Taking its name from the French word for house, this Franschhoek restaurant is everything most of us wish our homes were: cool, calm and relaxing, with enough contemporary details to keep the space edgy and trendy. A natural nominee for the Boschendal Style Award.

The restaurant:
Owner Chris Weylandt is also the owner of the Weylandt’s homeware store, who opened up a restaurant and began making wines on his Franschhoek farm to fulfill a lifelong dream.
 
The food:
Fresh, seasonal and local is the focus of chef Arno Janse van Rensburg’s menu. The menu is small and changes with the seasons, making use of the fruit, vegetables and herbs from the farm itself. At present, popular options are the forest mushroom tagliattelle, with corn veloute, pangrattato, crumbed shiitake and soya truffle jus; and the Karoo lamb rack with cromusquie, preserved lemon, broccoli, cauliflower and cumin jus.
 
The x-factor:
Situated inside the original 1920s farmhouse, the restaurant merges a homely farmhouse feel with contemporary design.
 
Inside, glossy white screeded floors and large windows create a bright, white space, looking out onto the sprawling lawns and vineyards, where chickens peck between the vines. Exposed wooden floorboards, and worn leather couches create a cosy lounge area.
 
Outdoors, long tables under the oaks make an elegant area for lazy lounging; just the ticket for a winelands lunch.
 
Owner Chris Weylandt and his partner Kim Smith tackled the design themselves. Chris designed the chandelier of recycled bottles himself, and the furniture hails from the Weylandt’s collection. We’re particularly fond of the Punto chairs by famous Danish designer, Hans Wegne.
 
Does The Kitchen at Weylandts have what it takes to win the Boschendal Style Award at the Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards?