Southern Empress
The Southern Peninsula specialises in superabundance and along its craggy outline historic maritime Simon’s Town plays host to the delightful Boulders Cottage.
Loving Boulders Cottage is so easy, its white washed facade with shutter clad half arch windows, wild olive trees and crunchy pebble paths is initially reminiscent of a sleepy, sunbasking South of France retreat. Yet upon entrance your gaze is immediately captured by the view of the endless wild Atlantic, perfectly framed by the riotous fynbos flora that playfully threatens to overtake the patio. Oh yes, you whisper to yourself, this is Africa. That mantra continues as you quickly take a tour of the quintessential Salome Gunther designed interior. Pops of Eau de Nil and pink terracotta add depth to the contemporary neutral palette, with sublime artwork throughout inviting you to linger and reflect.
Yet for all the carefully considered design choices this is still a home that prioritises comfort above all else, the plentiful well-loved sofas all boast the perfect amount of squish and schloomf, and in accompaniment with a gorgeous gilded bookcase, packed higgeldy piggeldy with all manner of books and board games, call for some serious horizontal exploration. Four tranquil bedrooms, washed in soft light and the distant shush of the ocean effortlessly guarantee that those afternoon naps you promised yourself, will soon be a welcome reality.
Inevitably though one is drawn back to that delicious pillow rich patio, with its tables for casual after-swim dining or raucous family card games. Leading out to a rustic elevated timber deck groaning with sun loungers and a classic wine-dark pool. You could easily spend all your days here, wanting for nothing, but what is that you spy, that little path leading through the lush, indigenous garden; stopping to appreciate a trio of gently burbling fountains with well placed appreciation-of-the moment benches; but then onwards to a fairytale wooden gate.
Beach Bijoux
Walk through and there it is, Walker’s Beach, a slice of sandy beach nirvana only 100m from your retreat. This azure water cove with constant light flashing wavelets, embraced by smooth Jenga styled boulders, will now be your personal playground. The cries of the ever wheeling Oystercatchers echoes your inner joy, and life slows down to a perfect stillness.
What we love!
Your own hidden beach which the resident pert penguins generously allow you to share. The myriad nods to penguindom throughout the house, from the cute tea cloth to that fluffy stuffed one peaking from the bookcase, and then of course a waddle of the real deal having a quick power meeting at the lower fountain area.
What you need to know…
- Simon’s Town is a mecca for naval and history enthusiasts, with at least five museums, the kids are going to love The Warrior Toy Museum.
- Only 50 min. From Cape Town, Simon’s Town is the ideal destination for families with younger children, no long car trips and endless opportunities for adventure and exploration, from hiking, water sports, phenomenal seaside dining and shopping.
- Boulders Beach is a must visit, under the protection of The Table Mountain National Park Marine Area, it is always spotless and safe.
- During whale season from June to November, it’s possible to spot migrating Humpback, Southern Right, and Bryde’s whales rounding Cape Point. These gentle giants can also be spotted from elevated coastal vantage points like Boyes Drive, Chapmans Peak, and Clarens Drive. For an up close and personal experience, boat trips are available from Simon’s Town harbour
- The Southern Peninsula plays host to numerous characterful hamlets, from the quirky Kalk Bay to the surfing haven of Muizenburg. Your daily exploration options are endless,
- If Boulder House is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in the Southern Peninsula.
Reviewed by Julie Ragavelas