• 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& Leisure Boutique Guesthouse is based in the Sans Souci (“carefree” in French) House, which is mentioned in several historical reference books about Stellenbosch.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

  • Loved every minute and will highly recommend to anyone looking for place to stay.

    Life and Leisure was very welcoming and accommodating. A beautiful unique place to stay. The rooms were spacious and clean. The food and drink offerings were out of this world!! The staff were polite and courteous.

    Molly, April 2025

    United States

  • Ideal location for a stay in Stellenbosch

    Room No. 8 was very large and beautifully furnished. The breakfast buffet impressed with a delicious selection of savory and sweet items. Various drinks and egg dishes were available. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

    Daniella, April 2025

    Switzerland

  • Perfect stay in the winelands!

    Margie and her team are outstanding hosts, ensuring a warm and welcoming stay. The location is perfect, just a short walk to great restaurants. The breakfast? Absolutely five-star! And the coffee—hands down the best in town! We truly appreciated the convenient access to drinks and snacks. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, our stay was relaxing and enjoyable. We’ll definitely be returning for another visit!

    Almari Greeff, May 2025

    South Africa

  • Beautiful location, ideal for business travelers.

    Situated in a beautiful quite part of Stellenbosch town. Ideal for a business traveller with fast internet access and a quite relax environment to work from. Within walking distance of anything you might need.

    Justin, May 2025

    South Africa