Tucked between wild Cape gardens and the historic Eerste River, our two new exclusive-use villas complete the transformation of our Spier Hotel into a world-class destination. Each elegantly appointed home features a private heated pool and outdoor entertainment area, offering the luxury and space of a private residence with all the advantages of a hotel stay. A choice of restaurants and bars, as well as our spa and children’s Buzz Club, are just a short stroll away.
Designed to feel like home
The three-bedroom Garden and Riverside villas feature bespoke interiors by Cape Town-based interior designer Jacques Erasmus, who took his cue from the owners’ personal preference for private homes rather than hotel suites when they travel.
“These are homes designed for travellers who value the luxury of complete privacy when exploring the world,” comments Erasmus. “A villa provides flexibility – you’re able to dictate every aspect of your stay.”
Each villa comes with a dedicated service team, including a private chef, for the ultimate tailored service – ideal for longer stays, remote working, or celebrating special occasions such as family reunions or milestone birthdays.
Living spaces that flow with nature
Architect Paul Luck of Lightspace created generously proportioned spaces that flow seamlessly outdoors into walled gardens. These gardens form part of DDS Project’s Danie Steenkamp’s fynbos-rich rewilding project throughout the hotel gardens.
The ground floor of each home features an open-plan dining room, a lounge with fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, guest cloakroom, and an en-suite king-sized bedroom. From the bedroom, lounge, and kitchen, French doors lead onto a deep verandah, the garden, and a heated pool, providing an authentic slice of South Africa’s relaxed approach to living and outdoor entertaining. Garden Villa has a pergola-covered outdoor lounge with fireplace, dining area, and built-in barbecue, while Riverside Villa has an outdoor dining table and fire pit with mountain views.
In both villas, two en-suite bedrooms are located upstairs – one with a king-sized bed and the other with twin beds. These rooms are interleading if required. All bedrooms have spacious bathrooms with deep free-standing tubs and walk-in showers, featuring cabochon flooring with decorative inlay patterns. “Something as utilitarian and simple as a bathroom floor can become a work of art,” comments Erasmus.
Garden Villa is decorated in earthy tones of rust, taupe, caramel, and cream, with outdoor living spaces that have a lush, private courtyard feel. In contrast, Riverside Villa is named for its proximity to the river, its calm, green-hued palette inspired by the water, trees, and birdlife.
Crafted with care and meaning
Erasmus followed a ‘less is more’ philosophy for the interiors, in keeping with the hotel’s quietly luxurious, pared-back ambience. Contemporary handcrafted furniture, commissioned for each space, sits comfortably with antique finds, rustic wooden benches and stools, and heirloom pieces from the family’s private collection. Vintage 1930s pressed glass light fittings, handwoven rugs, textured throws, tasselled cushions, books, ceramics, and potted plants add to the richly layered patina of an inviting home.
“The owners have a deep respect for handcrafted furniture and artisanal craftsmanship,” remarks Erasmus. The human hand is evident in many of the bespoke details. Internal walls have rounded edges and are lime-washed, showing deliberate imperfections. A small metalwork studio produced decorative table legs hammered by hand, mirrors, and side tables. The pure linen curtains were naturally dyed and butter-washed for a lived-in look. From curtains to cushions, artisanal touches such as blanket stitching and cross-stitch were inspired by 300 years of Cape embroidery tradition.
Artist Ingrid Bolton designed bespoke bed throws for all the bedrooms using an almost forgotten technique. Erasmus explains: “Sprigs of indigenous slangbos and wild olive, both grown on the farm, were arranged on cotton silk in a beautiful pattern. The fabric was then tightly rolled up and steamed so that the natural tannins in the plants transferred onto the fabric. For guests, it will feel like you’re sleeping under the fabric of the garden!”
Art is just as much a focal point in these homes as it is throughout the hotel. Erasmus worked closely with the owners and the Spier Arts Trust to curate artworks, choosing from an extensive contemporary collection that the family has assembled over many years.
The best of South African hospitality
These private homes represent the evolution of the family’s understated, considered approach to country hospitality, closely connected to the land and the restorative, life-affirming benefits of being immersed in nature. Says Erasmus: “These are spaces that honour tradition while serving modern needs – homes that feel both timeless and immediate.”
If you are looking for a more exclusive alternative to the hotel’s luxury rooms and suites, reserve a villa by contacting reservations@spier.co.za.