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Facilities at the four suite Manor House include two pools and a gym. -
A picture window in an alcove in the Loft Suite looks out on a magnificent oak tree. The window seat employs contrasting fabrics and texture to create a layered effect, accentuated by the sisal rug. The lamp by is by Tom Dixon. -
The bed in the Loft Suite has a linen headboard in a soft neutral colour. It is simple and understated, as are the bespoke brass lamps. The drawers beyond the bed are set into the wall, taking advantage of the awkward angle of the ceiling. -
The bunk beds in the children’s room were designed by Carmel Naudé. Virgin Limited Edition loved it so much that they are considering repeating the concept elsewhere in the portfolio. Felt pebbles by Ronel Jordaan are scattered throughout the room for the children (and adults) to sit on and play with. -
The entrance hall with its 170-year-old original ceiling. The staircase was designed by Jed Kritzinger, a modern flourish in an old part of the house. The oak table is another original piece, echoing the modern staircase. -
In the games room (which features a pool table, just outside the shot), the rustic oak floor is by Forest Flooring. The staircase comes from the entrance hall and leads to the Loft Suite. -
The winter lounge is one of the original rooms in the house. The coffee table is made of reclaimed beams from a 500-year-old castle in Wales. The lamp, which anchors the room, was turned from a single solid piece of timber. -
Beautiful ceramics are dotted throughout the house. These pieces, displayed on a solid oak plinth, were hand-made by Juliet Eidelman, their rough textures bringing a natural feeling to the house. The linocut, by Jan Tshikhuthula, is titled Ndi Thonita IV. -
The design of the stool next to the bath, made of old oak, is based on an antique milking stool. The pendant light cluster features an egg-shell design with a lace pattern on the outside. -
The outside dining table is a copy of the one inside. They can be joined to make one large banquet table seating 24 people. Vines are being encouraged to grow over the pergola for greening. The bird’s nest lights are made of metal wrought by Simon Beebe – the weaver nest theme is repeated in some of the artworks inside. -
Granite floors and a stucco effect on the walls by Tiziana Giardini give this bathroom a natural warmth. The effect is augmented by metal flowers above the bath, commissioned from Simon Beebe. -
The re-planed poplar ceiling was designed by Juliet Eidelman to echo the motif of the original ceilings, like in the entrance hall on the right. The oak dining table was designed by Carmel Naudé. Loose linen covers on the chairs give the room a relaxed and understated feel. -
The HotCocoa team who designed the interior and decor are Carmel Naudé, Dawn Dickerson and Juliet Eidelman. -
The Kritzinger Architects team, Julia Abell and Jed Kritzinger.
PHOTOS Micky Hoyle PRODUCTION Dawn Dickerson WORDS Ami Kapilevich
The Manor House at Mont Rochelle is the winelands retreat of Sir Richard Branson. As you’d expect from the famously laid-back and stylish entrepreneur, the property is as comfortable in its skin as its owner.
In 1978 Richard Branson bought an island in the British Virgin Islands. (British Virgin Islands. Get it?) He didn’t know it then, but Necker Island was to become the first property in Sir Branson’s exclusive Virgin Limited Edition hospitality portfolio.
One of the latest additions to this portfolio is Mont Rochelle, a luxury hotel in Franschhoek opened to the public in 2014. The estate came with an old Cape Dutch house, which Sir Branson converted into his own retreat among the vineyards. This was completed in April 2016. The Manor House is a triumphant blend of historical country charm and timeless elegance. The facade and front row of rooms have heritage status, so they have been kept fairly intact, whereas the back section of the house, which opens onto a cosy outdoor space, was slightly extended and more extensively refurbished.
The wide open-plan living area at the back of the house might not have the sweeping views that the front enjoys, but two enormous windows overlook the pool and the vineyards on the slope of the valley. The whole house purrs with homely warmth.
“Barefoot luxury is the theme of the Virgin Limited Edition brand,” says Dawn Dickerson of Hot Cocoa Interiors & Design. “Richard wanted it to be relaxed and laid-back. He loves to travel with his children and grandchildren, so we included a games room – for the kids – and a twelve-seater dining table.”
This table, a magnificent piece made out of reclaimed solid English oak beams, echo other wooden aspects of the house: oak floors, lime washed poplar ceilings, and grey-finished oak cupboards and cabinets. The Loft Suite is reputed to be one of the best rooms of the entire Virgin Limited Edition collection. Kritzinger Architects changed the pitch of the ceiling from 35 to 45 degrees to make more room, and this put the gable at the front of the house into better proportion, improving the 150-year-old facade. Apart from the striking formation of the beams and struts, the room is all about subtle textures, earthy tones and intimate details.
Lighting is one of the most thoughtful aspects of the house. In the Loft Suite, upwardly facing spotlights create a spellbinding ribbing, and above the outside dining table hang several large metal weavers’ nests that cast a magical glow. The house comes alive at night. The artworks in the Manor House are all originals, most especially created by Tiziana Giardini, and the ceramics were hand-crafted for the four suites by Juliet Eidelman.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Sir Richard Branson’s property without an eccentric flourish. The tennis court is what architect Jed Kritzinger terms “an infinity court”. A tennis court without a fence? “Branson hates fences,” says Jed. But what if the ball goes out? Jed shrugs. “Apparently he’s quite a good player.”
