A destination that has been a part of a family’s life for decades, for its simplicity of life, its access to the abounding nature and the utter serenity of its surroundings, Churchhaven holds a very dear place in the hearts of the owners of Lagoon House. A place that harbours memories of multigenerational gatherings upon the tepid shores of the lagoon. Dreamy days spent wading about in the warm waters, rowing boats and paddling across the glassy blue. Long bicycle rides along winding dirt tracks, foraging for nature’s treasures and witnessing some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets fathomable. As it was so many years ago – a place for family bonds to strengthen and future celebrations to be planned – Churchhaven retains its eminence as the most sacred place to spend time with those we cherish, amidst the wilderness of the West Coast National Park.
One of the longest-standing original plots, tucked immediately behind the old church, with instant access to the lovely new wooden walkway that escorts you down to the shoreline of the lagoon, this hideaway is a family memoir written in the white sands, whispered across the wild landscape and carried with the coastal air, resting upon its deck. Built by renowned architect, Michele Sandilands – who won an award for the intricacies of the design, in keeping with the strict vernacular regulations of the region – Lagoon House pays homage to the simplicity of the existence and the sincerity of the community that prevails at Churchhaven. Set on two levels that are centred around the main open-plan living, cooking and dining spaces, all overlooking the vast landscape of green and blue, four bedrooms, with a fun bunk room for the kids and a cozy room in the attic dart themselves around the cottage. A lovely cocooning courtyard with an ancient olive tree leads to an additional bedroom. The views draw you out to a long verandah with its outdoor braai, an outdoor shower and sturdy timber roof with a ladder – beckoning those stargazing nights, all huddled around on cushions.
Given that the lagoon is no more than a ninety-minute drive from Cape Town, completely ensconced in nature, your journey there will be as riveting as the days spent beside its waters. Whatever’s on the cards for the day, you’ll rise with the dawn, the resident sunbirds and a hot brew on the verandah. After a morning stretch or long cycle, a swift paddle and a warm swim, a breakfast feasting ensues around the table. Followed by a snooze on the loungers or in the courtyard or in one of the heavenly rooms, dipping in and out of a memoir – different to that of the one that’s unfolding before you. The kids are safe and free. The cooks are inspired and cool-tempered. The game-players are still at it around the long table. The music is rising and falling like the wings of the magnificent birdlife. The breeze is as affectionate as Granny’s warm embrace, reminding you of what holidays beside the lagoon are all about. As the colours shift with the sun’s salute farewell and the skies light up with stars, you’ll climb the ladder and rest on the roof, making wishes and recalling all of the ones coming true. The family memoir continues to write itself into the perfect sands of the lagoon.
What we love!
- The beautiful use of Japanese Cedar timber throughout, that adds to a cozy cabin feel of the home.
- The lovely community and village life of Churhchaven, where the kids can roam free in the wilderness, and the stillness of the surroundings induces hours of tranquility.
- The layout of the property that has been cleverly considered, allowing the eternal views of blue to filter through the open spaces.
- Spending time on the verandah, feasting around the table, playing boardgames or reading on the comfy recliners.
What you need to know…
- Make the most of life on the lagoon… there are SUPS and Kayaks available to rent during your stay.
- There are plenty of wonderful cycling tracks to explore from the property including access to Tsaarsbank beach in Langebaan, where you can dip into the ocean (should you feel the need) and venture back past Geelbek restaurant for a little bite or sip, then back onto the trails.
- The West Coast National Park gate opens and closes at certain times – In winter, between the months of April and August, the gate opens at 07h00 and closes again at 17h30. In summer, between the months of September and March, the gate opens at 07h00 and closes again at 18h30. Once the gate is closed, you cannot gain entry. A conservation fee is payable per person, upon entry into the park all year round.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie