The Mont Rochelle property in Franschhoek, Cape, South Africa is in the process of being purchased by Sir Richard Branson. The sale is going through Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition Luxury property company for an undisclosed sum.
The property is currently owned by Congolese telecomunications entrepreneur, Miko Rwayitare who bought the property in July 2011. Parts of the hotel building date back to 1688. It was then granted to the French Huguenot family, de-Villiers family, 1694 and modern winemaking began when Graham De Villiers, a direct descendent, purchased the property in 1993. The Hotel will be closed for total refurbishment and scheduled to reopen in August. Situated on the mountain slopes the 39 hectare property has some 33 ha of wine grapes with the chardonnay being the sought after wine of the property.
Richard Branson owns a number of luxury retreats around the world including Kasbah in Morocco, The Lodge in Verbier and Sa Terra Rotja in Majorca. He also owns the 74 acre Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands and the smaller Mosquito Island off the coast of Virgin Gorda which he purchased in2007
