A wedding of your dreams

Friday, 12 October, 2012
Plaisir de Merle wine estate
The romantic ideal of ‘the time, the place and the loved one all together’ comes true for couples in search of a dream wedding destination in the Cape.
Plaisir de Merle in Simondium is a showpiece wine farm in the scenic Cape Winelands – a cultural treasure and an architectural gem with ambience that transports all guests back into a different time and era, but with all modern conveniences and comforts.

This locale offers luxury and a magical experience for the bridal couple, helping them to create special memories of a day they – and their guests and loved ones – will never forget. Mature couples will find it equally suited as a venue for their renewal of vows, or anniversary celebrations.

The manor house, dating back to 1764, with its gables and thatched roof, is a fine example of the Cape Dutch architectural style.

The interior features an elegant and eclectic rendition of old and new with a selection of furniture in the Cape, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, ball-and-claw and retro style. The end result is décor that reflects a conscious move away from grandeur towards unaffected sincerity with classical refinement.

The manor house is only available in its entirety for a group booking of up to eight guests maximum to stay, renting the entire guesthouse in conjunction with a function.

The accommodation consists of four bedrooms - a bridal/honeymoon suite with a full bathroom en suite, two bedrooms each with twin beds which share a full bathroom, and a fourth bedroom en suite.

The inner courtyard can extend the venue by enclosing the roof where peace and privacy reign supreme. There is also a veranda along the front and side of the manor house where guests can enjoy al fresco welcoming drinks.

Ideally the bridal party can use the manor house as a wedding base, and use the library and conference room for hair stylists, make-up artists, and beauticians to provide relaxing massages, manicures and pedicures so that the bride and entourage can be pampered on site.

Trappings of the past are brought closer to the present in the dining room or ‘galderij’ with its traditional wall cupboard (‘muurkas’) and yellowwood ceiling beams. It has a long dining table that comfortably seats 36 - 40 guests.

There is a bridal package available which includes the venue hire for the bridal function for a two-night stay for up to eight guests – for the first night prior to the wedding and for the wedding night itself. Full breakfasts on both days are included.

Light snacks with sparkling wine, water, tea/coffee are available while the bride prepares for the ceremony.

To ensure a stress-free preparation time, all arrangements can be made by the client’s own wedding planner while fully equipped kitchen facilities are available for use by an outside caterer.

The impressive garden setting with shade trees and manicured lawns lends itself to the siting of marquees for larger wedding functions – and presents a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs.

With all the festive season celebrations over and all the engagements announced, now’s the time to plan the next most important event of your life – and Plaisir de Merle’s the place were dreams are made.

Please do not hesitate to call 021 874 1071 or email plaisirdemerle@capelegends.co.za for further information.

Directions:
Plaisir de Merle wine estate, on the R45, Simondium
GPS co-ordinates S 33? 50’ 32.208’’ E 18? 57’ 30.312’’