The GreenWood Guide Writes: ‘So simple, so very, very comfortable… I imagine cosy evenings around the original wagon-wheel-framed dining table, the fire crackling away in the hearth, as would-be explorers put together plans for future expeditions.’
Always in search of the different, the quirky and the original when on walkabout, we decided to create a space which would break the boundaries of ordinary ‘self catering’ – thus The Explorers Club was born.
WHERE ON EARTH IS IT?
The Explorers Club is located in the best quarter, the very soul of Franschhoek, where the tin railway ticket office used to stand. Lots of beautiful trees and a small vineyard create a sanctuary away from the bustle of the vibrant main street.
There are four bedrooms sleeping up to 6 adults and 4 children, and 1 toddler in a cot. Although primarily designed as a self-catering residence, The Explorers Club is also used for cookery classes and as an intimate lecture venue where visiting speakers enthrall guests with adventurous tales. It can also be rented for conference groups and cocktail parties on special request.
QUARTERS – living it up
Life at Explorers begins in the vast open plan living, dining and kitchen area; the conviviality of the camp kitchen, gorging area and place to relax, absorb the atmosphere and linger over the views onto the mountains and vineyards. There are two sofa areas, one for the view and one for chatting and watching some romantic African tale on dvd.
The fully equipped open-plan kitchen and island has three ovens and two hobs, one gas and one electric – set out for the serious cooks who want to chill out at home. The indoor barbecue is next to the kitchen and can be used in the summer with the verandah doors open or cosily in the winter with the doors closed. At the other end of the room is an open wood fireplace.
A wall-mounted flat-screen TV with DSTV, DVD and classic movie selection is perfect for unwinding after a long attack at the local vineyards, or a meal at one of Franschhoeks’ many restaurants.The Explorers Club has a fast WiFi connection for those who want time to research their next expedition into the wild blue yonder.
ACCOMMODATION
The master bedroom leads through double doors onto a private wooden pole-covered verandah and onto the pool, garden and vineyard. There is a ceiling fan above the king-sized bed, underfloor heating and an open fireplace in the bedroom. Attached is a walk-though dressing room to the bathroom with bath, shower, loo and double basins. The second bedroom has a queen size bed, ceiling fan and en-suite shower room, washbasin and loo. The third bedroom can be used for children, or small adults, and it has an ensuite bathroom with a bath, washbasin and loo.
Up some narrow stairs, in the eaves of the old cottage, is a room with two single beds that can be made into a king. There are two large skylights and a ceiling fan. An opening skylight above the beds enables you to lie in bed and watch the skies at night.
There is a bath beneath the side-window, with glorious views, and a washbasin. The loo is at the bottom of the stairs.
Somewhere inside all of us lurks an adventurous impulse, large or small. We hope you find it here. Start planning an escapade, tremble over a few precipices, and mull over an idea or two with glass in hand ... in the comfort of Explorers.
We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
CONTACT DETAILS:
18 Wilhelmina Street | Franschhoek 7690 | Cape Winelands | South Africa
Tel: (+27) 072 464 1240
Driving directions
From Cape Town
As you enter the village pass BP Garage on the left and enter the main road. Go past Pick’n Pay Supermarket on your left. Turn first right into Reservoir Street and follow the Street to next junction with Wilhelmina Street and turn right. The Explorers Club is the last cottage (dark brown) on the left at the junction with Daniel Hugo Street.
From over the Franschhoek Pass
Turn right into the main street at the monument. Look for Le Quartier Francais Hotel on your left after 300 metres. Take the next first left into Reservoir Street and follow the Street to next junction with Wilhelmina Street and turn right. The Explorers Club is the last cottage (dark brown) on the left at the junction with Daniel Hugo Street.
