Roggeland Country House is a small family-owned and run guest house a few minutes outside of the historic winelands town of Paarl. It's in a peaceful rural setting with spectacular views of the Drakenstein Mountains and neighbouring vineyards.
The original thatched, white-washed Cape Dutch buildings date back 260 years and are now a National Monument.
The Minkley family bought Roggeland in 1993 and transformed it into what it is now; a beautiful guest house. Expert Africa team members first visited it in 1994! It still retains a lot of the original features such as beautiful yellowwood floors and doors in the main building and high ceilings.
Wrought-iron tables and chairs, with soft cushions, are dotted on the vast lawns under shady oak trees. This is a popular spot to relax and enjoy a chilled glass of wine while watching the mountains changing colour in the sunset.
One of the highlights of staying at Roggeland Country House is the fine food and wine enjoyed here. A pre-dinner selection of wines is served outside under the oak trees. This is the ideal opportunity to sample the local wines as well as to meet fellow guests.
This is followed by a four-course dinner in the dining room; a different wine is served with each course. When we last visited Roggeland (November 2007) we enjoyed a starter of home-made butternut soup, followed by yellowtail (fish) and creamed spinach, and when you thought that was enough, there was another course of duck breast with fresh home-grown vegetables finished off with a tasty chocolate marquis. The food here was superb.
Activities at Roggeland Country House range from relaxing by the pool to exploring the surrounding areas, visiting wine and cheese farms nearby as well as horse-riding on neighbouring farms.
Roggeland has 10 rooms made up of six superior rooms and four standard rooms. Eight of these rooms are in the old stable buildings; and there are two superior rooms in the main house. (Read more about a superior room here... )
The standard rooms at Roggeland are smaller than the superior rooms, although furnished in a similar style. Apart from the size, the main difference is that the standard rooms have a shower over the bath in the bathroom, whereas the superior rooms have a separate bath and shower cubicle.
In conclusion Roggeland is the ideal place for foodies and wine-lovers to stay, whilst exploring the surrounding vineyards of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. It is only one hour's drive from Cape Town and 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, making it a good place to either start or end your trip.
Ideal length of stay: 2 – 3 nights should give you enough time to explore the winelands.
Central facilities: On arrival at Roggeland you will be greeted with a warm welcome and probably offered a glass of ice cold homemade lemonade on the lawn, under the oak trees.
The main country homestead houses the dining and living room as well as two of the superior bedrooms. Entering this, through the large imposing front door, you first stand in the hall, where there is a round antique table in the centre, topped by a large arrangement of fresh flowers. Two of the bedrooms lead of this hall.
Walk through beautifully restored yellowwood and stinkwood doors into the homely lounge. Here are a few comfortable sofas and chairs, some interesting books to read on the area and lovely antique pieces of furniture. There are also antique rugs on the lovingly restored yellowwood floors.
(The 'Yellowwood' and 'stinkwood' used so extensively at Roggeland Country House are interesting and beautiful hardwoods; they are made from trees which are endemic to the ancient forests of the southern Cape.)
Leading off the lounge is the dining room which was the original kitchen in the old house. Roggeland's original, old fireplace, which used to be used for cooking, is still in the corner adorned with antique copper cooking implements and jugs.
Directions: Roggeland is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport and about an hour's drive from Cape Town.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Privately owned
Staff: Lodge Manager: Gordon & Marie Minckley
Front of house – Jacquie Minkley
Chef: Lee-Anne Minkley
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: The food at Roggeland Country House is of a very high standard with a daily changing menu – which aims to inform visitors about the local cuisine, and enable them to taste a selection of local wines.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes
Drinks included: No - except house wines with dinner
Special interests
Honeymoons: Although not marketing strongly to honeymooners, Roggeland Country House is a very quiet, private hideaway and their superior rooms feel particularly luxurious and relaxed. The food here is excellent, and the ambience one of low-key, understated quality.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Honeymoons
Children
Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Roggeland Country House.
Age restrictions: None
Activities: Babysitting is available while the parents are having dinner. Please note that these are not qualified babysitters – they are members of staff.
Equipment: Cots and highchairs are available whilst at Roggeland Country House.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Children under 12 are not allowed in the dinning room with the adults at dinner. They are catered for separately.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: Direct dial phones are available in the rooms. The main country house at Roggeland has wireless connection. However, you need to have your own laptop.
TV & radio: None
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: There is a doctor and hospital nearby in Paarl.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There are 24-hour security guards who patrol the property at Roggeland Country House.
Fire safety: There are fire-extinguishers in all the rooms and in the main areas.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Yes - extra Charge
Money: There are no exchange facilities available. There are banks in nearby Paarl.
Accepted payment: Most international credit cards are accepted. Cash is accepted in SA rands, pounds sterling, US dollars and euros.
Roggeland Country House review
The best hotel of the trip.
Please advise future clients that wine is included with dinner.
Very friendly welcome.
Great for access to Paarl Bird Sanctuary.
Roggeland review
Very peaceful setting, staff were attentive and fresh vegetables from the garden - great.
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