We are honored to announce that Monument House has received multiple accolades in the recently announced 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards. The Awards recognize remarkable achievements in delivering consistent, exceptional experiences in the global luxury hospitality industry.
Monument House won five prestigious awards, being named as the:
- Best Boutique Villa on a Global Level
- Best Scenic Environment Hotel in Africa
- Most Unique Guest Experience in Africa
- Best Design Hotel in Africa
- Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in South Africa
About the Haute Grandeur Awards
In the realm of award initiatives, Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards stands unmatched. Excellence is recognized through guest feedback rather than votes from the general public or a panel of judges. This fair and transparent process guarantees unbiased results—a concept exclusive to this brand.
The Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards honor establishments that continuously excel through remarkable hospitality experiences. The Awards recognize exceptional contributions by hotels, lodges, villas, resorts, retreats, spas, and restaurants worldwide. Association with Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards guarantees global recognition, distinction, credibility, and influence. The awards are revered as the highest accolade in hospitality worldwide—a promise of unparalleled service excellence.
Monument House
Nestled between the historic Huguenot Monument and the breathtaking Franschhoek Mountains, Monument House offers a secluded retreat just a five-minute walk from Franschhoek High Street—yet it feels a world away from civilization. This unique location provides an extraordinary opportunity to experience rural luxury while exploring the impossibly charming village of Franschhoek on foot.
Set across four acres of landscaped gardens, terraced lawns, and indigenous flower beds, Monument House showcases internationally acclaimed designer Wendy Smith’s inspired take on Cape Dutch modernism. Accommodating between two and twelve adults, guests can choose between sumptuous two-bedroom villas and luxury suites, each featuring its own private turret.
“Our location provided the most magical backdrop on which to build,” said Wendy, explaining her design philosophy for Monument House.
“Paying homage to ‘Cape Dutch’ architecture allowed us to begin a dialogue with the Victorian village of Franschhoek—a love letter, if you like. As a designer, I was more than a little intimidated by the challenge of complementing, rather than competing with, the exquisite views outside each window.
I understand that colors, lighting, décor, and furniture all play a significant role in shaping our experience of a space. More than just a ‘bed and four walls’ for a night, they are silent storytellers, shaping our moods and influencing our well-being and sense of relaxation.
I engaged the help of Christian Lacroix, Mathew Williamson, Moooi, Patricia Urquiola, Shanghai Tang, and many more, unashamedly mixing their designs with my own antique collections and personal pieces created by local artisans. The combination of contemporary and antique elements invigorates a sense of rebellion that I find so compelling. Ultimately, creating is a private passion, but sharing it proved the ultimate reward.”
The clocks at Monument House seem to run slower than the rest of the world. Whether you’re meandering through the gardens, lounging around the heated swimming pool—sun lounger slightly submerged—or lazing on your terrace while watching the sun set behind the mountains, you’ll find yourself acutely aware that you are at peace.
