Nestled behind a striking wall of aloes, this two-bedroomed home oozes charm and retains the warmth of an erstwhile lived-in home. The Bolt Hole’s quirky décor, open-plan kitchen, living and dining area and shady garden will inspire and invigorate any waning spirit. This hidden gem is situated in the centre of the historic village on Cabriere Street – Franschhoek’s last remaining dirt track – just a short stroll from the award-winning restaurants, galleries and shops that give Franschhoek’s its reputation. Bedrooms at The Bolt-Hole The Bolt Hole has two double bedrooms. The spacious main bedroom suite is on a mezzanine level with skylights giving fresh air, natural light and views through the trees to the mountains beyond. This large open-plan space contains a King-size bed, plenty of storage space in the form of both cupboards and drawers, an antique claw-foot bath and a vanity set under one of the skylights. The bed is made up with crisp white cotton percale linen, offset by vibrant Kenyan kikoi cushions and throw. A chaise longue, with more Kikoi cushions, adds a finishing touch to this bedroom. Another skylight in the bamboo clad eaves lets in more natural light. A ceiling fan and air-conditioning unit are there for your comfort on the hot summer nights. On colder nights, the cottage’s open-plan design allows the sitting room’s wood-burning stove to warm the entire space. The second bedroom is found on the ground floor, with double doors giving access to the private garden. With a queen-size bed and its exposed copper pipe, safari-style shower and vanity, this cosy room also has air conditioning and a fan. This bedroom is separated from the living area by a writing nook with a desk and cushioned window-seat, doodle pad and pencil crayons. Living and dining at The Bolt-Hole Arriving at the Bolt Hole from the street, you are immediately captured by the uniqueness of this home. The open-plan living, dining and kitchen area leads onto the sunny veranda at the entrance, and the secluded garden to the side. A charming cushioned window seat, with a backdrop of ivy, is set alongside the breakfast table. Two sofas face a large fireplace and wood-burning stove, make up the relaxed living area. The kitchen is fully-equipped with a SMEG fridge, gas hob, extractor fan and oven, dishwasher, toaster, kettle, plenty of sharp knives and everything you need to prepare and enjoy home cooked meals, with a breakfast table that seats four, and a couple of bar stools at the kitchen counter. The large, pool-side dining area comfortably seats 8 people under a canopy of mature vines – perfect for long, lazy garden meals. Wood and utensils are supplied for the built-in barbeque – or in South African-speak: ‘braai’. There is an excellent butcher on the outskirts of town and high quality meats are available at our Woolworths Food Store which is, conveniently, just up the road. Most of Franschhoek’s restaurants are within walking distance of The Bolt Hole. Leave your car behind and amble through the village taking in the sights and sounds of this agricultural, historic, beautiful place and, above all, enjoy your time here.