Our Story

Life is Good Here

The Collection

Our Story

The REST Collection offers relaxed, self-catering accommodation on Chabivin estate in Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch — created for guests who value space, privacy, and a slower pace of travel.

Located just three kilometres from the historic town centre, Chabivin feels far removed from the rush of daily life. Surrounded by wine farms, open space, and mountain views, it's close enough to enjoy Stellenbosch's world-class restaurants, wineries, markets, golf courses, and trails — yet peaceful enough to truly switch off.

This is not a hotel. It's a place where you can wake up slowly, make coffee in your own kitchen, step outside in your pyjamas, pass our tame springbok, Raya, or Cosmo the grysbok on your way to the horses, and let the day unfold naturally.

We believe in the art of slow travel — taking time to experience a destination, enjoy simple moments, and feel at home wherever you are.

The Snyman family welcomes you to their home at Chabivin. We know time away is precious, so we’ll respect your privacy and give you space to enjoy it with your travel companion. We won’t intrude, but we’re always just a message away if you need anything.

Close to town, far from the race.
That's The Rest Collection.

The Estate

The Origin of Chabivin

Chabivin's seeds were planted in 2007 through a meeting between Hendrik Snyman — passionate winemaker and Stellenbosch local — and Brigitte Charbaut-Abiven and Jean-Pierre Abiven, then co-owners of the French Champagne house Guy Charbaut. The name Chabivin was born between them: Charbaut, Abiven, and vin — the French word for wine.

Chabivin was once home to Chabivin Méthode Cap Classique (MCC). Shortly after 2007, Hendrik, Brigitte and Jean-Pierre planted vineyards, opened a tasting room and built a small ageing cellar. Producing MCC in small batches and ageing each bottle on the lees for five to seven years simply wasn’t economically viable at that scale. Chabivin also imported Champagne Guy Charbaut into South Africa for years. As exchange rates shifted and local MCC producers flourished, the import chapter closed — but the love of bubbles and the friendships forged around them endured.

Brigitte Charbaut-Abiven passed away in 2025. She was a remarkable woman — generous, knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about wine and the people who make it. Her legacy lives on at Chabivin. The name above the gate is, in part, hers — and we carry it with gratitude.

Brigitte Charbaut-Abiven
Brigitte Charbaut-Abiven

Explore

Things To Do

From hikes in protected natural areas to wine tasting, top cuisine, golf, and beautiful beaches.

Wine Tasting

Start at Blaauwklippen’s Tasting House for guided estate wines and seasonal pairings. Waterford offers curated tastings and its Wine Drive Safari; Rust en Vrede is a classic stop for Stellenbosch reds. Book popular tastings ahead.

Championship Golf

Two standout local courses are De Zalze (#32 in the 2026 SA Top 100) and Stellenbosch Golf Club (#57). De Zalze is a scenic Peter Matkovich-designed course through vineyards; Stellenbosch is a tree-lined parkland round and South Africa’s fourth-oldest golf club. Check visitor tee times directly.

Good Food

For a special dinner, book MERTIA, awarded three stars in the 2026 Eat Out Awards. Other award-winning Stellenbosch tables include Post & Pepper, Hōseki and Rust en Vrede Restaurant. Reserve ahead, especially for weekends.

Markets

The Blaauwklippen Family Market brings artisanal food, local makers and live music beneath the estate trees every Saturday and Sunday. There’s also a Friday Night Market on the last Friday of each month. Check Blaauwklippen’s event calendar for dates and weather updates.

Hiking & Biking

Jonkershoek is the area’s standout for mountain scenery: CapeNature’s hikes range from 5.3 to 18 km, and nearby MTO Trails has 48 km of mountain-bike singletrack plus 74 km of forestry tracks. As of October 2026, CapeNature’s circular-route closure requires an approximately 5 km walk from outer parking to the trails; check its live access notice and permits before setting out.

Explore Stellenbosch

Walk oak-lined Dorp Street and the historic centre, then visit Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden—the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa—and the Village Museum’s four restored period homes. Check opening hours before you go.

What We Believe

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do at REST Collection.

Hospitality First

We believe every guest deserves to feel at home. Our attention to detail ensures comfort and warmth in every stay.

Trust & Transparency

Clear communication, honest pricing, and reliable service. What you see is what you get - no hidden surprises.

Quality Standards

Every apartment is carefully curated and maintained to meet our exacting standards of cleanliness and comfort.

Local Expertise

As proud South Africans, we share insider knowledge of the best wineries, golf courses, restaurants, and hidden gems.

Ready to Experience REST?

Browse our collection of self-catering apartments in Stellenbosch wine country and find your perfect retreat.

Close to town, far from the race.
Welcome on Chabivin.