Think ‘themed hotel’ and you’ll immediately imagine Montecasino’s cavernous faux-Tuscan excesses or tacky Las Vegas extravagance. Morrell’s Boutique Estate – a little French enclave just off the bustling boulevard of Beyers Naude – dispels that myth by mixing class and elegance in a way seldom found in themed establishments.

Owners Bernice and Mike Morrell have converted the buildings from a 19^th century dairy farm into an enchanting French Provencal boutique hotel that encompasses function rooms, a chapel, a décor store and an elegant bistro. The attention to detail is astonishing, with homely touches at every turn, complementing 5-star quality and attentiveness. The Farm House, beautifully restored, but retaining the charm of the original stone & wood flooring and pressed ceilings, has seven rooms. So too, does the Manor House across the road, though the theme there is more modern with stylish steel & glass contrasting the warm wood and brass of the Farm House. Each room is individually-themed and Bernice’s touch is evident everywhere, from the luxurious bedding to the surprising knick-knacks which accent, rather than clutter the space.

The recently-opened bistro is as unpretentious as it is beautiful, with tables scattered outside in the ivy-lined courtyard or under the tinkling chandeliers in the vaulted indoor area. Chef Tyrone Geduld’s food reflects his enthusiastic personality, and each plate that emerges from the kitchen is a work of art in both form and taste. Geduld and his team make everything to order, but the slightly longer-than-usual wait is rewarded with a quite spectacular dining experience. Think red velvet flapjacks at breakfast, perfectly-cooked beef fillet with rustic mash, seared prawn tail, grilled baby marrow, glazed carrot and red wine caramel sauce for lunch or a dinner main of roasted venison loin with chestnut and butternut purée. The wine list is thoughtful, rather than extensive, but offers more than enough quality options to complement the dynamic menu.

Morrell’s is filled with private corners and breakaway spaces, including the snug Love Letter Bar (where the walls are papered with handwritten notes of devotion) and a cosy cigar bar off the main function area in the Piano Room, which opens onto the beautifully-manicured gardens. The chapel above the Piano Room seats 110 in comfort and overlooks the estate, with the Magaliesberg in the distance. The Morrell’s Shoppe sells novel local and imported knick-knacks and jewellery and gives a bit of insight into the decorative mind of Bernice Morrell. The customisable function rooms offer a classy setting for a corporate workshop and are fitted with all the necessary business tools like WiFi and presentation screens. Come for the strategy session, stay for the ambience. Morrell’s ticks all the boxes with panache.

Morrell’s Boutique Estate is situated on the corner of Weltevreden Road & Scott Street in Northcliff. Visit www.morrells.co.za for more information.

*This article was originally published in khuluma.