A triptych by artist Lionel Smit of his signature Cape Malay portraits in the blue cocktail lounge.
LE GRAND JARDIN VILLA LAUNCHES FINE ART AND THE ART OF WINEMAKING EXPERIENCES
South Africa, Stellenbosch, 6 May 2025 – Custodians of Le Grand Jardin Villa, situated in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch, Bernard and Sue Fontannaz have launched, in collaboration with ARTROUTE, a Cape-based specialist art and design tour company – curated art experiences featuring Stellenbosch galleries, private collections, and iconic art destinations in the region.
The signature six-bedroom Le Grand Jardin Villa is set on five acres of Alice in Wonderland-inspired gardens, presenting a unique, magical space of intrigue and wonder for its guests.
The exclusive Le Grand Jardin art experiences that incorporate the villa’s sister Le Grand Domaine Winery are curated by Talita Swarts – CEO of ARTROUTE and led by highly qualified guides with extensive knowledge of the Stellenbosch region’s fine art community, who have unique access to the artists themselves. These experiences provide a deeper, more holistic understanding of the local art scene, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in this dynamic artistic community.
Commencing at Le Grand Jardin, where the gardens serve as an artistic canvas and source of inspiration, the tours showcase the property’s diverse array of artworks, ranging from contemporary pieces to early 20th-century South African art. Each space within the Sir Herbert Baker-styled manor house is thoughtfully curated to evoke a unique ambience, effortlessly blending art with the villa’s historic architecture. This deliberate integration transforms the space into a living gallery, steering clear of an overly austere approach to celebrating art. The collection invites guests to take in the custom-designed wallpapers and artworks throughout their stay, offering an intimate encounter with the country’s artistic heritage.
Artist Henri Rousseau’s jungle scenes crafted by African Sketchbook.
“Being surrounded by colour and design brings joy and a sense of play, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously,” shares Sue Fontannaz, as she reflects on the sense of artistic whimsy at the villa.
Comments Andi Norton, Director of the annual Stellenbosch Triennale, “There’s an undeniable sense of playfulness and wonder at Le Grand Jardin, offering a refreshing contrast to the often academic nature of the art world. Seeing exceptional works displayed in such a whimsical setting reminds us that art isn’t just intellectual – it’s also about joy, curiosity and imagination.”
LE GRAND JARDIN X ARTROUTE EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:
DISCOVER “THE ART OF THE POSTCARD”
This adventure invites guests to explore art, nature, and Stellenbosch’s vibrant culture through a playful and creative lens – The Art of the Postcard.
Guests embark on a memorable day visiting inspiring settings, from the enchanting villa and Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens to the renowned Rupert Museum, sculpturist Stephen Rautenbach’s studio and the world-renowned Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. At each locale, guests collect artistically themed stamps, which they later use to craft their personalised postcard, an enduring keepsake of their visit to the region and their stay at Le Grand Jardin Villa.
Designed to be family-friendly and engaging, the experience combines discovery, creativity, and regional cuisine, including a lunch at a local restaurant in the town centre. For those seeking a full-day adventure, options include art workshops or private wine tastings at the villa’s sister winery, Le Grand Domaine, to culminate a perfect day.
From left to right: the hand-crafted Looking Glasshouse, Ankia Lloyd of ARTROUTE and artwork with wine as a medium.
A PAINT (AND SIP) EXPERIENCE
Le Grand Jardin hosts a one-of-a-kind Paint (and Sip) workshop, curated by fine art expert Ankia Lloyd of ARTROUTE. Set amidst the magical gardens of Le Grand Jardin, this immersive workshop promises a perfect blend of art, nature, and wine in the stunning Stellenbosch Winelands.
Inspired by the vibrant birdlife and scenic landscapes of the villa, the workshop’s theme is Garden Birds. Guests explore the artistic possibilities of wine as a painting medium – a unique experience that turns tasting into visual creativity. Lloyd guides guests through an engaging session, demonstrating how different wines, especially those with sediment, can create rich colours and textures on fine art paper.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this fun, therapeutic activity encourages experimentation and discovery, culminating in your own beautiful bird-themed masterpiece. Alongside the artistic journey, guests enjoy handcrafted Le Grand Domaine wines, enhancing both the tasting and creative process.
Le Grand Domaine Winery’s wine maker Debbie Thompson dressed by Kat van Duinen.
DROPS OF GOD WINE EXPERIENCE
Ever looking to innovate and expand its artistic offering, Le Grand Jardin’s connection to creative excellence continues beyond its art collection. As the sister property to neighbouring Le Grand Domaine Winery, Le Grand Jardin hosts a remarkable Drops of Godwine tasting experience in the company of winemaker Debbie Thompson.
Descending into the villa’s candlelit cellar, Thompson encourages guests to refine their senses of taste and smell with the guidance of fifty-four vials of scent, ranging from quince and butter to leather and pepper. The experience includes a tasting of the full gamut of Le Grand Domaine’s wines, embodying an artistry that celebrates craftsmanship and offering a sensory experience that connects visual beauty with the elegance of fine wine.
These art experiences are also ideal for arranging dynamic corporate retreats that bring executives together outside of the office environment to bolster strategy and performance.
In essence, Le Grand Jardin is more than a luxurious retreat, it is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between art and living. By immersing guests in a space where art is an integral component of the environment, it enriches Stellenbosch’s broader art narrative and offers a unique perspective that extends beyond the traditional gallery walls.
To enquire about an exclusive-use stay at Le Grand Jardin Villa, as well as a fine arts, wine and cultural experience, email: VillaHost@wonderlandescapes.com
Le Grand Jardin is a member of the Wonderland Escapes collection – a portfolio of villas and cabins located in dreamy settings, from the Cotswolds in England to the southern tip of Africa and rural Argentina.
For Press and media assistance contact Ian and Lise Manley of Manley Communications Atelier via premierbrands@publicity.co.za or call +27 (0) 82 826 0456.