Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa

  • Project: Winelands Villa
  • Architect: SAOTA, ARRCC
  • Location: South Africa, Cape Town
  • Year: 2020
  • Area: 742 m2
  • Photography: Adam Letch

Winelands Villa, designed by renowned architecture studios ARRCC and SAOTA, redefines modern luxury living in the heart of South Africa’s prestigious Val de Vie Estate. Set along the serene Berg River and framed by panoramic views of the Drakenstein, Simonsberg, and Paarl Rock Mountains, this exceptional villa captures the essence of contemporary design fused with the timeless beauty of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.

A Harmonious Fusion of Nature and Design

Strategically positioned to embrace its breathtaking surroundings, Winelands Villa is more than a home—it’s a curated lifestyle experience. The structure is nestled within a rehabilitated fynbos landscape, showcasing sustainable design principles that align with the estate’s ecological ethos.

Internally, the villa radiates warmth and sophistication. Natural timber elements, refined modern finishes, and expansive living spaces bring an elevated sense of comfort. The highlight? A set of 12-meter-long pocket sliding doors that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, allowing the residence to breathe in the surrounding nature.

Contemporary Architecture Rooted in Cape Vernacular

Echoing the principles of Cape vernacular architecture, the home celebrates the rural spirit of the Western Cape through a refined modern lens. The architectural approach balances clean lines with traditional farmhouse forms, creating a contemporary country retreat that fits seamlessly within Val de Vie Estate’s design language.

From wide verandas to gabled roofs and textured materials, the villa reflects a thoughtful reinterpretation of rural South African aesthetics. Each element, from form to finish, speaks to the architects’ commitment to harmonizing innovation with heritage.

Designed for Entertaining and Immersive Living

One of the core concepts behind Winelands Villa was to offer generous entertainment areas that connect effortlessly with the outdoors. Whether hosting intimate gatherings or large celebrations, the villa offers a fluid layout that supports both relaxation and social engagement.

Open-plan living, expansive glazing, and intentional landscaping cultivate a continuous dialogue between architecture and nature. This immersive experience is ideal for those who value elegance, space, and the restorative power of natural beauty.

Elevating Estate Living

Winelands Villa doesn’t just conform to the standards of Val de Vie Estate—it sets a new benchmark. Its contemporary interpretation of a rural lifestyle makes it a flagship example of how high-end architecture can thrive in harmony with its environment.

For architecture enthusiasts, this home is a showcase of ARRCC and SAOTA’s signature style—global sophistication with a local soul. For homeowners, it’s a sanctuary of peace, privacy, and panoramic beauty.

Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch
Winelands Villa / ARRCC & SAOTA / South Africa
Photography © Adam Letch

Posted by SAOTA

SAOTA is a leading global architecture and design studio based in Cape Town, South Africa, with projects around the world. Founded by a team that includes Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl and Greg Truen, the firm blends local insight, technical rigor, and creative ambition. Their work spans residential, hospitality, commercial, public, and master planning scales. SAOTA is committed to making architecture that is contextually responsive, technically refined, and visually compelling. With a design philosophy that connects function with form, the studio pushes for architectural solutions that are both elegant and purposeful. They emphasize innovation in design, documentation, and execution—using tools like BIM and virtual reality to maintain high standards across diverse markets. SAOTA strives for sustainability, excellence in detailing, and meaningful client relationships in every project.