Situated on the Estate, Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa, which incorporates 16 luxurious lodges and Owner’s Villa, a tranquil spa, and new Japanese restaurant, HŌSEKI, recently reopened following an extensive refurbishment.
Implemented by the renowned David Collins Studio – who has worked with the Estate since its inception – and guided by the vision of Owner and renowned diamantaire Laurence Graff OBE, interiors have been reimagined and refined while honouring the original ethos and spirit of Delaire Graff Estate.
New interior architecture is simple in colour yet rich in texture to perfectly complement Laurence Graff’s extensive collection of African art. Warm, comforting golden oranges, yellows, greens and natural textures reference the African sky, the Estate’s indigenous gardens and vineyards and the imposing Stellenbosch Valley below.
African motifs are paired with European touches, and David Collins Studio consciously worked closely with local makers, artisans and artists, ensuring a spectrum of materiality which includes chiselled woods, stone and copper – as well as handwoven textiles. The result is exceptional; interiors are contemporary, aspiring, light and elegant – the epitome of quiet luxury while still grounded in the locale. While each space is distinctive, the excellent service for which the Estate is renowned draws every element together, ensuring guests feel relaxed, special and at home.
“Delaire Graff Estate is my happy place. I love visiting, the people, the hospitality. This makes every project at the Estate very personal and special to me. Our collaboration with Laurence Graff is long-standing and successful. For these reasons, I think Delaire Graff Estate instantly makes guests fall in love with it, embrace its warmth, enjoy its personality and leave with wonderful memories.”
Simon Rawlings, Chief Creative Officer, David Collins Studio
Garden and Luxury Lodges
Within the Garden and Luxury lodges, expansive wet bars are set alongside custom furniture and decorative lighting, including white plaster chandeliers by Alexandre Logé and pieces by B&B Italia and Maxalto Collection. Locally crafted dining tables, coffee tables with smoked glass tops and organic timber bases and upholstered armchairs are beautifully complemented by hand-knotted wool and silk rugs by Sinclair Till. Each bathroom has been fully refurbished and is clad in polished Marron Imperial and honed Crema Marfil marble. Out on the private terraces, outdoor furniture is positioned alongside a heated plunge pool, providing a sanctuary to relax and unwind.
Presidential Lodges
Upon arrival at the Presidential lodges, redefined lobby floors feature honed Crema Marfil marble with polished Marron Imperial inlays. New wet bars have been installed, along with ceiling pendants in blackened metal and bevelled glass. Within the living spaces, dark timber floors are accented by burnt orange and yellow detailing, such as cushions and hand-knotted silk and wool rugs. Hand-carved display tables, stools, and custom furniture pieces, including a vast dining table surrounded by upholstered dining chairs, take centre stage in the living spaces, beautifully complemented by custom alabaster scones. Each of the two bedrooms features pattered fabrics inspired by traditional South African prints across seating upholstery and cushions, with decorative wall sconces by Holly Hunt.
HŌSEKI
The interiors at the new Japanese restaurant HŌSEKI feature elegant indigo and copper tones bathed in warm amber light, juxtaposed with bespoke fabrics. One example is horizontal striped and tufted curtains, a custom commission, handwoven in mohair by artisans from Coral Stephens in Eswatini. The iconic art installation, Swallows in Flight, created by André Stead, working in collaboration with Lionel Smit, remains but brings an even greater meaning to the space – in Japanese culture, birds have adorned prints, ceramics, cloisonné and ancient temples for centuries, with the swallow representing good luck.
Shared guest spaces at Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa
Shared guest spaces are inspired by 20th-century design and the surrounding landscape, with neutral textured materials reimagined using colour, patterned upholstery and fabrics. The Estate’s wine offering has been brought to the fore, with new architectural features within the Lodge reception. A private wine-tasting lounge, exclusively for Lodge guests, provides an opportunity to taste an exceptional collection of wines grown and crafted on the Estate, surrounded by hand-carved timber walls. In contrast, a sensational piece of deep red marble provides the ideal place around which to congregate.
David Collins Studio continues its celebration of local craftsmanship and traditional techniques steeped in heritage with curated pieces by South African artists and makers. One example of this can be found within the Indochine lounge, in which a striking chandelier and complementary centre table by ceramicist Chuma Maweni resides. An intimate space, the lounge is cosy and approachable while still being dramatic and enveloping – a place for relaxation and occasion at the end of a day spent surrounded by flawless comfort and luxury at Delaire Graff Estate.
