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BELLINGHAM HOMESTEAD

ABOUT

ABOUT

 

" ... Step back in time ... to a place where new memories are made ... "  

 

Nestled at the foot of the Groot Drakenstein Mountain, You will find the Historic Bellingham Homestead, a National Monument.  We are an Independent, 5 1/2ha property, situated within a separately owned, Private Wine Estate, in the heart of the picturesque Cape Winelands.  

 

Bellingham Homestead is owned, Managed and run, by  a Trust, the Podlashuk Bellinchamp National Heritage Foundation, a charitable organisation.  Bellingham Homestead , the property, was left as a gift to the nation by Bernard and Fredagh Podlashuk, who bought Bellingham in 1943. 

 

To that end, the Chairman and Trustees decided to Open Bellingham Homestead's Self-Catering, Cottages to the Public at an affordable rate - for All South Africans to enjoy a visit!   Not only to stay with us, or Celebrate a Special Occasion with us, but to also provide an affordable, Self-Catering visit to the Magnificent Cape Winelands.  

 

It is the Ancestral home of the World reknowned Bellingham Wines, producing the famous ‘Johannisburger’ in that iconic bottle.  Bernard Podlashuk was a Maverick and Pioneer  of the South African Wine Industry at the time,  He produced South Africa’s first Rose in 1951, first Premier Grand Cru in 1953 and first Shiraz, in 1957.  Bellingham Shiraz was produced as a gift from Bernard Podlashuk, to his wife, Fredagh, as a Birthday Gift. Bernard Podlashuk was the first South African to be awarded the Chevalier de Taste de Vin award.  Bellingham Wines are now owned, by DGB.  They are made and distributed from Wellington, the tasting room is located together with their Restaurant, at the Franschhoek Cellars just as You enter the Village.  The Bernard Room is also well worth a visit too.

 

The Cellar and Original Homestead were built in 1693, the Homestead was however, rebuilt, in 1797 after a fire damaged the roof.  Many of the Cottages are housed in original out-buildings, on the farm from that time. 

 

If you’re looking for relaxing accommodation in the Cape Winelands, set amidst  Privately owned Vineyards, Bellingham offers you a very private  and serene, getaway , surrounded by Mountains.  Set in Picturesque Manicured Gardens.  Affording Guests a unique location with absolute peace and tranquility.  A true hidden Gem in the Crown of the Cape Winelands.  We are only 10 kms from Franschhoek Village, at Groot Drakenstein.

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Bellingham is Ideal for guests looking for a comfortable breakaway, close to an array of attractions within the Cape Winelands. We are also ideally located for a short day drive to Hermanus and Robertson.  Stellenbosch and Paarl are a comfortable 20 minute drive, either way.  Cape Town’s Waterfront and the Cape Town International Airport are a mere 45 minute drive from us.  Every booking made with us for Accommodation or Venue hire for a function, assists, in changing the lives of others, in our Community1

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Bellingham Homestead, is also a Picturesque and Affordable Wedding Venue, for a Maximum of 80 persons, Outdoors.  (This figure will be adjusted, according to COVID19 Health Protocol Regulations as directed by the Health Level we are at, at the time of Your Wedding)

 

Ask us about places of interest to visit in the Region, to make your stay more Memorable!  Franschhoek is the Culinary capital of South Africa and you’ll be spoilt for dining choice at one of a variety Restaurants in and around the Village!

 

We Look forward to Welcoming You to Bellingham !

ROOMS

OUR ROOMS

View our Gallery of Pictures, below

 

Our Self-Catering Suites and Cottages are ideal for a Weekend Breakaway, Holiday or perhaps you will stay with us when on Business in the Winelands area.  Ideal for Couples, Families and Groups of Friends.  

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GUEST SUITE:   Guest Suite is a Spacious 1 Bedroom,  "Olde Worlde", Apartment-Style Suite, with a King-Size bed.  The En-Suite bathroom is accessed via the Dressing Room.  The Bathroom has an over the bath, shower.  The Dining Area is Open-plan onto the Kitchenette, which is equipped for the preparation of light meals.  The kitchenette has a 2 plate Mini-oven, Microwave oven, usual small Appliances and a Bar fridge. The Sitting Room opens onto a Glass Enclosed Patio which provides access to the Swimming pool area and Garden.  Guest Suite also has an Open-Air Patio at the Entrance.

Accommodates Maximum: 2 Guests

RATE:  R1100.00 per night for the

Suite

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GARDEN COTTAGE:   A Two Bedroom, 2 bathroom (Main en-Suite) Cottage.  Main bedroom has a Queen-Size bed, the Second Bedroom has Twin beds. The Living /Dining Area is Open-Plan onto the Kitchenette, equipped for preparing Light Meals.  The Kitchentte has a 3 -plate stove with an Oven, Microwave, usual small Apppliances and a Bar fridge. The Living Area and the Main bedroom both have Fireplaces.  The Exclusive use Outdoor Open-Air Patio, has a BBQ/Braai Facility for Guests who do not wish to use the BBQ/Braai facility at the Swimming Pool.

An Ideal Cottage for Families or Friends, sharing.

Accommodates:  Max:  4 Guests

RATE:  R1500.00 per night for the Cottage

 

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RINGWALL COTTAGE:   A Spacious 2 Bedroom Cottage both with En-Suite Bathrooms.

Main bedroom with a Double bed, En-Suite bathroom with a Bath.

Second Bedroom with Twin beds, En-Suite Bathroom with a Walk-In Shower.

The Dining Room is Open-plan onto a full Kitchen.  The kitchen consists of an eye-level oven, 4 plate gas hob, full size fridge/freezer, usual small appliances, and a Microwave Oven.

Ringwall Cottage, has a separate , Stand alone Sitting Room.

The outdoor patio area of Ringwall Cottage, has a Magnificent view across the Vineyards and a Mountain Vista.

Accommodates Max:  4 Guests

Rate:  R1800,00 per night for the Cottage

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We are currently able to Accommodate a Maximum of  10 guests at one time.

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Camp Cots are Available by Request, at No Charge, we provide a Bottom sheet, please will You Provide Baby's Bedding

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Open-View Television is available in all our Cottages and Guest Suite, we do not have DsTV

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Free Wi-Fi is available to Guests in the Common Ground area, between the Pond and the Swimming Pool

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ALL ACCOMMODATION IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

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Email us for Your Bookings and enquiries:  info@bellingham.co.za or use our handy Contact Form here on our Website!

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OUR SERVICES

OUR SERVICES

Garden

Take time out in our Gardens, relaxing in the various Pause area's we've provided.  Whether it's with a book, bird-watching, setting out a picnic or just relaxing in the tranquility of the space...

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Pool

Our guests enjoy spending time at the Swimming Pool, whether it's cooling off at the end of a day out, or on the loungers or dining area's at the Pool, through the day.  Please be advised children are to be supervised by an Adult at all times.

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Housekeeping
For stays longer than 7 days, linen and towels will be changed by arrangement and confirmed when Checking in.
Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Common Ground are between the Swimming Pool and the Pond

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GALLERY

GALLERY

Mobile users - Tap to enlarge each picture

SEE & DO

THINGS TO DO

Leisure Activities
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The Franschhoek Motor Museum is right next door to us!  Bookings are essential for a visit.

Perhaps you'd like to book a Trip on the Wine Tram!  Choose Your route and book at the kiosk in the Village - opposite ABSA bank,   

Or, take a more leisurely Tuk-Tuk ride from Wine farm to Wine farm! 

For the Equine lovers, Wine Tastings on Horseback are also available! 

For the more energetic you may prefer to hire a bicycle for a ride.

Perhaps a leisurely hike through one of the many routes of the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is your preference.  

Butterfly World and Giraffe House are a short distance from us - so there is something for the children too! 

Park Runners meet at Rickety Bridge every Saturday morning, starting time is 08h00

Wine Farm Visits

 

Bellingham Homestead is on the doorstep to some of the finest South African Wineries in the World - Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch offer a variety of farms to visit!   Ask us about Wine Tasting venues in our Area.  We have maps available re Farms to visit in the Cape Winelands Region, enquire at the Office.

Village Market 

 

Every Saturday, you can visit the Franschhoek Village Market on Church Square.  A visit to Root 44 Market situated between Stellenbosch and Somerset West on Audacia Farm, a mere 20 min drive away is an exceptional experience!

Cultural Sites

 

Franschhoek is the Valley in which the French Huguenots settled in the late 1600's, bringing with them a Unique and beautiful History.  The local Franschhoek Museum, situatated at the Huguenot Monument in the Village, is well worth a visit.  For Art lovers, there are a number of Galleries Open to the Public, we have a map of Galleries available in the Office.  You may wish to book a Historical Walking tour through the Village.  There are several other cultural sites to visit, which are situated in close proximity to us i.e The Taal Monument in Paarl.  Their Saturday or Sunday, Sunset Concerts in Summer are a treat to visit - take a picnic with You.

Village Festivals
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Franschhoek hosts a number of Festivals through the year.  Ask us for a list of festivals and plan your weekend visit around them - come out and  stay with us and visit your favourite Festival at the same time!

GUEST REVIEW

"  Great Place, perfect location and best people in the Winelands, My home in SA."

 

"Incredibly beautiful surroundings. Fantastic accommodation. Wonderful friendly hosts. The ideal place to stay when visiting Franschhoek."

 

"Fantastic! We will be back. Thank you for all your hospitality."

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Contact
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