CAPE landlords Louis Group International have extended their business operations to the hospitality industry with the purchase of Devon Valley Hotel and the SylvanVale Vineyards near Stellenbosch.

Dr Alan Louis, the CEO of Louis Group International, said the group's experience in buying properties that may not be operating to their full potential, and then using their expertise to improve and maximise the properties' best features, would see the hotel becoming a "highly sought-after hospitality experience" in the near future.

"We plan to offer guests a tranquil and luxurious country experience which also makes allowance for the modern requirements of the traveller," Louis said.

"We are focusing our initial efforts on the grounds and public areas but significant interior design changes will be implemented early next year," he said.

Nico Strydom of Dakota Design, who has been responsible for - among other things - the design of the Exclusive Books stores and the duty free areas at the international airports, has been commissioned to rejuvenate this beautiful venue and provide the platform for this boutique hotel to offer guests a world-class experience. The original timber-framed building was built in 1947 and initially called the Cedarwood Hotel.

It was renamed Devon Valley Hotel in the early 1960s and soon became a well-known Stellenbosch landmark. Craig Seaman, the hotel general manager, plans to take advantage of the hotel's historical significance and charm and turn the 40-room establishment into one of the treasures of the Winelands.

"In addition to the services of the hotel, which now include a communications centre alongside the rooms, terrace, bar and conference venues, we plan to make the restaurant, renamed 'Flavours' an enticing alternative for the Stellenbosch community," Seaman said.

For more information contact Craig Seaman at 021 865 2012