Now or Never

A collection of Contemporary meets Country villas with the best views in town.

Holiday Happiness - let your soul fly!

Follow the sun and wish on the stars in a private estate that’s set alongside
a nature reserve, yet a stroll to the cafes and creatives of magical McGregor village.

Just two hours from Cape Town, our stylish Villas are customised for families, couples,
or more, with sleek entertainment areas, dreamy bedrooms, private pools
with mountain views – and even your own olive grove for il dolce far niente
(the sweetness of doing nothing).

Stop and smell the fynbos

Mother Nature’s indigenous botanicals delight body, mind, and spirit.

Share the love

Time to celebrate - no reason needed!

Relax, restore… and repeat

Equation of the day:
Less stress = More pleasure.

Savour the now

Slow down, ease up and bliss out.

Ease into the slow lane

About that me-time you’ve been promising yourself…

Say hello, sunshine…

… because we’ve got rays for days
(and a big, big sky).

 

 

An Italian by birth, I’ve lived in Germany, Austria, China, and the Netherlands. But in all that time, Africa was my dream, and in 2011, I closed the advertising agency I owned in Italy and followed my dream. The first venture in my new homeland was Robertson’s Mo & Rose, a 4-star boutique guest house and restaurant that gained local and international fans. Seven years later, I spotted an incredible plot of land in McGregor – and Lucky Crane Villas began. 

Architect Frederik Labuschagne and I co-designed the Villas as a fusion of modernity and village aesthetic. I conceived the interiors and landscaping. Most importantly, Nature herself created the wondrous surroundings!

“Welcome to the place where I found my dreams. It’s designed for you to experience yours!”

Mo Schmalzl

Follow the Call – and discover your nest

Our Villas are named in honour of five of the region’s 250-plus bird species –
every Villa with its own personality and mood, and all beautifully designed and
fitted with deluxe details that make all the difference. 

The OLIVE WOODPECKER

Opening in
October 2021

sleeps

6

The LAUGHING DOVE

Opening in
October 2021

sleeps

4

The FAIRY FLYCATCHER

Opening in
October 2021

sleeps

2

The WINGED KITE

Opening in
October 2021

sleeps

4

The OLIVE WOODPECKER

Opening in
October 2021

sleeps

6

The LAUGHING DOVE

Opening in
October 2021

sleeps

4

The RED BISHOP

Opening in
October 2021

sleeps

6

Teenager friendly – from the age of 10

Children friendly – all ages

Dog friendly – on request

From our guests

“What a gem! The art, design, views, and location were perfection, and we can’t wait to return.”

Candice and partner from South Africa

“I can’t say enough good things about the beautiful interiors, utensils and equipment, shaded pool area, awesome beds, and proximity to restaurants. This was a really luxurious stay.”

Sofia from Sweden with her family

 "Morning coffee with chirping birds, tranquillity and a peaceful pool, mountains, and a garden that lights up magically at night… a great experience!”

Zandi and her partner from the Western Cape

“We loved unwinding in this fantastic spot with its open-plan interiors and clean, modern finishes. Brilliant hospitality and thoughtful touches made our visit extra special.”

Adam and Family from South Africa

"A truly special place - The Fairy Flycatcher is the most adorable setup and is designed with a flowing space that invites nature into the villa through the high glass windows. The space was perfect for a retreat in nature yet close enough to the main street for a wander and for a bite to eat."

Prathna from South Africa

"The place was beautiful, well maintained, extremely clean. It is a stay you never knew you needed, and would do again at the blink of an eye."

Mabatho and partner from South Africa

A Country State of Mind – meet the village

Historic McGregor village is set in a sweeping valley,
surrounded by mountains and delightfully off the beaten track.
Relax, refresh and reset the slow-living way.

On the menu

Find artisanal restaurants, deli options, ready-made meals, fresh farm ingredients and market fare. Stock up on olives, olive oil, locally grown and home-bottled fruit and veggies, and fresh bakes. And look out for pop-up and seasonal events.

Heart & Soul

Explore new skills or forgotten talents at a creative workshop, catch a live music show, meet artistic residents, drop into yoga, or meet the muse at a literary gathering… Or just hang out with the locals and watch the village world go by.

ROUND ABOUT

A beautiful drive out of the village leads to wine estates, restaurants, nature reserves, hiking and mountain biking trails, rock-climbing, bird-watching and canoeing sites, magnificent landscapes, and the famous Route 62.