Blog

Stay connected and don’t miss a beat when the lights go out.

With all the preparation and expenditure that goes into a vacation, the last thing you need to be concerned about is sitting in a dark hotel room, hungry, and without Wi-Fi.

From the middle of April 2023, Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House and Studio Apartments will be completely operational during rolling blackouts (or load shedding as we call it in South Africa) and have uninterrupted power supply. In the meantime we have back-up power on the Wi-Fi and lights in the rooms and communal areas.

We decided to not take the quick and easy route by installing a generator because we do not want to add to the air and noise pollution that is already a problem in the world. As most of the year in Stellenbosch is sunny, we have chosen to install solar or PV panels with lithium ion battery backup. Our power solution focuses on renewable solar energy, avoiding diesel driven generation and is more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

The system is robust enough so that our guests can enjoy all the luxuries that we are so renowned for.

We look forward to welcoming you to the light.

The following will work in the guest rooms during loadshedding from the middle of April 2023:

1. Airconditioning
2. Wi-Fi
3. All the lights
4. All the charging stations and plugs
5. Nespresso machine and kettle
6. Hairdryer
7. Heated towel rail
8. Mini bar fridge
9. Hot water
10. Carbon filtered and purified water in the taps from our borehole

The following will work in the public areas during loadshedding from the middle of April 2023:

1. All the lights will stay on, in the parking area, garden, veranda, breakfast room, foyer and in the passages.
2. The breakfast room will be fully operational with all the menu items on offer and coffee machine working
3. Wi-Fi throughout all the public areas
4. Full snack menu around the swimming pool
5. All the charging stations and plugs

In the meantime we have the following in place:

1. Wifi is fully operational during power outages or load shedding at both properties
2. Battery operated lights in the rooms with USB charging point
3. Lights in the passages and public areas
4. Full breakfast menu available because we are cooking with gas

We look forward to welcoming you to a loadshedding proof experience from the middle April 2023.

What is a Boscher?

Noun: A Stellenbosch connoisseur/addict/fan/buff

Stellenbosch has a little something for everyone. That's what makes this such a beautiful town to live in or visit as often as possible. From food and wine to art and culture or the picturesque outdoors, there's something for everyone in warmhearted Stellenbosch.

New wine bars have mushroomed in the historic core of Stellenbosch in the last year. Each one is unique and in keeping with the "Think quality, drink Stellenbosch" mantra of Stellenbosch Wine Route. Bonne Esperance Guest House is ideally located on the perfect corner of Stellenbosch and all the wine bars are within easy walking distance. Treat your loved one and book a weekend getaway at Bonne Esperance Guest House.

Join us on the journey through Stellenbosch and her interesting people in this 10 minute documentary. Enjoy the ride!

The Stellenbosch winelands does not only provide the perfect destination for wine connoisseurs, but also creates the perfect platform for adventure enthusiasts to cycle, climb and run. We have highlighted some adventure packed activities for you to do during your stay at Bonne Esperance Guest House.

Life is full of memorable events, whether it's an engagement, an anniversary, a special milestone, or a "just because" celebration. Shimansky is still in the early stages of its development, with its sights set on the global market. We want our jewelry to be worn by people all around the world who appreciate important occasions in their lives. We think that the pursuit of perfection is never-ending, and that the best is yet to come. Life is full of memorable events, whether it's an engagement, an anniversary, a special milestone, or a "just because" celebration. Shimansky is still in the early stages of its development, with its sights set on the global market. We want our jewelry to be worn by people all around the world who appreciate important occasions in their lives. We think that the pursuit of perfection is never-ending, and that the best is yet to come.

The Festive Season is around the corner and it’s almost time to sit back and wine down in the winelands.

A few of our restaurants and wineries will be pulling out all the stops to make this time of year as memorable as possible. Below are a few suggestions of what to do this Festive Season in Stellenbosch.

Nature’s splendour is a gift that cultivates perception and gratitude. That said, gardening is not a rational act, which is likely why it is easier to appreciate the works of others. As we move from winter to spring, we are celebrating all the gardens that are opened to the public – some for a restricted time only. We share a collection of must-see gardens that will reward the senses and deliver much-needed serenity to your soul.

Aspidistra and Bonne Esperance Open Garden

Situated around Bonne Esperance Guest house, an elegant Victorian Villa dating back to 1907, the Aspidistra and Bonne Esperance Garden is a sublime mixture of loose plantings and structured elegance.

The Garden is essentially English in style with a strong focus on heritage plants that includes a Magnolia tree, Pride of India and an buxus border intertwined with indigenous plants. It also boasts the oldest rose bush in Stellenbosch as confirmed by the granddaughter of the original owner, Mr Triblehorn. The garden features an impressive azalea hedge, and also includes many old-fashioned roses. Willie Schmidt, the Pasella garden guru, is the curator and he has planted and nurtured the garden with his characteristic flair.

Visitors can sit on the wrap around veranda and enjoy coffee and cake whilst overlooking the lovely garden. We invite you to be transported back into history with a visit to our heritage garden.

Richly dark, plain and smooth, studded with nuts, oozing from a fondant, steaming from a mug or poured over delicious, creamy gelato and in Stellenbosch, paired with wine. We adore chocolate in all its forms, and we completely get why the Aztecs, who were the first to discover it, believed it was a delicacy reserved for the gods. Fortunately, we mere mortals can now partake in the delectable taste sensation. But where can you go to experience the "Charlie in the Chocolate Factory" feeling? We are chock and block full of ideas.