The main building which houses the loft library at one end and the kitchen at the other, with sitting and dining areas in between, is Cathedral-height and has waist-thick timber support beans and arches. Interiors maven Ralph Krall is known for this eclectic taste for things from the Colonies so you'll find gilded figures holding up pots of orchids and lavish chandeliers that might have come from a Maharajah's palace or a sacred church in Turkey. Even the simplest dining chair is a red velvet high-back. Although most of the furnishings are from previous centuries, the art collection, especially the Beezy Bailey painting above the fireplace, is contemporary and special.
For all the bigness of La Residence, when it comes to service, Edward Morton and his staff succeed in providing an intimate but non-invasive standard of personal care. This, more than the lavish interiors, is the reason why the celebs hover around The Biden's flame. Elton John is a regular guest and the brag book includes photos of the celebs with the Biden's or the staff features US First Families, movie stars Adrien Brody, Richard Gere, Lionel Richie and Tim Rice, and Gary Player.
When you're spending upwards of R8600 a night for a luxury "room" it is right to expect the very best. You won't be disappointed. The rate may be double what you'd pay at other five-star hotels, but your suite is also double the size. Our bathroom suite was larger than many hotel rooms. It looks more like a Christian Dior salon with its vaulted ceiling, mirrors and chez lounges than a bathroom and I'm sure that management could arrange for a fashion show for you while you're taking your bath. I was happy just to gaze out at the surrounding mountains.
Given the vastness of available space, I was surprised not to have a bidet in the bathroom. When I enquired I was told that Liz Biden doesn't like bidets. So there. When I visited La Res previously I noted the full range of Molton Brown bathroom amenities. These have been replaced by the ubiquitous Charlotte Rhys range because of their green credentials.
We're having tea with Edward Morton in the inside-outside room. He points out the engineering feat in having such a vast opening without a supporting pillar. These are some of the magical construction achievements that are not immediately evident at La Res.
There is a potential conflict with the livestock in the picture-perfect dam. A father is about to assert his power by killing the male offspring so the Biden's have decided to build another dam to house the threatened ducks. They have a team of builders on staff to do this and to build the new cottage suites where the labourers' cottages previously stood scheduled for completion in time for Easter 2011. This will almost double the number of guest suites at La Res.
If you prefer the entire La Res mansion for your 21 friends you have it for R100 000 a night during high season. Just be sure to draw straws for who gets which room. There will be fisticuffs over the Marble bathroom, I guarantee it.
For more information go to www.theroyalportfolio.com or call +27 (0) 21 761 8292.
