Warm, personal touch at Klein Genot

Where the Stoney Brook and Franschhoek River converges under the shape of an elephant in the Franschhoek Mountains, Klein Genot Wine and Country Estate’s Angie Diamond maps out the estate’s auspicious Feng Shui position on the 30-hectare property that once formed part of the Swiss Farm Excelsior estate.
She’s especially proud of the organic vegetable patches and fruit orchards that, in time, will allow guests to pick an apple, plum or pear from their balcony.

There is something especially motherly about Angie. Perhaps in the proud way she speaks about her son, whose interest and time in Japan inspired the Feng Shui design of the estate, or because I was at school with her daughter Kim or, like my own mother who was accompanying me, she is warm and effusive.

The six suites, each colour-coded and painstakingly detailed, are large and luxurious. Hand-quilted French linens cover the bed crowned by cushions of different shapes. Extreme attention to detail is evident from the ink-colour of the welcoming letter, to the leather binding that holds the promotional material, the matching bath salts to the hue of the flowers snaking their way around the patio fence. Perhaps with a less welcoming hostess, these details could seem constrictive but with Angie it feels like she’s trying extra hard to make her guests feel special.

Rolling lawns
Although I’d be happy enough holed up in my room watching DVDs or reading a book from the extensive library, the real beauty of Klein Genot is its location. Farm-style afternoon tea is served in a dark-wood gazebo overlooking the river and rolling lawns. With marmoset monkeys, swans and waterfowl within chirping distance and the riverbank’s tall trees punctuated only by white hammocks and the occasional seating area, there are sufficient distractions to either relax one completely or occupy one until evening before heading into Franschhoek for dinner.

In winter, with a log fire burning in the room and snow on the mountains, I can’t imagine a more romantic spot. With underfloor heating and a bathtub for two, just the occasional dash to or delivery from the manor house for provisions from the honour bar and more DVDs, are all that is needed.

Deep relaxation
The Spa, managed by Ginko, provides all the pampering needed. Both Mum and I were impressed by our treatments – her massage resulted in deep relaxation while my men’s facial left each pore perfectly cleansed.

For Mum, it was the petals strewn on her bed and in the bathroom that impressed her while, for me, it was the large scented candles that burnt throughout the night to provided the softest light by which to navigate my way to the loo.

As a whole, the fact that Klein Genot is also a home and not just a guest estate means that the property is imbued with a personal style and not just a decorator’s touch, which is no more evident than in the extensive art collection that Angie and husband Joey have collected over a lifetime of travels.
Rates are from R894.00 per person per night sharing and include breakfast, high tea and soft drinks. Dinner, massage therapies and beauty treatments are available on request.

For further information or reservations contact Angie Diamond on (021) 876 2738, email info@kleingenot.com or visit www.kleingenot.com .