Roosenwijn Guest House: Victorian Splendour and Modern Comforts in Stellenbosch

 As the second oldest town in South Africa, Stellenbosch is associated with a certain historical charm. Nestled in the heart of this picturesque place is Roosenwijn Guest House. Located in a building that dates back to 1904, it offers guests a memorable stay with its blend of old-world elegance and modern comfort, surrounded by the rich heritage and the breathtaking beauty of the Cape Winelands.

I recently got the opportunity to stay here and I found its tranquillity contagious. I left the frenetic pace and the constant sense of urgency of my normal life behind me and I escaped into a parallel dimension that looked like the Victorian era (minus the corsets and crinolines). It felt like I went back to a simpler time ...but one where my smartphone still worked.

Here's why I recommend a stay at this warm and charming guest house:

*I was a guest of Roosenwijn Guest House and Visit Stellenbosch but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Classic and Contemporary

Roosenwijn Guest House is a Victorian-style home that has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Built in 1904, it has been declared a South African National Monument. Its facade is decorated with “broekie lace” a South African term literally meaning “panty lace” referring to delicate wrought-iron latticework that looks like it should be on your underwear not your house. Nature also came to the party with beautiful purple wisteria growing on the facade. 

Walking through these doors feels like stepping back in time. Inside you are greeted with high ceilings, antique furnishings, chandeliers and intricate wooden finishes. 

Luxurious Accommodation

After checking in I was led upstairs to my room in the loft, classified as a luxury room. The dramatic angles of the ceiling gave it a striking look and a certain appeal.

My room was very spacious, well-decorated and equipped with everything I could need, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a tea/coffee station. 

Tired after a day of adventure, the luxurious crisp linen on the bed called my name. (My sheets are never ever that crisp.) But I resisted, made myself a cup of tea and enjoyed it in the communal balcony area.

First though, I did the obligatory clawfoot bathtub photoshoot that is mandatory for all travel bloggers staying anywhere with a clawfoot bathtub ...well, I attempted to. I'm not sure I'm quite getting that whole pampered, aspirational and somewhat sexy "I'm naked and totally comfortable in my own skin" look:   

 

Later I experienced the real thing and it was every bit as luxurious as it didn’t appear in the photos. 

After a great night’s sleep in that comfortable bed, I really liked the way the beautiful morning sun trickled in through the blinds (after I opened them of course). I thoroughly enjoyed just basking in it while having a cup of tea…in my pyjamas. 

A Taste of Stellenbosch

Roosenwijn Guest House offers a hearty, delicious breakfast each morning to fuel your adventures. The breakfast room, with its high ceilings and elegant decor, is the perfect place to wake up slowly, soak in the tranquillity and restore yourself for a day of exploration …or more relaxation.

The Perfect Location

The Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens are right across the road and much of the historical town centre is within walking distance. From here you can wander Stellenbosch’s iconic oak-lined streets, art galleries and world-renowned restaurants. Wine enthusiasts will also appreciate being just minutes away from some of South Africa's finest wineries. Roosenwijn Guest House is the ideal base for exploring Stellenbosch.

And, yes, it has a pool.

A Memorable Stay

Staying at Roosenwijn Guest House feels a bit like travelling back in time to a world where people sat on verandas sipping on cups of tea from silver teapots, in the shade of beautiful wisteria flowers growing on broekie lace facades, just watching the world go by. Being here restores you to a more peaceful and slower-moving time in the days before the world became so fast-paced and stressful. 

I obviously tried to capture this sense of peace in content for social media made on my smartphone. I did this partly because I’m a millennial and that’s what we do (and I was on a hosted trip at the time), but mostly I did this in the hopes that I could somehow bottle this sense of peace and re-experience it later …which in retrospect seems absurd! But I also put away my phone and took a few moments to just soak it all in. If I try hard enough, I remember that feeling and I pine for it. It’s not a feeling you can find anywhere but Roosenwijn definitely holds that special magic. 

Why Choose Roosenwijn Guest House

What sets Roosenwijn apart is its warm, personalised hospitality. The attentive staff go out of their way to ensure every guest feels welcome, offering tips on local attractions and making you feel like part of the family. Combined with its elegant setting, convenient location, undeniable charm and of course that sense of peace, it’s no surprise that Roosenwijn Guest House has earned rave reviews from travellers near and far.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo trip (like me!), a wine-tasting adventure or a cultural exploration, Roosenwijn Guest House invites you to experience Stellenbosch with an extra dose of calm. It helps you slow down so you can take it all in and enjoy Stellenbosch at exactly the pace it should be experienced. 

 For more information or to book, click here.

To find out what else you can look forward to in Stellenbosch, check out What to Do in Stellenbosch this Summer.