Imagine a place where majestic mountains hold themselves center-stage to the verdant landscape of fynbos that meets a meandering river that meets a placid lagoon that merges with the wild, galvanising ocean. A place where fish eagles and African harrier hawks soar above the flamingos, the giant kingfishers, the cormorants, and darters. Where the whales, dolphins, orcas, and seagulls traverse the currents and ocean breeze just beyond the dunes. Where you and your favourite people can gather on the water’s edge, dipping in and out, paddling across the lagoon, playing on the sprawling lawns, and exploring the natural surroundings. Settling beside the swimming pool and at the long dining table for endless hours of feasting, shaded by ancient milkwood. Imagine it’s you and your clan at this special spot, on the banks of the Klein River Lagoon overlooking the Maanschynkop mountains within the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Where the ethos of its existence is as in line with your go-slow itinerary and adventurous activities, as it is with the ecosystem of its surroundings.
Settled on the southern banks of the tepid lagoon, cushioned into a milkwood forest that disperses into the burgeoning fynbos where tortoises and porcupines preside, Coot Club invites you into a wondrous, whimsical world of play and adventure, stillness and tranquility on the outskirts of the amiable old village of Stanford. Comprising of a cluster of traditional stone cottages and contemporary boathouses – all adjoined by winding walkways that escort you through the greenery, around swimming pools toward a communal clubhouse – this hideaway is a utopian playground for families, friends, and lovers to harvest quality time, immersed in nature. With a conscious stamp on conservation and in keeping with the terrain’s palette, each dwelling gracefully emerges from the thicket, opening out to the magnificent views that occupy every space. The dynamic interior design duo of Camilla Fraser and Dominic Touwen have seamlessly stitched their nautical-inspired touches into the tapestry of each room. The layers of textures and tones mirror the mountains, the water, and the wilderness. Whatever the size of your clan, the ways you like to spend your days, and the motive of the hour; you’ll succumb to the serenity of the environment that has been ardently nurtured in every aspect of the build. Retaining the heritage and the soul of the stone cottages, and boldly curating a canvas of colour to the boathouses.
When you’re not languidly hanging out in your abode, reading and listening to the birds, snoozing under a sunhat, you’ll be on the trails by foot or by bike. In the kayaks paddling around the lagoon. Jumping off the jetty. Lounging by the pool. Throwing yourself into the games on the lawns and around the tables. Taking a cruise down the river with binoculars in one hand and a tipple in the other. Birdwatching is considered to be one of the most cathartic practices. Exploring the phenomenal flora and fauna of the area; learning about Coot Club’s ways with conservation. Whale watching and trips out to sea. Strolling down the village lanes of Stanford – artisanal treat and antique hunting. For most of you, having discovered this special spot on the banks of the Klein River, you’ll opt for a footloose and fancy-free, obligatory-free daily itinerary. Whichever way the wind is blowing each day, there’s a plethora of both pacifying and invigorating activities to partake in. It’s entirely up to you and your clan how you choose to imagine your days spent at this utopian wonderland.
What we love!
- The entire set-up of this magnificent retreat, where multigenerational families can gather and celebrate all of the things worth celebrating, surrounded by nature.
- The breathtaking views of the mountain ranges, the lagoon, the milkwood forest and the vastness of the landscape that envelopes all of the living and reclining spaces of every dwelling.
- The birdlife is extraordinary – home to hundreds of different species of indigenous birds. Coot Club is part of the Walker Bay Fynbos conservancy, where a track record of the resident wildlife that occupies the area, is monitored and maintained.
- The clubhouse is the original historical “Spookhuis”, which was constructed in 1892 out of massive limestone blocks that were quarried on the original farm and transported by ox-wagon.
What you need to know…
- For some delicious wine tasting of the region’s grapes, visit Springfontein, Maanskijn, Lomond or Strandveld Vineyards in Elim.
- Celebrate cheese at Klein River artisan cheese factory and follow it up with a bit of beer tasting at Birkenhead Brewery.
- Coot Club is great for all of the seasons. With its fireplaces aplenty and a deluge of activities to dive into, whatever the weather – there is more than enough to make the most of your days.
- If you feel you must leave the property, the lovely quaint village of Stanford is a short drive away.
- Ice cream shops, Saturday markets, antique stores, butchers, bakers, and craft makers. It is centrally located to all of the other activities within the Overberg region including whale watching, marine tours, and wine and cheese tasting.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie