• Our Story
    Our Story

    Living Up To Its Original Name: Sans Souci

Where it all began

THE WAGON ROAD TO JONKERSHOEK

Our street has quite a history. Around 1720 it was a wagon road winding through the valley to the Jonkershoek Mountains and was referred to as “de wagenweg naar Jonkershoek” (the wagon road to Jonkershoek). During the 1800s the thoroughfare was known as “Jonkershoekweg” (Jonkershoek Road). In 1906, it was renamed after Jan van Riebeeck, who established the first trading post in the Cape of Good Hope in 1652, as Cape Town was then known. Today, the historical route is still called Van Riebeeck Street.

FROM TENNIS COURT TO CAREFREE LIVING SPACE

Life & Leisure Boutique Guesthouse is based in the Sans Souci (“carefree” in French) House, which is mentioned in several historical reference books about Stellenbosch. The house was built on the tennis court of Aan ’t Molenwater, commissioned in 1937 by the owner, Margaret de Wet, and designed by the architects Parker and Forsyth. As a historically significant building, any renovation work on the property is strictly monitored by the Stellenbosch Historical Aesthetics Committee.

In 2002, Sans Souci was bought by Margie Potgieter and Marthinus Brink, who appreciated the significance of the estate. With the help of architect Ernest Haper, they renovated the building before opening it as a guesthouse. Today it is an art deco dream in a purist luxury style, and is operated as Life & Leisure Boutique Guesthouse.

In addition to its historical significance and guesthouse function, the house is an art lover’s dream, with magnificent works by artists like Gregoire Boonzaier, Dion Cupido, Leon de Bliquy, Lynn Smuts, Marius Rademan, Zakkie Eloff, Fawa Conradie, sculptor Nanette Ranger and potter Esias Bosch.

Reviews

  • Thank You

    Thank you for taking care of during our stay in Stellenbosch.

    Pia, February 2024

    Sweden

  • Great guesthouse, great location, great service.

    Superb guesthouse. Bold but beautiful. Amazing attention to detail. Owner went that extra mile to make it feel like home away from home.

    Marike, April 2024

  • Life & Leisure is superbly located, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable.

    We chose this establishment for its location, and we were not disappointed at all.Everything was perfect, and very well organized.

    Claudia, January 2024

    Switzerland

  • Heartfelt care from Margie

    We stayed for 6 nights and enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere. Special mention to the owner Margie, for taking care of the customers with all her heart. The breakfast was excellent as she always prepared something surprising. Our room was spacious and clean. Good bed and quiet. The small terrace gave space. The location was good and only a few steps to the center. We are very satisfied with our... Read this review

    Timo, January 2024

    Finland