lush enchanted garden that is undoubtedly reminiscent of the Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Secret Garden”. With numerous paths leading to various alcoves, benches and lawns, you can disappear for some quiet time, meditation, or even a romantic moment.

Each room has a personality and character of its own, and no two of the antique bedside tables are alike. A live-in chef and butler will provide you with 5-star continental breakfast and world-class service, complete with all the luxuries and amenities one expects from a villa of this calibre.

La Rive Penthouse 

This incredibly luxurious 4 bedroom “Home in the Sky” was recently redesigned by the owners to create an elegant yet comfortable homely environment, the perfect base from which to enjoy Cape Town’s famous summers and breathtakingly blue skies. Guests can relax on the terraces and revive themselves in the majestic infinity pool, all the while experiencing spectacular views of Robben Island, the Atlantic Ocean and the sumptuous greenery of the Metropolitan Golf Course and the Green Point Urban Park.

With Sea Point’s bustling promenade right on your own doorstep, it is ideally located with nearby access to Cape Town’s world-famous beaches, the V&A Waterfront, and numerous top class restaurants within walking distance. Parking for guests is also far more readily available than neighbouring areas like Bantry Bay and Clifton in season.

A 24-hour Concierge Service is on hand to welcome any guests as well assist with arranging taxis and handling any deliveries, and an on-site day manager can see to any other pressing needs. The Penthouse has direct access from the garages, bypassing the main lobby and concierge, perfect for those who wish to remain as incognito as they like. The apartment has no keys; instead, access is obtained via a code in the lift or the use of a fingerprint scanner.

The Breakers luxury apartment was completed in 2001, but the penthouse was renovated just a couple of years ago, giving it an Art Deco feel, with an eclectic, modern twist. The double volume living area is stylishly furnished and tastefully decorated with numerous world-class paintings and sculptures from some of South Africa’s best-known artists. A classic grand piano demands your attention as soon as you enter the living room.

The entertainment area is perfect for hosting fabulous sit-down dinner parties of up to 20 people, and can comfortably accommodate 50 guests for cocktail parties or sundowners on the terrace.

The sea-facing pool terrace is completely protected from Cape Town’s infamous South Easter that blows throughout summer and is entirely private.

This south facing apartment catches all the reflected light from the surrounding residences. But it is at night when the magic truly comes alive. The energy of the bustling bodies that flow along the famed promenade subsides, and those that continue to stroll are dwarfed by the surreal silhouette of Lions Head overlooking the glistening night lights of Sea Point.

The seriously comfortable and spacious bedrooms are situated far enough away from each other to provide guests with their own privacy and solitude if required. Two roomy and elegantly furnished studies allow guests to tackle any urgent business or work requirements that may arise during their stay, without encroaching on areas of rest and relaxation.

Related Destinations

– A Guide to Cape Town

– A Guide to Franschhoek

– A Guide to South Africa

Recommended Reading

– 10 Beautiful Villas to Book for Fall

– Family Villas for the Festive Season

– Where to Ring In the New Year