Trip of a Lifetime

Let me just start out saying we are from the US and had some reservations about visiting South Africa. But this stay was far beyond our expectations we could not asked for a more perfect time. The Hosts Veronique & Laurel were amazing they were always available for questions and very helpful with suggestions on where to go and what to do. They recommended our Driver George who was with us for the entire week and became like family (I would highly recommend George if ever staying at the Manor House Fijndraai Estate) The House keeper Emma was so friendly and amazing and made breakfast for us several days and an amazing dinner one night that we enjoyed in the beautiful Glass Enclosed Dining area. The property was so peaceful with all of the animals to admire every day while going on our morning walks with coffee. If I could give the property more then 5 stars I would. We would love to come back again in the future.”

Stellenbosch Gem

Great property ideally situated in nature. Very caring hosts with attention to details. I recommend. Ph”

6 Stars - No questions

Veronique & Laurel are exquisite hosts, and this is our second visit to their amazing manor. Everything is 6 stars. We just loved it and we surely will be back.”

The most beautiful home

The Manor House Fijndraai Estate Was perhaps the most beautiful home I have ever stayed in. The art, the setting, the architecture, and the staff were absolute perfection. In every way sting in this home for the week was like a dream. The hosts were so kind and responsive that even though we only met briefly I departed viewing them as genuine friends. Our stay here was nothing short of inspirational. ”

The most exquisite stay in the ThirdHome Network

We were very fortunate to have stayed at Manor House Fijndraai Estate, a premier wine vineyard, horse equestrian property nestled in the Stellenbosch community.. The home is very well appointed, with incredible space to spread out and enjoy regardless of the amount of guests you bring with you. Whether you walk the property with your favorite glass of wine or stand on one of many private decks in the home to take in the most spectacular views of over 20 species of naturally located animals, horses, new born colts, and as a bonus, springbok. Our host, Laurel and Veronique, are the best hosts globally I have ever had the privilege to experience.. They offered fantastic communications, wonderful recommendations and are genuinely interested in their guests best interest. After our 21 hour travel experience, we were relieved to arrive as such a, well cared for property and fresh baked food upon arrival. The staff tending their home were second to none! Thank you for the very best experience in South Africa, a pinnacle location indeed!”

Wonderful Manor House in epic setting

Words cannot describe how much we enjoyed staying at Veronique and Laurel's house. They are dreamy, and the property is truly remarkable. What doesn't come across in the pictures is the setting— all the animals in the fields nearby add an unexpected dimension. It's so charming watching the spring book or little foals playing in the fields. The house itself is epic in scale. We particularly loved the glass room for an evening sunset. Emma is a dream and cooked wonderfully for us. Would love to come back. 10/10”

FABULOUS with a capital F

Veronique & Laurel are fantastic hosts, and their Manor definitely set a standard in luxury, space and good taste. We spend a wonderful time there, really considering Stellenbosch as a possible semi permanent location. Great location, total calm, with outstanding service. Six stars. Thanks Veronique & Laurel ”

Elegance surrounded by exceptional race horses and wineyards

Again Veronique and Laurel received us very cheerfully in their exceptional mansion. Emma ´the lady of the house’ pamperend us every day with kindness and her warm smiles. Definitely we want to be back, but with our friends like 2 years ago. ”

Serene Manor House

Words cannot describe how much we enjoyed staying at Veronique and Laurel's house. They are dreamy, and the property is truly remarkable. What doesn't come across in the pictures is the setting— all the animals in the fields nearby add an unexpected dimension. It's so charming watching the spring book or little foals playing in the fields. The house itself is epic in scale. We particularly loved the glass room for an evening sunset. Emma is a dream and cooked wonderfully for us. Would love to come back. 10/10”

Dream Luxury Farm experience!

I had a hard time keeping this review short because Fijndraai Estate is a true South African gem. If you're thinking about booking this Reserve , do not think twice. The estate was stunning, something straight out of a magazine. Combining the charm of a beautiful farm setting with the comfort of a five-star hotel, the home was spotless, with extremely comfortable beds, top-quality linens, heated floors, automatic toilets, and multiple fireplaces that were lit daily. Additionally, it showcased beautiful art from famous local artists, giving it an authentic South African feel. The property spans around two hundred twenty-seven acres, surrounded by mountains, featuring a vineyard and a stud farm where they breed racehorses. Our girls (8-10) looked forward to petting the horses every morning and night. We rented bikes so they could ride around the well-groomed property, where they felt free yet safe. The location was great, about thirty minutes from Stellenbosch and forty-five minutes from Franschhoek. It was close to some of the best vineyards and just a short drive to shops offering everything from beauty salons to grocery stores. The host was very responsive months and weeks before our stay and throughout our visit. She was extremely pleasant, helpful, and made great suggestions for activities and even helped me make some appointments. The staff, Joseph, Doreen, and Emma, were very helpful, professional, and discreet. Totally worth the small extra fee. Doreen even baby sat our girls one night, and they loved her! Emma even baked cupcakes with them one afternoon! So sweet! The sunsets were breathtaking, and visiting in July meant there were no bugs, which was great. Every morning, the fireplace would turn on automatically at 7am. We would get coffee and open the automatic blinds to watch the sunrise, which was like something out of a painting. The mountains in the background, horses and steenboks grazing, and the gentle sounds of geese made it so relaxing and peaceful that we didn't want to leave the house. Our week-long stay was nothing short of magical. The best part of this experience is that we made lifetime memories and lifelong friends! Veronique and her husband Laurel were so fun to be around that we quickly developed a friendship and hope to travel together soon! I feel so lucky to be a part of the Third Home community, which facilitated this incredible summer vacation for our family. ”

Martin Smith

What a fantastic time we had at the Manor House. The grounds set on a stud farm and vineyard are breathtaking The house is fantastic with all you could want and despite its imposing size it still managed to feel homely Veronique and Laurel looked after us and made the stay as comfortable as possible and Eddy who cleans and helps with anything you need was brilliant If they will have us I can’t wait to stay again so will be hoping for a few weeks to be deposited again in the future. ”

6 stars property with XXL amenities

We so much appreciated that the owners let us stay in their unbelievable beautiful Manor. Everything is perfect ! Landscape is very natural with horses of high end breeds and quality. Horses and no flies! We drove around the property and were surprised by its beauty.. The house manager Eddie is always available, but remains humble and discrete. He shows a lot of respect and care for the owners and their belongings. ”