Landing by helicopter in the newly opened Franschhoek House at La Residence estate in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, I know we’re in for a treat. Before we even enter the property, we are treated to a luxurious scrub and a mini hand massage. And this is not for special guests; it’s standard upon arrival.
— Photos by Rebecca Richardson
At the age of 50, Liz Biden, the self-taught designer responsible for some of The Royal Portfolio’s artfully designed spaces, like The Silo Hotel in Cape Town and now Franschhoek House, chose to retire early from her successful fashion business and focus on her family. Liz reveals, “The plan was never to go into hospitality, but I also knew that when I sold the business, it wouldn’t last long, and my retirement lasted two days.” With her youngest child in his final year of school and about to go to university, Liz found herself with unexpected free time. She and her husband, Phil, decided to transform their holiday homes in South Africa into something special. “We had a holiday home in the bush, and we didn’t want to dust off the cobwebs every time we went, so we converted it into a luxury lodge, and that’s how The Royal Portfolio started,” explains Liz. This marked the beginning of what would become a renowned collection of luxury properties, blending their love for travel with an entrepreneurial spirit.
A Space to Gather and Create Memories
At its core, Franschhoek House is a tribute to both beauty and function. With six individually designed suites, the villa can accommodate up to 12 guests, making it ideal for families or intimate groups seeking both tranquillity and indulgence. The property is framed by dramatic mountain vistas and ancient vineyards, offering a private sanctuary where guests can unwind in one of South Africa’s most scenic locales.
Liz sought inspiration from her travels and the plush surroundings of the Franschhoek Valley. “Every room is different, uniquely styled and full of colour. All the fabrics for the furniture and curtains are hand-embroidered silk from India. A few of the pieces in Franschhoek House have been collected over the years from my travels. When I see something good, something I like or something quirky, I’ll buy it and store it for my next project,” she explains. The result is a blend of vintage French aesthetics, vibrant African colours, and intricate Indian textures, all combined to create a space that feels both familiar and exotic.
Throughout the villa, guests are treated to a carefully curated collection of artworks by some of Africa’s most renowned artists, including Franklyn Dzingai, Tafadzwa Tega, and Amanda Mushate. These pieces are thoughtfully integrated into the design, adding both depth and dimension to the interior spaces. Liz says, “I choose artwork that I like, but I am also aware of my guests when selecting the pieces.”
The villa’s design also honours Franschhoek’s French heritage, with a remarkable 17th-century tapestry by David Teniers II from Aubusson, France, forming a stunning focal point. This fusion of African and European influences creates a rich, immersive atmosphere, where each room tells a unique story through its design and décor. Personally, I need a long weekend in the yellow room – which incidentally, I find out is both our favourite colour.
An Exclusive Experience
The central hub of the villa is ‘The Long Room,’ a sophisticated yet inviting area designed to encourage socialising. Complete with a full-sized billiard table, bar, and a comfortable lounge, it provides an ideal setting for guests to come together and enjoy each other’s company. The villa also comes with an interactive kitchen, where a private chef prepares farm-to-table dishes sourced from the estate’s bounty.
The outdoor spaces of Franschhoek House are equally as inviting. Multiple patios surround the villa, each offering a different view of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Guests can unwind by the heated pool, relax in the lush gardens, or enjoy a sundowner on the terrace, making it easy to embrace the beauty and serenity of the valley.
After spending the first 10 years working almost all by herself, save for a few employees, Liz now works with her husband and children. She says, “For Phil and I, it’s the most wonderful thing to have our children in the business because it brings so much continuity. We work well together, which is why it works. Ali, my daughter who runs The Royal Portfolio Foundation, has a similar taste to me and one day she will take over my role, but I won’t be disappearing anytime soon. Matt (my son) and Ali are so passionate about the business, and we are so lucky to have them to continue our legacy one day.”
As we disembark at Cape Town Helicopters 20 minutes after leaving the villa, I caustically joke that after meeting Liz not only am I suffering from severe class envy, but I’m not sure how I’m ever going to make that hour’s drive from Cape Town to Franschhoek ever again. But really, I’m not joking.
