LOCATION
A guinea fowl sprint from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on a fertile piece of land once owned by the Anglican church. So neighbours are the ecclesiastical residents of Bishopscourt, a leafy arboretum through which the Liesbeek River runs and a towering mountain.
Should your thoughts turn to material goods, it's conveniently close to Cavendish Square shopping mall and 20 minutes from the CBD - but why would you want to go anywhere?
STYLE
Five-star feng shui. Once a family home, the building has the signature style of female architect Jaclyn Cattell - elegant Cape aesthetic, dormer windows with foliage-softened edges described as a mix of "comfort with respect for the environment", which pretty much sums it up.
SERVICE
It's all about you. The team sleuths as much as possible about your preferences in advance, asks more on arrival, then tends to your every whim.
EATING & DRINKING ARRANGEMENTS
With a Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gold and a Paris patisserie course under her belt, chef Stacey Chan works around your taste, appetite, what's fresh from the organic potager (kitchen garden) and locally available.
On my own for dinner, I chose a fruit, cheese and preserve platter over a wine-paired three-course meal, but shared breakfast of sautéed garden tomatoes with basil and mushrooms, lightly fried halloumi, avo, homemade breads and mini muffins.
ACTIVITIES
Stroll the paths of immaculately kept gardens and mini orchard and a gate key gives you access to a river bank walk. Sit in the glass-walled conservatory and feast your eyes on the mountains' changing light, slide into the blue/grey pool for a few lengths, peruse the collectible titles in the library or tinkle the ivories of the grand piano. Or walk, run or drive the few kilometres to Kirstenbosch.
BEST TIME TO GO
Every season has specific appeal, but comfort is year round - winter fireplaces for warmth and ambience, ceiling fans against excess sun. A second wing, due for completion in 2020, will include additional rooms, spa, restaurant and extensive cellar.
FACILITIES
Order in a spa treatment or conference in the black, hot-desk business lounge. The pool pavilion is popular for small weddings. Open to the public for afternoon tea, booking essential. A programme of wine, food, music and art evenings as well as garden events is planned. See arambrook.co.za and social media for details and dates.
RATES
From R6,200 a night for two, queen room, peak season. Includes breakfast, afternoon tea, local wines and gin plus airport transfer in a luxury vehicle. Lunch and dinner available on request. Children under 16 stay free.
CONTACT
Visit arambrook.co.za
• Richards was a guest of Arambrook..