Quiet Renewal Is Abundant On Spier Wine Farm

Spier Hotel has reopened as a purposeful, considered expression of the wine farm’s regenerative philosophy. Design inspiration was drawn from the farm’s wild Cape gardens, a profusion of indigenous fynbos representing the astonishing endemism and biodiversity of the Cape floristic region.

The owners’ brief was to create a beautiful, welcoming farmhouse honouring the farm’s history, sense of place and fynbos-rich gardens. Bringing this vision to life was a collaborative undertaking by an extraordinarily creative team united by a shared passion and purpose. The result is a series of relaxed, welcoming spaces immersed in nature that celebrate the Enthoven family’s love of South African art, design and the remarkable artistry of local craftspeople.

Considered, Intentional Design

Designed as a village, foliage-edged pathways link characterful Cape vernacular terraced houses with rooms and suites on one of two levels. Ground-floor rooms lead onto private verandahs, while first-floor rooms have views of the gardens or distant mountains. Guests enjoy exclusive access to this tranquil part of the hotel, where interior designer Marguerite Louw, in collaboration with her architect brother, Armand Louw, reconfigured the original footprint of 150 rooms to create 80 spacious rooms and suites. Marguerite was also the creative genius behind the new botanically themed spa. Sophie Douglas and Lucy Watkins of Fusion, a UK-based design studio that has completed several commissions for the family, focused on the public spaces, introducing two exciting new restaurants, three bars, including a rooftop bar, and a large heated pool. The gardens were designed by Danie Steenkamp of DDS Projects, using hundreds of plants propagated on the farm by Spier’s nursery manager and horticulturist, Wilton Sikhosana.

Main Hotel, Restaurants & Bars

Dating back to 1692, the farm’s original werf is known for exceptional examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Wanting to honour this heritage, Sophie Douglas took her cue from the austere elegance of these timeless white-washed buildings to create a thoroughly contemporary take on a farmhouse without losing the spirit of what was already there.

Guests are welcomed into a graciously proportioned lobby with intimate seating areas below exposed timber beams. Art, seasonal blooms, and books give this space the richly layered patina and emotional resonance of a much-loved family home. To the left is a boutique, an offshoot of the Cowshed. An open fireplace draws guests deeper into the public areas to a wine bar with a counter running the length of the room and a series of lounges. Art is a defining feature throughout the hotel, along with the rich textures of natural materials, including smooth wood, rattan, riempie, raw linen and rich velvet. Casamento cushions, hand-embroidered with delicate fynbos motifs, add a whimsical touch.

Beyond the wine bar is Veld, a dinner-only restaurant with saffron velvet banquettes, a collection of marble and antique tabletops, and a view of the chefs at work in the kitchen. A profusion of greenery spills from oversized, handwoven Madwa baskets suspended above an antique server in the centre of the room. A glass-walled wine library separates Veld from the Garden Room, a relaxed setting for breakfast and lunch with outdoor seating overlooking the pool and garden. Above is a rooftop bar for sunset drinks or wine tasting under the stars around the fire pit.

Being intentional about local sourcing was both practical and principled. Having worked with the owners before, Fusion Design’s creative team was familiar with the excellent quality of South African design and craftsmanship and the art collection held by the Spier Arts Trust.

Rooms & Suites

Mariota Enthoven and her mother, Angela, worked closely with Marguerite Louw on the rooms and suites, each a quiet, contemplative sanctuary. Elegant and timeless, their pared-back simplicity lends a sense of ease and calm. Natural textures and materials were chosen throughout, from pure linens, silks and cotton fabrics to solid oak floors and Karoo wool carpets.

Four suites, uniquely decorated and named, were designed by Angela Enthoven and Barbara McGregor, an interior decorator and long-time friend. Imbued with historical significance, character and provenance, the Cape Chestnut, Water Lily, Yellowwood and History suites each tell a unique story about the Cape and the farm.

Many of the original design elements from the old hotel were restored or repurposed and invigorated by local artisans. Solid oak tables were fashioned into new pieces of furniture, antique slipper chairs were reupholstered, Chinese tables were restored, and elegant wooden lamp bases were rewired and topped with delicate parchment shades.

Said Marguerite Louw: “Being resourceful and pushing myself to think a bit harder not only reduced the carbon footprint of this project but also freed up the budget to spend on crafting bespoke details that add originality, interest and a certain quirkiness. In my experience, constraint very often leads to better design. Overall, we were conscious of investing money where it had the greatest impact and the added joy of creating work for talented craftspeople.”

The results can be felt; the energy of the making resonates in each beautiful creation throughout the property. Almost everything was made or sourced in South Africa, the team drawing on longstanding working relationships with local artisans and manufacturers in Cape Town and further afield. The tactile bed throws on the sofas and beds were designed by African Jacquard. Grass carpets, placemats, and other handwoven items are from Madwa, a women’s collective in Swaziland.

Spa & Cape Herbal Bath House

The Spa and Cape Herbal Bath House represent a conscious departure from typical hotel spas. In place of sleek minimalism, guests enter an old-fashioned apothecary-style emporium filled with antique tables, sofas and rattan recliners, pressed flower artworks, fynbos cuttings in bud vases, and lush house plants. On offer is a wellness experience deeply rooted in the Cape Floral Kingdom.

The Cape Herbal Bath House can be booked for a private bathing ritual incorporating hot slab massage, salt scrubbing, herbal poultices, steam, and hot-stone therapy. Handcrafted tiles, bespoke shell-shaped marble basins, and antique pleated brass window panels add to the transportive ambience of each sensory, tactile journey. Botanical artworks, made from pressed herbs and fynbos collected on the farm, represent fields of flowers. In the mani-pedi studio, flattering lighting, candy-striped boudoir stools, velvet drapes, and a well-stocked wine fridge create a sociable ambience. The Movement Studio is a light, airy upstairs space for yoga, pilates and meditation with a terrace overlooking the apothecary garden.