Large globes hang from 3 to 4 meter long industrial chains from the ceiling. The white rafters and panelled ceiling is clean, accenting the arch of the celestial window. When I open my eyes in the morning I’m met with a vibrant green canopy of leaves outside the window. The Ivy Apartments have a wonderful way of bring nature inside via large, focal windows which add colour and light to each apartment.
Polished wooden floors, geometrical springbok mats in each bedroom (reminiscent of Kyle Bunting rugs), palm trees and neutral artwork echoes the values of the Franschhoek valley where nature and man live in harmony to showcase the best of worlds.
We’ve popped through to Franschhoek for the weekend. Finally, our tourists are returning and the excited hum of summer in the vineyards permeates from the valley. French, German, Swiss German, English and Dutch float about each restaurant as friends dine along the main road, couples stroll and estate tasting rooms get back into gear.
Peaceful Sleep at the Ivy Apartments
The loft style bedrooms are an exciting twist to the Franschhoek stay as it gives a small room the feeling of a large space. Two double beds were squeezed in for us as we are big people and a double bed is too small for us these days (available upon request). The snuggly gowns and en suite bathrooms make it feel like home. Two notes:
- Closing the blinds next to the bed stops the morning light coming in for dark room sleepers like us!
- The shower floor is extremely slippery so you may want to request a mat or use a hand towel to avoid accident.
The beds are very comfortable as they are firm and include soft linen and duvets. Extra blankets are available for the colder winter months with aircon available for the hot sleepers.
Easy Village Access
Accessing the bars and restaurants is super easy from the Ivy Apartments. Breakfast can be enjoyed around the corner – with a discount (make sure to check their welcome folder!) before strolling down the visit the museums and galleries.
After dark, we stroll down to the ice cream shop, to enjoy a treat next to the pool at the Ivy Apartments. It’s a cold one! But perfect for those looking for relief from the summer heat.
AJ is off to a wedding in the evening so I snuggle in for the night with the Food Network on and glass of bubbly from Haute Cabriere. The apartments feel safe and secure, with in-door parking and staff on hand for most of the time. While it’s dog friendly, guests on the ground floor are discouraged from using the courtyard in order to avoid disrupting the neighbours – clearly guests are known for having a good time here!
Because the Ivy Apartments are fully furnished, I’m able to store food away in the fridge, clean out my back pack and fry up a grilled cheese sandwich in the kitchen. It’s simple but it’s practical.
We’ve stayed at the Ivy Apartments twice now, the first time being in one of the upstairs suites, and always have a relaxing and comfortable time. We highly recommend these apartments for those looking to walk and avoid drinking and driving (restaurants close early in Franschhoek so walking after wine tasting is best).
It also has the added benefit of being pet friends for mid to small sized dogs (please chat to reservations ahead of time to ensure accessories are available for your pet).
