Diamant Estate, found amid the rolling winelands and farmlands of Paarl, is a place where time seems to stand still, suspended somewhere between golden specks of dust and lush leafed vineyards that stretch out as far as the eye can see.
It’s a place where happiness is measured by the wagging of a dog’s tail as it bolts around the lawn playing chase below the oak trees, where the spell remains long into the night, when all you can hear are the soft hoots of an owl hidden high above.
I’d dare say that happiness is even found in the soft smile of contentment reflected on your own face as you realise this rustic paradise will be what you call home for a while, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Diamant Manor House
Once you climb the sweeping staircase to the ancient (and beautifully restored) manor house, you’ll be more than impressed with the decadently decorated interior that includes handwoven rugs and a chandelier, soft arm chairs and a leather-backed one that looks like something Sherlock Holmes would be comfortable in. The walls are filled with pictures that showcase the 300 year history of the property, and there’s even a dining area which is as suited for intimate occasions as it is for raucous gatherings.
The bedrooms which all adjoin the main entry area are equally impressive, with four-poster beds draped with a white linen canopy, antique furnishings strewn about the room and soft lighting, underfloor heating, and marbled open-plan bathrooms, which complete the fairytale picture.
Pioneer House
The equally lovely Pioneer House consists of a variety of cosy rooms that not only include luxurious percale bedding and sturdy side tables (one of which will bear a delightful bottle of Diamant Estate wine), but you’ll also enjoy large bathrooms with underfloor heating, plush towels, and plenty of cupboard space for those who like to unpack. The tea and coffee facilities are also top notch, and the bay windows that take in the farmland views make Diamant Estate an ideal stay for those after a winelands adventure.
Location
One of the most enviable features about Diamant Estate is its proximity to Fairview Cheese and Wine next door, and the beloved Spice Route slightly further down the road. In fact, if you stay here, you needn’t travel anywhere but these two spots for the rest of the weekend, though the town of Paarl is only 6km away for those who want to go exploring further afield.
The Grounds
Diamant Estate is a top wedding venue and even if you’re not planning on getting hitched, they’re still perfect for a romantic weekend getaway, with plenty of photo opportunities and picnic spots. The birdlife, beauty and country charm appear wherever your gaze is cast – be it on the oak trees or on the verdant lawns that roll down to shady areas, or from the flower beds that are criss-crossed by red dirt roads – ideal for meandering down!
Chapel, wine cellar, breakfast nook
An ancient wine cellar and a beautiful chapel bedecked with hand-carved pews, coupled with the ability to transform the space into whatever is desired is part of the charm that makes Diamant Estate a popular wedding venue. Those who prefer open spaces can have the reception set up outdoors under marquee tents, and there’s ample space for dancing. If you’ve booked the whole venue, you won’t have to worry about noise levels, and can safely dance the night away under the stars.
The warm fire lit on chilly days for you to have a coffee around is a very nice touch, and the breakfasts are simply divine! Free Wi-Fi seals the deal for those who need to stay connected while on the go. The warm hospitality provided by MT Ferreira and his staff, the upmarket décor used in the manor house and Pioneer house, the friendly pets who wander the grounds, and the idyllic location at the foothills of Paarl have made Diamant Estate our top pick for Paarl.
Many thanks to Hatch Communication and MT Ferreira for organising the LekkeSlaap and LekkeSlaap experience at Diamant Estate.
Have you ever been to Diamant Estate? What did you love best?
