Bernard and Sue Fontannaz, custodians of Le Grand Jardin Villa, situated in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch, have launched curated art experiences featuring Stellenbosch galleries, private collections, and iconic art destinations in the region in collaboration with ARTROUTE, a Cape-based specialist art and design tour company.
The exclusive Le Grand Jardin art experiences, which incorporate the villa’s sister Le Grand Domaine Winery are curated by Talita Swarts – CEO of ARTROUTE and led by highly qualified guides with extensive knowledge of the Stellenbosch region’s fine art community, who have unique access to the artists themselves. These experiences provide a deeper, more holistic understanding of the local art scene, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in this dynamic artistic community.
Commencing at Le Grand Jardin, where the gardens serve as an artistic canvas and source of inspiration, the tours showcase the property’s diverse array of artworks, ranging from contemporary pieces to early 20th-century South African art. Each space within the Sir Herbert Baker-styled manor house is thoughtfully curated to evoke a unique ambience, effortlessly blending art with the villa’s historic architecture. This deliberate integration transforms the space into a living gallery, steering clear of an overly austere approach to celebrating art. The collection invites guests to take in the custom-designed wallpapers and artworks throughout their stay, offering an intimate encounter with the country’s artistic heritage.
“Being surrounded by colour and design brings joy and a sense of play, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously,” shares Sue Fontannaz, as she reflects on the sense of artistic whimsy at the villa.
Comments Andi Norton, Director of the annual Stellenbosch Triennale, “There’s an undeniable sense of playfulness and wonder at Le Grand Jardin, offering a refreshing contrast to the often academic nature of the art world. Seeing exceptional works displayed in such a whimsical setting reminds us that art isn’t just intellectual – it’s also about joy, curiosity and imagination.”
DISCOVER “THE ART OF THE POSTCARD”
The Art of the Postcard is a day experience that combines visits to local cultural and natural landmarks in Stellenbosch with a creative activity.
Guests visit several locations, including Le Grand Jardin, the Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Rupert Museum, Stephen Rautenbach’s studio, and the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. At each stop, they collect themed stamps to create a personalised postcard as a memento of the day.
The experience is family-friendly and includes lunch at a local restaurant. Full-day options may include art workshops or private wine tastings at Le Grand Domaine, the villa’s sister winery.
A PAINT (AND SIP) EXPERIENCE
Le Grand Jardin offers a Paint and Sip workshop facilitated by fine art expert Ankia Lloyd of ARTROUTE. Held in the villa’s gardens, the session combines elements of art, nature, and wine.
The workshop theme, Garden Birds, is inspired by the property’s surroundings. Participants use wine—particularly those with sediment—as a painting medium on fine art paper. Lloyd provides instruction on how different wines can produce various colours and textures.
The workshop is open to all skill levels and includes a tasting of Le Grand Domaine wines during the session.
DROPS OF GOD WINE EXPERIENCE
Le Grand Jardin, located next to Le Grand Domaine Winery, offers a wine tasting experience called “Drops of God” led by winemaker Debbie Thompson.
The tasting takes place in the villa’s cellar, where Thompson guides guests through a sensory exercise using 54 vials of different scents, including quince, butter, leather, and pepper. This is followed by a tasting of Le Grand Domaine’s full wine range.
The venue can also be used for corporate retreats, providing a setting for off-site meetings and strategic sessions.
Le Grand Jardin integrates art into its spaces, contributing to Stellenbosch’s broader art landscape and providing an alternative to traditional gallery settings.
