Slipway – We often ask ourselves what it is about the beautiful old fishing village of Churchhaven that manages to capture our hearts with an earnest rapture. Of course, considering its scenes of the lagoon’s tepid, turquoise waters with its slow tide, embellished by a bevy of pink flamingos and little sailing boats drifting along depicts an answer. Its vast, wild landscape rising and falling like the waves of the West Coast on the other side of the dunes, and its clear coastal air also stirs up the requisites for some heart stealing. There’s the wildlife, the magnificent birdlife, the long walks and lazy swims. It all explains the grabbing of one’s heart without ever letting it go. But what’s not easy to describe and what’s near impossible to visualise, is the kind of person Churchhaven implores you to become from the moment you arrive. Its attributes mirror yours, in all their glory. And the wonderful thing is that we get to share that person with all of our favourite people who’ve also suddenly tapped into their finest, footloose and fancy-free living selves.
No more than a ninety-minute drive from Cape Town, tucked into the wilderness of the West Coast National Park, a minute’s walk from the shoreline of Langebaan’s Lagoon, Slipway introduces itself to you like a long-lost friend who’s been yearning for this reacquaintance. With a lovely cocooning courtyard centered around an open-plan living, dining and cooking space and the four bedrooms, three bathrooms – that include a cool loft room with a TV for the kids – this hideaway is an idyllic beach escape for two families to come together and be their best beach selves. Inspired by Moroccan souks with a colour palette of rich greens and stone, gold, grey and soft blues with lovely candlelit alcoves and languid reclining spots, casual contemporary furnishings and intimate lighting, there’s nothing fettered about each space. It’s as footloose and refined as we allow ourselves to be.
As the hours of the day unravel at Slipway – and you gradually become acquainted with your new self, in a timeless, joyful existence – you’ll start to recognise those subtle traits of nature that mirror yours too. You’ll rise with the birds, just as you like to, being greeted by the morning sun on the stoep, witnessing the ripples on the water transform with the day’s light. A little meander down to the lagoon for a dip or a paddle. Back for a hearty brunch around the long table, followed by a snooze on the daybeds or in the courtyard, receiving some respite from the sun. An afternoon bike ride or long walk along the fynbos pathways spotting the resident ostriches, tortoises and mongooses. Then it’s back to the cottage for some nibbles and tipples before a pizza feasting around the fire-pit. The kids will opt for the outdoor showers because they’re just more fun. The shade of the lagoon is transforming once again, as nature evokes an evening frock in pink with silver embroidery. Barefoot of course. As is everyone else, simply being, in tune with the surroundings and the reassuring stillness that captures all of your hearts.
What we love!
- The layout of the property that has been cleverly considered, allowing the eternal views of blue to filter through to every space. Even the kitchen hatch is a brilliant, thoughtful attribute for the inside to reach out. It’s ideal for two families – the loft beds are interconnected and can sleep 6 comfortably, with a TV room for the kids to unwind.
- The property sits on the slipway that leads down to the lagoon, only a hop and a skip down to the shoreline.
- Spending time on the stoep, feasting around the table, playing boardgames or reading on the daybeds.
- The highest quality of linens, downs and luxurious fabrics add to the overall experience of utter bliss.
What you need to know…
- During your stay, you’ll be living the simple, off-the-grid life without any temptation for high-tech appliances. There is cell phone reception and Wifi. Solar power is the majority rule with the romance of wood burning stoves, hearty fireplaces and a gas oven.
- 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