Welcome to Huddle Vine Cottage!
We're so glad you're here. This guide covers everything you need for a relaxed, comfortable stay. Franschhoek is one of the most beautiful corners of South Africa — we hope you fall in love with it as much as we have. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything at all we can help with.
— Alistair & Sarah
🕐 Check-In & Check-Out
Check-In From
14:00
Self check-in via lockbox
Check-Out By
10:00
Please leave keys in lockbox
Lockbox Location
The lockbox is at the rear entrance gate. Your access code will be sent before arrival. Please close and latch the lockbox after retrieving the keys.
Finding the Cottage
The cottage is to the rear of the main house — follow the path around to the right. The main house is a private residence; the front seated area is not part of your let space.
📋 House Rules
- 👥Max 2 guests. Please let us know in advance if circumstances change.
- 🚬No smoking indoors. Smoking is permitted in the garden only.
- 🐾No pets. We're unable to accommodate pets, sorry!
- 🔇Quiet hours after 22:00. Please be mindful of neighbours after 10pm.
- 🔐Lock up when going out. Please ensure all doors and windows are locked when leaving. The key locks both the front door and the garden gate.
- 📺Netflix on the TV. A shared Netflix profile is available for your use. Please don't change account details or sign out. Other streaming apps are also available.
- 🌊Pool usage. No glass in or around the pool. Children must be supervised. Pool towels are provided — please don't use bedroom towels at the pool.
- 🗑️Bins. Bin bags are under the kitchen sink. Bins are emptied as part of regular upkeep — no need to worry about them.
🏡 About the Property
The Gardener Visits on Fridays
Our gardener comes every Friday to tend the garden and pool area. Please don't be alarmed — he's part of the regular upkeep and will work quietly without disturbing your stay. He also takes care of the bins on his visits.
Washing Machine
There's a washing machine in the kitchen. Washing powder is in the cupboard above. Please hang washing in the garden rather than indoors.
Load Shedding
South Africa occasionally has scheduled power outages. We have an emergency light in the kitchen drawer, plus candles. Check the schedule on the EskomSePush app — it's a part of local life!
🔒 Security & Safety
Security Cameras on the Property
There are external security cameras monitored remotely by our security company, covering the entrance gate and exterior areas only. There are no cameras inside the cottage or garden.
Franschhoek is Very Safe
Franschhoek is one of the safest towns in the Western Cape and widely considered very safe for tourists. The village is walkable at all times of day. As with anywhere, standard common sense applies — lock up when going out, don't leave valuables in your car.
Emergency Numbers
SA Emergency: 10111 (Police) · 10177 (Ambulance)
Local Police (Franschhoek): +27 21 876 2150
Nearest Hospital: Paarl Medi-Clinic · +27 21 872 8200 (25 min away)
Your hosts: Message us any time — we respond quickly.
Local Police (Franschhoek): +27 21 876 2150
Nearest Hospital: Paarl Medi-Clinic · +27 21 872 8200 (25 min away)
Your hosts: Message us any time — we respond quickly.
🍷 Local Tips from Us
Must-Try Restaurants
Special occasion / fine dining: Protégé and Chef's Warehouse at Maison — both exceptional, book ahead.
Great local restaurants: Café du Vin for relaxed bistro dining, Deux Lions for something livelier, and Haute Cabrière Restaurant up on the pass for stunning views with your meal.
Great local restaurants: Café du Vin for relaxed bistro dining, Deux Lions for something livelier, and Haute Cabrière Restaurant up on the pass for stunning views with your meal.
Wine Estates We Love
Boschendal for picnics and history. Babylonstoren for the gardens. La Motte for a classic tasting. Môreson for something a bit different. Most estates don't require bookings for tastings — just show up.
Groceries & Shopping
You're well covered without a car. Pick n Pay is a 10 minute walk away. On the main high street you'll also find Checkers and Woolworths Food for higher-end groceries and ready meals.
The Wine Tram
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a brilliant way to hop between estates without driving. Book online at winetram.co.za — highly recommended for a full valley day.
Getting Around
Uber works well in Franschhoek and Paarl. For Cape Town day trips, drive via the Franschhoek Pass — the views are spectacular.
💬 Contact Us
Need anything? Just ask.
Available via Airbnb message or WhatsApp — we respond quickly.