Escape to luxurious seclusion in the Riebeek Valley this season by booking a breakaway stay, wedding or small function at Ruby Rose Country House. Magnificently restored, this lush oasis in one of the Cape’s favourite rural idylls is just one hour’s drive from Cape Town.
The Riebeek Valley has long held appeal for artists, seekers of a laid-back lifestyle and self-sufficient professionals thanks to its unhurried and scenic village air. It is here among the suburban streets of delightful period homes and a backdrop of the fynbos-covered Kasteelberg Mountain that Ruby Rose Country House has established its loyal following.
The enterprise is the creation of Clive Richardson and architect Gerd Weideman, designer of amongst others, the 2020 World Luxury Awards African boutique hotel winner O’Two in Mouille Point. Located in a 4 200m², tree-shrouded garden, the Ruby Rose is a beautifully appointed haven complete with all the modern conveniences for a perfect stay including air-conditioning and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The heritage-certified manor house is built in the Victorian style, complete with wooden floors and decorative trim typical of the period. It is the property’s crown jewel and lived many former lives, including the owners believe as a police station. Today, its guests are certainly more eager to visit, especially when they step through the gate into the tranquil paradise.
Here, the house’s expansive lounge with its deep sofas and classic furniture, opens onto a large, shady terrace. Just beyond is the restaurant, with its adjoining swimming pool, and a three-room, self-catering cottage.
“We couldn’t decide what to call her,” Clive recalls about their initial struggle at deriving the name prior to opening in 2017. “The morning we discussed it, we happened to both be wearing red. Gerd was drawing in red on the plans, so we decided on Ruby Rose.
“That’s also why she’s painted the old Victorian red; a bit like putting red lipstick on an old lady,” he quips.
Since then, it has become one of the most popular destinations for a variety of visitors. Ruby Rose has the facilities to host small conferences and events, be they corporate meetings with audio-visual requirements or milestone birthday parties; or, visitors simply looking for a refined “home base” from which to explore the magical Swartland. The region is characterised by sprawling grainfields, olive groves, orchards and vineyards dotted with quaint farm villages, easily explorable on foot, by bicycle or car. Close at hand are the area’s best restaurants catering for diverse tastes.
“We’re especially popular for weddings and cater for these with amongst others a dedicated honeymoon suite, permanent chef and sufficient rooms for guests,” says Clive. “Whatever the occasion, we’ve found guests enjoy Ruby Rose because they can comfortably spend entire days here, lounging by the pool or reading under the olive trees if they so choose. They find there’s so much more here than just a room.”
It is with this awareness that the special details of décor flow throughout, with art and focus furnishings highlighted on darker mural backdrops. Among the artists whose dramatic works can be found here is Greta McMahon, the previous co-owner of the property with her husband; Capetonian Vanessa Berlein; and, valley residents Leila Fanner and Samantha Brown.
The furniture comprises pieces collected over years. Classic vintage and antiques like traditional leather Chesterfields share the space with a few quirkier items, like swan chairs saved from a bric-a-brac store and brilliantly restored.
Ruby Rose Country House offers a range of rooms and suites, also catering for families; and safe, on-site parking.
Ruby Rose Country House is situated at 12 Sending Street, Riebeek West. Bookings can be made directly on the website, which also provides more information. Alternatively, contact Ruby Rose on email info@rubyrose.capetown or clive@rubyrose.capetown, or call 082 929 9877.