This Wilhelmina Street property, adjacent to the sister The Library offering, is decorated, much as the name suggests, with objects and artifacts from journeys around the globe. I especially liked the large scale maps on the walls to allow my wanderlust the time and space to flit from shore to shore and into the depths of Irrawaddy river system - a journey that part owner Jo Sinfield has undertaken. With his blue eyes, dark tan and slightly weather-beaten countenance he’d make the perfect poster boy for adventures to be had.
We had a chat in the extremely well kitted out kitchen, resplendent with Smeg appliances and a double cooker than any foodie would love to use to cater for the 10 people the house comfortably accommodates. “It’s no trouble to get a chef in”, he tells me, adding that their offices are just a few doors away so they are at hand to assist with check-ins and provide any of the domestic support that such a self-catering property might require.
There's an indoor fire “braai” and a fabulous pool with loungers in the private garden but the most valuable thing about the Explorer Club is its location: in the heart of the Franschhoek village and within easy walking proximity to the supermarkets and plethora of fine restaurants. The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a stone's throw away which means that if you choose not to use your car while staying you can happily explore the best of Franschhoek with ease.
The four bedrooms sleep up to six adults and four children and there is a cot in the “dressing room” of the main bedroom. There is also an upstairs bedroom ideal for children. There are two bathrooms en suite and a free-standing Victorian bath with stunning mountain views in an upstairs bedroom.
There a large wall-mounted flat screen TV with a full satellite bouquet of video and audio channels as well as a DVD player and selection of films like Casablanca and other evocative titles. Wi-Fi is reliable, fast and included in the rate.
And, while I missed having fluffy slippers to step into, I did like the experience of the textured coir matting and found myself walking around barefooted just for the tactile pleasure of it. Speaking of pleasure, what lets me recommend this property even to those of you who only do the Deluxe thing is that it is so deeply comfortable with furnishings and curiosities (a dining table made from wagon wheels, coal bucket light fittings) that make you want to spend time in the house and kick back supine on the sofas.
A series of cottages in the high mountains of Franschhoek are soon on stream and will bolster the growing selection of properties that are managed together. While all are individually decorated, the theme of gentleman adventurer and explorer runs throughout. And, if you’re lucky enough to meet Jo ask him about the fishing on the Myanmar’s Irrawaddy and new walking tours of the Zimbabwe bush. You will find his insider knowledge and personal expertise as appealing as the finest glass of chilled Franschhoek wine from the lands best estates.
