7 Koppies
Franschhoek & The Winelands

7 Koppies is an elegant five-bedroom farmhouse in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Surrounded by 125 acres of pristine fynbos and panoramic views of the Simonsberg and Franschhoek valleys, this secluded home-from-home offers space, stillness and style, perfect for families or groups of friends seeking a private escape.

The location is ideal for exploring the region: over 35 restaurants and 30 wineries lie within a 15-minute drive, and the centre of picturesque Franschhoek is just 10 minutes away. There’s also easy access to outdoor pursuits including walking trails, mountain biking, horse riding, golf and fishing.

Originally a modest building, the farmhouse has been lovingly reimagined by owners James Jayasundera, founder of Ampersand Travel, and Marc-Ludolf von Schmarsow, an interior designer. Their shared vision, to recapture the al fresco, nature-filled lifestyle of their childhoods in Italy, has been realised in every detail of 7 Koppies, named after the seven hills (koppies) that shape the landscape.

The house has been furnished in a relaxed farmhouse style. At its heart is a large, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space with a double-height ceiling and windows on three sides, filling the room with natural light. A long dining table seats up to 16 guests, making it ideal for convivial dinners. French doors open onto the Sunset Veranda, true to its name, the perfect place to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The lawn leads to a 25-metre infinity pool, where the views stretch endlessly. There’s also a breakfast terrace, a braai area, a vegetable garden and an orchard to enjoy.

There are four double bedrooms and one triple bedroom, each with its own character and view overlooking the orchard and vegetable patch, the valley and pool, or the Simonsberg and Bakenkop mountains. The Garden Bedroom on the ground floor is a convenient choice for guests who prefer to avoid stairs, while the attic-level Mountain Bedroom is a charming triple, perfect for children. There are seven bathrooms in total.

For added privacy, Rockwood Cottage sits 450 metres from the main house (a 10-minute walk). Fully self-contained, it features a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, open-plan kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a private 5-metre pool and a large deck with sun loungers. It's a peaceful, tucked-away space, ideal for couples looking to retreat and unwind.

One of the gladdest moments in life is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands.
Richard Burton