South Africa, September 2015: Leeu House, an exclusive 5-star, 12-bedroom boutique hotel located in the heart of Franschhoek, South Africa's gourmet capital in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, will open its doors on 1st December 2015.

An oasis of comfort and luxury, Leeu House's appeal lies in the fact that although it feels like a country guesthouse, it is situated on the main road in vibrant Franschhoek, within easy strolling distance of award-winning restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, as well as the village's many other attractions.

Leeu House promises to enchant with stylish neutral, calm and multi-textured interiors that are a contemporary take on the traditional Cape Dutch heritage, with a nod to the French Huguenot architectural style that is quintessential to Franschhoek. The hotel and gardens will also showcase a number of important modern artworks and sculptures from various countries, including South Africa.

With just 12 individually styled rooms and suites, luxury is a priority and all rooms come equipped with premium technology, such as a media hub with high-speed Wi-Fi access, Nespresso coffee machines and under floor heating in bathrooms. In addition, Leeu House offers a host of complimentary items and services (including all local spirits, award-winning house wines and soft drinks, a laundry & pressing service and a tasting of Mullineux & Leeu family wines per guest per stay).

Guests at Leeu House will be able to enjoy innovative cuisine prepared by a talented culinary team, headed by executive chef Oliver Cattermole, with lunch and dinner menus showcasing the best local organic and ethically farmed produce in creative fusion dishes with vibrant world flavours. Leisurely meals and fine South African vintages from the cellar are served inside The Conservatory or al fresco on The Terrace.

The Lounge, with comfortable seating and an open wood-burning fireplace, offers guests a place to mingle and relax. It has views over the serene and secluded landscaped gardens, where guests will find a 15-metre heated outdoor pool and a shady terrace.

The complimentary use of bicycles will be available to all guests to enable them to explore Franschhoek and the surrounds. Guests will also have access to the spa facilities and grounds of Leeu Estates, via a complimentary shuttle service, once it opens in the second quarter of 2016.

Leeu House is the second property in the Leeu Collection portfolio, the first being Le Quartier Francais, also in Franschhoek, which the group acquired on 1st September 2015.

Bookings can now be made by calling +27 21 492 2222 or emailing reservations@leeucollection.com. For more information on Leeu Collection, please visit www.leeucollection.com

***

Notes for Editors
Leeu Collection is owned by Analjit Singh, a self-made entrepreneur who is the Founder Chairman of Max India Limited, which has interests in life insurance (Max Life), health care (Max Healthcare), health insurance (Max Bupa) and senior living (Antara).  Max India Group is renowned for service excellence and has successful joint ventures with some of the pre-eminent firms of the world, including Mitsui Sumitomo of Japan, Life Healthcare of South Africa and Bupa Plc in the UK.

Leeu Collection is also a partner in Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, which produces award-winning wines in Riebeek-Kasteel in the Swartland wine region some 80 kilometres north of Cape Town and at Leeu Estates. Chris and Andrea Mullineux are the dynamic winemaking duo behind the success of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, which has notched up 11 five-star ratings from Platter's South African Wine Guide.  Established in 2007 as Mullineux Family Wines, it was also Platters' Winery of the Year in 2014 due to the stellar quality of its wines.

The breathtakingly beautiful Franschhoek Valley is renowned as one of the world's great wine and food destinations. Settled by French Huguenots in 1688, it has retained its Gallic charm and character. At the heart of the valley is the romantic village of Franschhoek, with its award-winning restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, as well as numerous other attractions.

***

For further information and hi res images, please contact:

Sue Heady
Director
Heady Communications
T: 01608 651 692
E: sue@headycommunications.com