Brookdale Estate Owners’ Lodge

The Cape Winelands isn’t short on luxury stays, but now and then something arrives that simply raises the bar.  

The newly launched Owners’ Lodge at Brookdale Estate in Paarl is one of those.

Perched on a secluded hill on the 67-hectare estate, this exclusive-use villa feels less like a hotel and more like a beautifully run private home. The kind where your mornings begin with birdsong and vineyard views, and evenings end around a long dining table with good wine and even better company. 

The Rudd family bought Brookdale in 2017 when it was little more than an overgrown parcel of land. Fast-forward to today, and the estate has transformed into a polished Winelands destination, known for its fine wines and rated for its new-world boldness. 

And after spending the night in the newly built Owners’ Lodge, this feels like its most intimate offering yet. 

Why stay at Brookdale Lodge Owner's Lodge?

The Owners’ Lodge is perfect for a milestone trip, a multi-generational family gathering or a celebratory getaway with friends. The space lends itself so well to a relaxed break, where unwinding is the aim. The villa accommodates up to eight guests on an all-inclusive basis, with a private chef, butler and a steady flow of Brookdale wines included. 

I also see this as an excellent pause in a longer Southern Africa itinerary. After a safari in Kruger or time exploring the Okavango Delta in Botswana, this is the sort of place where you would want to slow down and savour the afterglow of what you've just experienced. 

Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, it’s arguably one of the most underrated bases in the region. I Ubered there with ease and was able to coincide my stay with the much-anticipated Montreux Jazz festival, which took place in nearby Franschhoek.  

But perhaps the real revelation of this new escape is in Paarl itself. While nearby towns like Stellenboschand Franschhoek tend to dominate the Winelands spotlight, Paarl feels refreshingly under-the-radar.

What are the rooms like? 

The lodge has four spacious suites, each with its own en-suite bathroom and walk-in shower. You’ll notice one deliberate omission: there are no bathtubs. That decision was made to conserve water in the drought-sensitive Winelands. 

Rooms are crisp and contemporary, with striking linen embroidered headboards, practical desk-and-dressing spaces, and large sliding doors that open onto a wraparound terrace. From here, you can step straight out onto the lawns or wander over to the lodge's private heated pool. It was the perfect way to start the day, with an early morning dip where the silence was broken only by the rustle of the surrounding trees or birdsong.

The interiors lean into the “luxury home” feel. An expansive dining room, open-plan kitchen and lounge areas invite you to gather rather than retreat. If you are a wine collector, you will undoubtedly appreciate the Vinotech cabinets lining the wall near the scullery. It's the sort of feature that clearly signals you’re staying on a working wine estate, and its fruits are to be savoured and enjoyed.

What's the food and drink 

Food here is generous and thoughtful, rather than overly formal. Our continental breakfast spread included fresh fruit, vegetables and locally sourced smoked trout, alongside excellent freshly squeezed orange juice. Hot breakfasts are made to order, and dietary preferences are handled with ease. There were always gluten-free options on hand, too.   

Dinner can be served at the lodge by the private chef or enjoyed at The Bistro at Brookdale, the estate’s restaurant, just a short drive or walk away. 

The menu changes seasonally, but standout dishes are the duck liver pâté, the avocado sivchi, the venison tartare, which was deliciously creamy without being too rich, and the confit duck, with the breast done medium and glazed in a delectable sauce. 

And of course, Brookdale’s wines feature heavily, with the Syrah doing the duck a full compliment. There is a host of cocktails and local beers to choose from as well. 

What's the service like? 

The hospitality shines in this luxury stay experience. 

General Manager Yvonne Coetzee oversees operations alongside Bistro executive chef Gary Coetzee. They make a power hospitality duo whose CV includes time working with the late hotelier Sol Kerzner and at Singita Sabi Sand. 

The service does a delightful dance between attentive and relaxed. But ultimately, it is about making you feel as at home and at ease as possible. It could easily veer into traditional silver service territory - but the tone is deliberately more comfortable: you’re welcome to help yourself or settle in as you would at your very own holiday home. 

However, Julian, the lodge manager during our stay, dutifully waited for our group's return from dinner at the Bistro and ensured we were all settled before signing off for the night. A subtle reminder that is, in fact, so much more.

What activities are available in the area?  

The lodge sits on a quiet rise overlooking vineyards, framed by the dramatic silhouettes of the Drakenstein Mountains and Paarl Rock. Views stretch across the estate and surrounding peaks, especially striking at sunrise and twilight. 

From here, it’s easy to explore the Paarl Wine Route. Nearby highlights include historic estates like Babylonstoren, the goat-towered Fairview Wine and Cheese and the vast cellars of KWV. 

You can also hike up Paarl Rock or explore the architectural wonder of the Taal Monument. The Paarl Mountain dams offer excellent opportunities to catch bass or trout. The Brookdale team are also working on their own exclusive birding guide, so keep an eye out for that.  

But truthfully, once you settle in at the lodge, leaving can feel optional.

Why book a stay at Brookdale Owner's Lodge? 

Luxury villas in the Winelands aren’t new, but the Owners’ Lodge gets the balance right. It feels special, effortless and genuinely comfortable. 

It’s the ideal setting: sweeping views, award-winning wine and the kind of privacy that makes you feel, for a few days at least, like you’ve found a rather beautiful home in the vineyards. 

Need to know

Address: Hawequa Bos Pad, Klein Drakenstein Rd, Paarl

Price: The Owner's Lodge is available on an exclusive-use basis only, from R100,000 for the four suites, all inclusive with butler service.

Book: Click here

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