Press Releases

FANCOURT OPENS MANOR HOUSE LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Fancourt has entered the luxury boutique hotel market with the opening of an exclusive 18-suite, five star hotel on the estate. Known as the Manor House at Fancourt, it presents a meticulous remodelling of ‘Blanco House’, the original 150-year old Manor House which has been declared a National Monument. The new Manor House at Fancourt has been designed to reflect the elegant style and classic tradition of a bygone era, simultaneously encompassing the indulgence and sophistication of a world-class, 21st century boutique hotel.
Murray Aitken, Hotel General Manager of Fancourt says that it signifies a new era for Fancourt, presenting its first foray into the exclusive market of sophisticated, independent travellers, as part of its ongoing dedication to continuously upgrade and improve the property and its facilities.
Located in the wooded parkland of the 613 hectare estate at the foot of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, the unashamedly sophisticated and exquisitely furnished Manor House offers complete privacy with 13 Luxury suites, 4 Grand suites, and one Master Suite with 2 bedrooms, immaculately designed in a contemporary classic style. Stylish and fresh, the décor features sensual metalics and cool hues of grape, moss and granite, and every modern convenience and luxury amenities demanded by a boutique hotel of this standard.

Murray Aitken’s extensive international experience as hotelier has provided an exciting new dynamic to the hospitality delivery at Fancourt, personally overseeing a hand selected team to provide undivided care and attention, and superb guest service that includes 24-hour butler service at the Manor House.
The innovative architecture, classic contemporary interiors and understated elegance of the Manor House were designed by a joint team of architects Munnik Visser Abayili and interior designers, Design 360 of Cape Town. A R30 million project, blending heritage harmoniously with the most refined modern conveniences, the hotel showcases spectacular works of art, decorative chandeliers and custom designed furniture that instantly transports guests to an era of beauty, timelessness and grace.
Dedicated to environmentally sustainable practices with ‘green’ certification endorsed by GreenStaySA, the renovation of the Fancourt Manor House provided an excellent opportunity for Fancourt to focus on the implementation of its ‘green’ strategy. Some of the eco-friendly initiatives designed and incorporated here include key card holders to cut power when clients leave their bedrooms, dual flush toilets, low-flow shower heads regulated to utilize about 50% of the usual hotel water usage, and solar heating installed for the swimming pool, to name but a few.
The Manor House restaurant too has received a complete transformation into a fine dining restaurant called Henry White’s, named after the first owner of Fancourt, Henry Fancourt White. Dedicated to excellence in the culinary arts, it will set a new standard for fine dining on the Garden Route and beyond. The menu offers a variety of classic, prime meat and seafood dishes prepared to perfection, using the freshest produce. Extensive tasting menus are offered too, complemented by award-winning wines in a sophisticated, elegant setting. Along with the menu, the chic artistic décor will show discreet changes by the season, and will showcase intriguing artworks by South African and international artists, with a permanent collection of Fussman artworks on display.

The Montagu Bar & Library lounge in the Manor House boasts a classic ambience and historic nuance, featuring wingback chairs and an original fireplace. Bright and sunny, the Garden & Tea Lounge is the heart of the Manor House, where elegant teas and afternoon High Teas are served daily, overlooking the glorious gardens and terrace which extends to the sparkling swimming pool. Also leading from this charming room, is the expansive new courtyard, providing another quiet corner conducive to the gentle art of conversation, or as a perfect spot to read or unwind.
Personalised conveniences distinctive to the Manor House include complimentary airport transfers and courtesy car within a 10km radius, valet parking, flexible check-in and check-out times, and personalised ‘In-Residence’ business cards. Included in the rate is full English breakfast served in a choice of venues; evening canapés with a glass of sparkling wine; afternoon tea; and a fully stocked, complimentary refreshment centre and mini-bar with crystal liquor decanters of premium whisky, brandy, vodka, gin and sherry; as well as an in-room espresso machine. Manor House rack rates range between R5 500 and R10 500 per room per night (valid until 30 September 2011). Manor House suites will be available for bookings from 15 February 2011.
Manor House guests have full access to all resort facilities offered on the Fancourt estate, including a spa with heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, hair salon and gymnasium, swimming pools and tennis courts, shops, three other restaurants and a conference centre, as well as three Gary Player-designed golf courses (Montagu, Outeniqua and the exclusive Links), complete with a Club House, Golf Academy and TaylorMade Performance Lab.
Fancourt was voted Africa’s Leading Golf Resort at the 2009 World Travel Awards, and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Great Golf Resorts of the World associations.