Set against the Stellenbosch Mountains, Blaauwklippen Manor reopens on 1 February 2026, unveiling a masterful restoration that returns five-star accommodation to one of South Africa’s most historic wine estates. Carefully reimagined by Newmark Hotels & Reserves, the revival of the Manor House and Jonkershuis marks both a homecoming and a bold new chapter for this legendary Cape landmark.
Founded in 1682 and recognised as the first registered company in the Cape Winelands, Blaauwklippen is woven into the very fabric of South Africa’s viticultural and hospitality heritage. For more than three centuries, the estate has welcomed travellers, traders and tastemakers – its reopening honouring this extraordinary legacy while confidently embracing contemporary luxury.
Heritage Restored, Elegance Renewed
The reopening follows the devastating fire of April 2024, which caused extensive damage to the Manor House, Jonkershuis and surrounding farm structures. Rather than signalling loss, the restoration became an act of collective resolve. Working alongside heritage architects and specialist artisans, the team painstakingly preserved the estate’s architectural integrity while introducing modern comforts suited to today’s discerning traveller.
Original materials – including centuries-old bricks and fragments of Delft porcelain uncovered during the rebuild – were carefully conserved and reintroduced, allowing the estate’s layered history to remain visible and tactile throughout the spaces.
Thoughtful Interiors with a Sense of Place
The interiors, led by acclaimed Cape Town designer François du Plessis, strike a delicate balance between classical grandeur and contemporary ease. His approach brings a refined yet slightly eclectic elegance to the historic buildings, drawing inspiration from the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Rich textures, curated prints and subtle colour infuse the spaces with warmth, creativity and a strong sense of place.
“We reintroduced a classic, luxurious feel that alludes to the estate’s history, complemented by a creative, colourful and slightly eclectic finish,” says du Plessis. “The design celebrates the natural beauty of the region while remaining true to the soul of Blaauwklippen.”
The Manor Experience
The restored Manor introduces 11 luxury accommodation units, each designed to offer intimacy, comfort and understated sophistication.
Manor House
Eight en-suite rooms across three room categories
Room sizes from 26 m² to 42 m²
Two rooms with private terraces (11 m²)
Jonkershuis
Three expansive suites, each featuring a bedroom, lounge and bathroom
Suite sizes from 53 m² to 54 m²
Private terraces ranging from 9 m² to 18 m²
All rooms feature gas fireplaces, creating a cosy retreat during cooler Cape evenings. Guests also enjoy access to a shared swimming pool nestled within the historic estate grounds.
A Legacy of Hospitality and Innovation
In the 1800s, Blaauwklippen was a renowned stop along the early carriage and postal route between Cape Town and Stellenbosch—a role echoed today in its tree-lined avenue, courtyard and iconic gateposts. Across generations, the estate has consistently balanced tradition with progress, from pioneering South Africa’s first Zinfandel vineyards in 1977 to founding the Blaauwklippen Blending Competition in 1984, the country’s longest-running consumer wine blending competition.
“Blaauwklippen has stood for resilience, enterprise and hospitality for over three centuries,” says Roelof van den Berg, CEO of Blaauwklippen. “This reopening is about more than restoring buildings—it’s about restoring a sense of place and carrying our heritage forward.”
Neil Markovitz, CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, adds: “This project represents a profound milestone. It demanded determination, craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are proud to welcome guests back to experience the sophistication and character of Blaauwklippen Manor once again.”
Today, Blaauwklippen stands as a vibrant destination where wine, culture, community and hospitality converge. The reopening of the Manor House and Jonkershuis signals a new era—one rooted in heritage, shaped by resilience and defined by thoughtful, understated luxury.
