Stays

“Majestic winelands retreat” The elegance of the Lake House on Val du Lac is evident in its classical country estate construct. A stately home, as such, that evokes an image of multigenerational gatherings. Special family escapes, surrounded by the Groot Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains, and the verdant valley of Franschhoek. A place where you and your large group of travelling companions can create those cherished memories of a lavish getaway, in the Cape Winelands. Settled on twenty-four hectares of farmland – eight of which are occupied by rows and rows of young, fine vines – The Lake House graciously welcomes you in to a secluded world of decadence. Glistening bodies of clear water, flowing and shimmering in the African light. Beautifully landscaped gardens, with walkways and meandering paths beckon your exploring. Herb and vegetable gardens. Citrus and cypress trees. Ponds, pergolas, a pétanque court, a dreamy swimming pool and its accompanying pool house. Outdoor fire pits, a trampoline, trickling fountains, and a jacuzzi. This hideaway is an enchanting playground for those seeking their own Western Cape sanctuary. Ensconced in the luxury of its accommodation offerings, and humbled by the beauty of the natural surroundings. The interior spaces are incredibly generous and elegantly furnished. Lots of earthy elements binding all of the living, reading, cooking, entertaining, dining, and reclining areas together. Herringbone klompies and hardwood timber floors, slate, steel, marble and glass, and all of the finest qualities. Six mammoth ensuite bedrooms, some with their own balconies and views but all with breathtaking views, scatter themselves across the levels. One being an apartment, slightly separated from the main house with its own living area. There’s also a basement with a gym and a sauna, a wine cellar that some call the most beautiful in the valley, a media room and a bar that’s perfectly positioned to toast to the valley. There’s another sauna in the pool house – its windows creating an impressive view to the valley and its mountains – for your holiday having its holistic elements. And a large office space to accommodate those that have ventured to the Cape with the intention of getting some work done, too. Decadent days beside the water There’s a lovely story that comes with the Lake House on Val du Lac. Being located on the ancient elephant trail, this hideaway harnesses some history from the tracks of wildlife. A portion of their migration between Knysna and the Cape, crossing over the Hottentots Holland Mountains, and through the valley, is now where the vines flourish. There’s a running theme of the Big Five, and the beauty of the African wilderness that’s told in the decor of the home. It’s only a fifteen-minute walk into the village. Or a quick drive to the neighbouring estates for the mandatory tasting and feasting. You could also set up a picnic on the lawns beside the dams. Spotting the fish swimming in the dam that are there to keep the ecosystem thriving. Lots of lovely walks and games of boules. Relaxing under the pergolas and around the pool house. Perhaps some horse riding along the nearby trails. Hiking and museum musing, or enjoying the gourmet status of the area. Whatever’s on the wish lists for the clan, you’ll be inclined to spend as much of your time on the grounds of The Lake House. Lapping up the sublime outdoor life, gathered around the fire pits when the time calls. Making wishes on the stars at night and witnessing them come true, in the very next moment. It’s all in front of you, all that you could dream of. Surrounded by your most trusted herd. Just like the ancient elephants were.

“Where valleys meet the mountains” Set on over a hundred hectares of fynbos, farm and forest land in the Overberg region, where valleys meet the majestic mountains, God’s Window offers tranquil country living. As you drive the dirt road, passing neighbouring berry farms and thatched cottages, a deep sense of serenity and solitude begins to unfold. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this is a place designed not to impress, but to let you exhale. Built in 2009 by South African architect Georg van Gass, God’s Window stretches across one expansive level of glass, stone, cement and brick, opening itself fully to the landscape around it. Firmness, commodity and light resonate inside and out, as the outside comes back in. The slanted roof raises its brows to the soaring Misty Peak of The Cape Fold Mountains, 1700 metres above the glistening gold and green Leucadendron, below. Inside, the interiors are thoughtfully composed, with a signature palette of green, gold, mahogany, mustard and maroon bringing warmth and character to the space, gently echoing the ever-changing colours cast across the mountain beyond. Relax in harmony with nature Simplicity is at the heart of God’s Window. Life here unfolds easily, shaped by the landscape rather than routine. The massive open fireplace says it’s fine to stay on the sofa, or to sit at the long, 12-seater dining table for as long as you like. Quiet corners, books, daybeds and ever-present views invite you to slow down and settle in. Days are best spent outdoors, hiking the trails, rock-hopping through forest paths among tree ferns, wild olives and yellowwoods, or swimming in waterfalls, dams and river rock pools. Mountain biking along the dirt roads offers encounters with Blue Crane, Secretary Bird, Fish Eagle and African Spoonbill, with birdlife that is nothing short of breathtaking. Even a few lengths in the 15-metre swimming pool feel earned after a day immersed in nature. As evening draws in and the leopards begin to bark, the house welcomes you back with deep bathtubs, generous beds and spaces designed for rest. This is a place to retreat to, one that offers comfort and beauty without excess, and where there is little reason to be anywhere else.

“Purified contemporary country living” Sometimes in the middle of nowhere, awaits an unexpected surprise. High Country Cottage is one; a contemporary hideaway and an ode to rugged mountain beauty. Set in the Breedekloof Valley on De Vierde Liefde Private Nature Reserve, you’re just 20km from the town of Tulbagh but a world away. It’s completely soulful here, peaceful, and pacifying. Views overlook vineyards to the moody mountains, there’s birdsong in the air and fynbos everywhere. Named also for the owners’ special love of mountains, High Country Cottage is a 21st century interpretation of an African, barn-style farmhouse – it has Cape Dutch colours with a thoroughly contemporary spin. Actually it’s two separate barns, one a light-drenched, double-volume living space, the other a double-storey section with four spacious bedrooms and accompanying bathrooms. Linked by a glassed passage, the house is carefully designed for privacy and rest, alongside full-blown living. Interiors inspired by world travels Every room in the home exudes personality. The décor reflects the colours of the mountains, the fynbos and the changing tones of the sun’s influence on the skies. Furnishings are a blend of colonial, contemporary and up-cycled heritage pieces that all live comfortably together. The spaces are alive with trees and plants, with an additional 125 tree saplings planted outside for good measure. You can choose your bedroom to match your own personality. The Finch Room has straw wall paper that reflects the natural surroundings in winter. Bedside pendant lamps hang at different heights and resemble birds’ nests – and there’s a finch image on the wall. The Moody Room is muted in black, white and grey, including the pictures on the wall. Pale pink walls in The Moroccan Room reflect the colour of buildings in Marrakech, as well as the sunset hues on the mountains. The pale green walls and burnt orange linen of The Colonial Room reflect classic shades of Africa, and furnishing hints of the old African safari era. High Country Cottage embodies easy living. Sunshine streams in, plants flourish and there’s a vitality and lightness of being here. It’s a place that beckons you to bask. But you can also walk, hike or mountain bike as far as you can see in all directions. Natural beauty and space are found here in large supply in the Tulbagh winelands.

“Rooted in the rhythms of the Karoo ” The Klein Karoo is a land shaped by time, where shifting light moves across the mountains and the pungent scent of wild fynbos is carried by the warm air. It is here that Jackals Rest, on Highlands Guest Farm, offers a rare sense of escape. ‘Jackals Rest belongs to this ancient landscape,’ say its guardians, Marc Knickelbein and interior designer Kobus Truter of KT Interior Architectural Studio. ‘It’s a terrain shaped over thousands of years by stillness, solitude and the quiet theatre of the Karoo sky. Long before us, this land carried stories of survival, migration, seasons and rest. Nothing here is new – only new stories written into its rust-red soil.’ The remote hideaway unfolds generously into the landscape, embracing its earthy materials and cabin-like features. It feels both grounded and generous, with two beautifully appointed bedrooms – spaces designed for a moment of pause and gentle reflection. In the main living areas, wood-burning fireplaces flicker through the kitchen and living room, inviting slow breakfasts, late-night conversations and long dinners that stretch into the evening. An ex-chef who lived in London for 13 years but now designs restaurant and hospitality spaces in southern Africa, Kobus’s eye for detail, layering and texture is extraordinary. Let’s start with the dream kitchen – a kitchen designed by a chef who admits he ‘might have gone overboard with cutlery, crockery and every black pot you can think of’. Everything about the design makes indoor/outdoor cooking a joy, whether it’s Argentinian-style open-fire cooking or a pizza evening. And you’ll find every braai tong, pizza paddle and luxury gadget imaginable. In between delicious meals shared together, many a long afternoon will be spent lazing on the sun deck and dipping in and out of the reservoir-style saltwater pool. Afternoon drives take you to hidden sundowner spots, but as dusk falls, the steaming wood-fired hot tub beckons. Evenings are also for storytelling around the smokeless fire pit in the boma after dinner – often to the chorus of frogs in the watering hole below, where small game passes by to drink. And the stars… vast, endless and impossibly bright! This is one of the best places in the world to marvel at the Milky Way in the quiet of the Karoo night. Few places remind you of your humble place on earth quite like the Karoo after dark. Immersed in the landscape ‘Originally Jackals Rest was much more “Out of Africa” with a white-linen look, but we then decided to play a little with colour. When you lie here in the morning, there’s a split second when the sun rises and the shadows of the hills cast a line that literally matches the line in the ombré curtains. It’s very pretty. The bedrooms are tranquil, clean and simple – with the softest hemp and cotton bed linen. There’s a desk where you can journal, or write a postcard.’ ‘We love the burnt orange that’s in the Mungo throw, picking up on the hand-dyed curtains that blend naturally into the warmth of the Iroko flooring. The colours reflect the orange-pink-terracotta Karoo soil outside, especially when it’s wet after the rain. We took the Iroko right through into the base of the shower so that the tray is completely hidden in the bathroom.’ The rooms are open but still quirky… the safari-style ‘tented’ dressing room adding ‘a bohemian vibe and privacy,’ says Kobus. ‘Restaurant and hospitality design tends to be minimalist, but in my own personal spaces I love interest. I love to look, see, touch and feel. I was inspired to add a fynbos installation in the shower that creates the most beautiful scent with hot water and steam. It feels like you’re outside.’ Mornings arrive gently here. Coffee is shared with birdsong and the unmistakable scent of fynbos carried on the cool dawn air. Dew glistens on succulents and spider webs. You’ll be inspired to start your day with yoga and breath work. Or plan a slow walk through the fynbos, picking wild blooms for the flower press. Take a gentle ride around the 1,500ha farm on the coolest retro-styled e-bikes – styled with leather handles and saddles. Or why not head out on a guided nature drive? Look out for stately gemsbok, springbok, rhebuck, red hartebeest, black wildebeest – and even zebra – grazing quietly. ‘Jackals Rest is about living off grid in nature, even though we are also a working farm with sheep and chickens’ says Kobus. ‘We grow almonds and apricots and will soon plant pistachios. Blossom fills the orchards in September, and we harvest in February and March, but once you’re out here, nature is the itinerary.’ We couldn’t agree more.

“Contemporary Glen Beach living” One of the very first houses in Camps Bay, and once a farmhouse dating all the way back to 1890, Oasis on Glen cushions itself into the Atlantic Seaboard boulders and emerges from the burgeoning thicket of the Glen. It’s decidedly rare to come across a beach bungalow on the Atlantic Seaboard that attains such history and notoriety in its bold, contemporary bones, overlooking an enviable stretch of sand and surf. Having recently been reconstructed and rejuvenated into a marvellous, modern, seaside home, this hideaway elegantly rests on the rocks, opening out to the ocean’s elements and maximising on the spectacular views of the mountain and her Twelve Apostles. As you make your way across a little bridge, hovering above a running stream that trickles down from the forest of the Glen, and walk through the front doors into the vast, open living space, it’s apparent that no design detail has been curated without conscious consideration to this property’s perfect positioning. In keeping with the area’s strict building regulations and retaining its bungalow personality, the home has been re-birthed into this century with stark, dark shades of grey – seamlessly blending itself into the natural environment, amongst the milkwood trees. Beautiful old oak flooring and bespoke cabinetry signify the running theme, with off-shutter concrete walls and Caesarstone quartz countertops, refined furnishings, warm rugs and family collectables embellishing the easy flow of the interior with finesse. All cradled by the boundless light and ocean air that engulfs every space, through tall glass doors that slide open to a magnificent deck, with its swimming pool, sunken fire-pit and seating areas aplenty. Set on two floors, the top level holds space for the main ensuite that looks out into the forest, and an inspiring study, overlooking the beach and all the way up to the apostles. An additional two ensuite bedrooms sit on the lower level, as well as a TV-come-music-library room. It’s an idyllic family set-up that holds an earnest space for you and your favourite people to gather, unwind and relish in the brilliance of beach life. Embracing the laid-back, local lifestyle You’ll start your days with a quick skip down to the beach, a dip into the waves and then venture back to the deck for your first hot brew of the day. Salute the surfers and friendly community of beach walkers that frequent this relatively quiet, charming cove. A revitalising shower on the deck ensues, as the water gushes over the boulders and the sunbirds bath in the spray. A spot of reading in the courtyard beneath the massive palm tree, amongst the delicious monsters and strelitzias, before heading out into the city – that’s only a hop over the hill – for a bit of retail exploring. You’re at liberty to traverse the town for as many hours as you please, as the drive home to the beach is never arduous. As you wind your way back down past the Glen and walk the little bridge again, the living spaces, the deck and that view is waiting for you. Some will gather around the gorgeous kitchen island as preparations for the evening’s feast are underway, whilst others opt for a dip in the pool, or are gathering around the fire-pit. Maybe just a lovely, long bath following another brave dip in the cold Atlantic waters, revelling with the thought that an easy breezy evening awaits. The fire-pit is all lit up, the waves are dancing in tune to the jazz and the moody moon, as the bungalow nurtures a sense of yourself that’s both old and new. Just like the beautiful bungalow itself.

“Sculpted by architectural lines and light” ‘I like to look at a mountain and pretend it’s mine, not see any other houses and feel like the mountain is in my back garden. And there’s no better place to do that surely than here,’ says the owner of Villa Kilimani, who – after 45 years of searching for his dream hideaway – has found his forever home at the very tip of Africa. The love affair began when he arrived in Nairobi at just six-weeks old. He’s since lived in Kenya twice and in Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. ‘Every time I came to visit my parents in Cape Town, I would look for houses. And then, lo and behold, along came no 7, literally next door to houses I’d looked at previously. It was designed by an Italian architect from SAOTA at exactly the right angle… and clearly a labour of love.’ ‘We’ve turned Dawn Villa into Villa Kilimani, which is something of a homage to my time in Africa. And to Kilimanjaro. It’s from the Swahili word meaning ‘of the mountain’, just as Constantia’s Bel Ombre means ‘beautiful shadow’ or ‘shadow of the mountain’. Villa Kilimani’s intuitive architectural design is seamless with nature and the mountain, welcoming in our healing African sunlight through its glass-lined exterior. Secluded reclining spaces and living areas are enveloped almost entirely by expansive views of rolling lawns, forests and the mountain, while series of courtyards shaded with lush foliage and a soothing water feature link the gym, wine cellar, TV lounge and study. Diffused light permeates every space. Upstairs, four en-suite bedrooms are havens of peace, each one overlooking the magnificent garden, landscaped to perfection and filled with birdlife. The result is a profound sense of calm that nurtures stillness and balance, This is where the feeling of privacy, of renewed energy and of time that suddenly ceases to move forward allows you to relax completely. The true essence of Villa Kilimani Villa Kilimani’s team loves to line up activities – enough to keep you busy yet blissfully relaxed in between – whether its horse riding or mountain biking through the nearby green belt or walking the nature trail to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens via a little-known route directly from the villa. You’ll join local dog walkers and cyclists and experience Cape Town like an insider. Afterwards, savour lunch at a sublime restaurant or go wine tasting for the day. Or simply stay here … enjoy a game of padel in the garden while the kids discover the trampoline or the joys of whizzing through a canopy of trees on the long zip line. Settle into deeply comfortable loungers around the pool while long-tailed sugar birds and butterflies flit through the fynbos. Ever-changing mountain views will mesmerise. Or spa and siesta, the choice is yours. And how about a gentle game of boules with sundowners? The true essence of Villa Kilimani is about immersing yourself in a space that offers perspective, grounding and a sense of peace – a glamorous yet cocooning retreat from global lives lived fast and competitively all year. It’s about doing yoga or Pilates on the lawn as the sun rises, lighting up the peaks. It’s about allowing the mountain and the air redolent with the rich scent of fynbos to work its gentle magic. About being truly revitalised and feeling the energy here in this special corner of the Cape. ‘As Leonardo de Caprio said, “Once you have touched Africa, it stays with you forever.” I believe that too, says the owner.

“Grecian blues on secret coves ” For those rare moments in our busy lives, when we hear the internal call for calm and need for nature, there are those chosen, special spots one can resort to on the Atlantic Seaboard. A place that brings peace, clarity, reflection and solitude, away from the chaos of the madding crowds. Such a place exists, on the fringe of the famous Camps Bay, beneath the majestic mountain and its towering Twelve Apostles, in the quiet residential area of Bakoven. Cradled by boulders on a secluded cove, Beta Beach, with its clear, blue waters and crushed-coral sands, placidly panders to the discerning beach-goer. A cluster of bungalows resting upon the shoreline, emerging from the giant beckoning boulders, occupy this little stretch of a treasure trove. Among them, at the end of a winding pathway and down some steps, Bakoven Seahorse stands, basking in blue. This four-bedroomed bungalow firmly grips its toes into the sand, opens its arms out onto decks, and dives right into the Atlantic Ocean. Set on two levels with a languid, open living space at the helm, this hideaway summons the sea air to enter, and engulf. Cosy seating areas snuggled into nooks, a wood-burning stove, Persian rugs, a Sonos sound system, an abundance of good books and comfy sofas, all say, it’s ok, if at some point you wish to stay indoors. Just until the midday summer heat has settled, or the moods from the winter mists have moved on. Then it’s back outside to have those one-on-one conversations with the ocean, from the privacy of the seating area beneath the olive trees. Or perhaps you’d rather have that chat from the hot tub, or from the sun-loungers on the deck above, or simply from the beach itself. You’re close enough for it to hear you. Even the seals, surfing the white waves, pop their heads up every now and again, in recognition of your witty banter. The ultimate bungalow beach lifestyle When it comes to beach living, it doesn’t get better than Bakoven Seahorse. Drink your morning coffee on the front step with your feet in the sand. Enjoy those long, lazy lunches, at the 8-seater table on the bottom deck, for hours on end. Take a swim, then an afternoon nap, and another swim after that. Sip on your tipple of choice, as you salute the setting sun and give thanks to the moon, for the waves and their music. Just as the owners of this idyllic hideaway would do too.

“Oceanic bliss” There’s nothing like the sound of the ocean, wafting through the open doors and windows of your monumental ensuite bedroom, as you drift in and out of a dream. Like the seagulls are doing with the morning breeze. A gentle stirring of nature’s conversation, waking you up from your slumber. Time to head down the winding staircase, escorted by the ocean as you tip toe every step. Out onto the front deck and into the water. It’s just you and the whales, the dolphins, the sun’s rays and the scent of summer. Bobbing about in the swimming pool that merges with the horizon of blue. One more lap before coffee. Before the days begin at Heaven on Earth. Before your Hermanus holiday clan wake up and turn the placid, warm waters into rapids. Where the shrills and shrieks of a seaside escape ensue. There’s quite simply nothing like that ocean sound, the scent that accompanies it and those never-ending views. Settled upon the meandering cliffs of the old fishing village of Hermanus, this magnificent hideaway is the ideal spot for multigenerational family beach getaways. With its endless views of the ocean, the mountains in the distance and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve behind, the landscape will be the most treasured companion of the trip. Three voluminous levels of living, dining, entertaining, gaming, reclining, cooking, cocktailing and whale watching areas have been beautifully stitched together by the esteemed interior architect, Clinton Savage. With the owner’s stamp emblazoned across every layer of luxury that endorse the property’s name. As a large clan, you’ll spend most of your time on the deck, in and out of the pool and the jacuzzi. Gathered around the braai area or the 12-seater kitchen table. Always snacking and playing games. When the weather changes, the beautiful fireplace will be lit, flickering in sync with the rain dripping down the double window panes. Plenty of blankets to go around as the family banter warms the cockles of your hearts. For those that might like a bit of solitude, the quiet nook at the top of the staircase is the perfect spot to dive into a holiday novel, occasionally glancing up to witness the ocean wildlife drift by. Then off onto the Eastcliff paths for some secret cove hunting and tidal pool dipping. A trip to the farmer’s market for some sourcing and feasting. Some might like an afternoon adventure in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Golf, mountain biking and hiking, boat trips, wine tasting and of course plenty of beach action. The Overberg has it all. Babylonian beach days Of all the things that this sublime seaside village has to offer, it’s the family-bonding experiences that rest at the helm of every moment. As it has been for the owners of Heaven on Earth who have ardently furnished this beach home with their memories for many a generation. Recently renovated entirely – to ensure their lavish needs are tended to, the air and light of the landscape is as much a part of each space as the family heirlooms and artwork – this contemporary villa earnestly shares its old soul with you. Around every table, from every sofa and sun lounger, bathtub and cavernous bed. With every sunrise and moon dance across the water. Written by Colleen Ogilvie

“ Romancing the whales with stone” Lie quite still and count the seconds between the giant swells of Walker Bay pushed by a strong north-easter. The seven-meter waves undulating over Great Whites and Southern Rights ‘demand respect’ say the locals who surf them. So do the creators of the extraordinary Stone House that is so sensitively rooted to the land. Their choice was to ‘grow’ the house organically on the cliffs of Hermanus with rock in muted earth shades of pink and ochre, quarried and set painstakingly down over three years. From the ocean, it is at one with the skyline of clinging fynbos and the cliff face. You approach the Stone House over a low wall and enter the front courtyard that houses a boules court shaded by a giant Madagascan cedar. Over the threshold, you enter the true heart of the house, a double-volume courtyard, and a living area. You may look around and upwards but you cannot escape the instant pull of a 180-degree view of the bay. Should the wind pick up, it is here, sheltered by glass and stone that you will live and entertain. The one fireplace is topped by a massive yellowwood beam salvaged from a harbour. Sea-worn and battered over a century, the ‘find’ started out as the owner’s rather unconventional birthday gift to be stored until it could take centre stage in the interior architecture. The hearth is one of several sheltered gathering points in this expansive courtyard. A low stone boma surrounded by benches is another. It is here that guests relax, read, chat and braai. Where family seaside memories are made No one needs to use a car when staying here. Hermanus and all its provisions, from specialist shops to food markets, is a five-minute walk away – or a short cycle. When summer comes, throw on a gown, sandals and grab a beach towel. Past the plunge pool and outdoor shower and through the fynbos, you reach the cliff path and bracingly cold tidal pools beyond. Be brave and swim. Your children will explore the rock pools and play. On their return, they will empty their buckets of shell treasure and dash back to their den, where four oversized bunks and a secret hideaway space above it will let imagination create their own memories of this holiday. For any adult with an eye for design, it is a house of rich inspiration. Indian shutters, and a giant paper chandelier that is a witty interpretation of concrete dolosse. Wrought iron standing lamps by a local blacksmith, and hand-made tiles with a hint of a Moroccan heritage. A granite basin hewn from solid rock, natural linen drapes, raw textured surfaces, and a giant woven cane nest chair. Now and then, bold pops of colour. Wrought, hewn, carved, skimmed, and joined, it is a house born of patience, imagination and great skill.

Beachfront location Private beach access Direct lagoon access Uninterrupted ocean & lagoon views Private outdoor living Beachside dining Outdoor braai Sunset deck Fireplace Fully equipped kitchen Wi-Fi Premium linen & towels Private parking

Infinity pool, lift, cinema room, gym, ocean views, daily housekeeping

Fully equipped kitchen Laundry room Scullery Wine cellar Cinema room Library Office Fully equipped gym Table tennis Piano Plunge pool Outdoor shower Outdoor gas braai Boma area