Stylish seaside living in Hermanus
A contemporary seaside beauty with its own tidal pool at the foot of the garden, Cliffside is a Hermanus gem in sought-after Eastcliff.
There’s something to be said about rising from the comfiest bed, layered in utter luxury, slipping away from the sheets and into a robe. The shutters have lifted themselves to reveal the view that unravels over the succulents, the fynbos and rose geranium, across the rolling lawns and into the ocean below. The morning sun is dancing on the tide’s curling waves as spears of silver pierce those sleepy eyes, encouraging you to make your way down to the tidal pool to brave the water that laps around the boulders. Back and forth you paddle and wade through the cold that turns to warmth and then to fire. Igniting an invigorating and deeply pacifying feeling of gratitude. This moment is yours, alone in the ocean’s pool, with the whales, the seals and seagulls just beyond reach. Yes, there’s something indelible to be said about how your days begin at Cliffside.
You’ll take that fiery feeling and saunter back up the hill to the house – that appears to be gracefully emerging from the landscape. A quick rinse of the salt under the outdoor shower, shaded by magnificent magnolias. A gentle stretch on the long verandah, lunging into some poses that put you in good stead for the breakfast that awaits around the table. Easy African tunes are wafting their way through the open spaces of the living, dining and entertaining spaces of this magnificent home. Up into the apex ceiling and out through the tall glass sliding doors. Around the courtyard and into the gardens, where lazy daybeds, long tables, swinging chairs and walled-reading seats are aplenty. The dulcet tones of Oliver Mtukudzi induce reading hour on the bottom deck. Or engage with your inner child by doing roly-polys down the lawn with the kids and the resident dassies and hadedas. Onto the Eastcliff paths for some oceanic wildlife watching and secret cove hunting as you meander the curves of shoreline for hours. Back to the hideaway for the next feasting around the fire; crayfish on the flames or some quality cuts from the farmer’s market that have been marinating all morning. The tunes are back, inciting an afternoon of fun and frolics around the garden with the clan. Perhaps a round of golf down the road or a beach mission for a sand castle competition. Some might like to venture into the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in the mountains behind, exploring the trails and dipping in the pools of the reservoir.
Indoor-outdoor living at its best
As the late afternoon light creeps through the courtyard and into the living spaces, the layers of texture and neutral tones become emblazoned in gold. As if the architecture’s consciously acting as a sundial. You’ll gather on the comfy sofas and recliners, watching the light play across the timber, glass, exposed stone and marble surfaces. Every element of this home – the interiors designed by Cecile & Boyd and architecture by Jane Visser – has been considered to nurture the soul of the fisherman’s village of Hermanus, retain the heritage of the land, yet embellish it in a refined, contemporary beauty set to stand the test of time. When night arrives, and the sounds of the ocean bellow from below, the skies are lit up from the stars and the fire-pits are crackling away alongside the cackles of laughter drifting with the breeze. You’ll retire to that heavenly bed, regaling those cherished moments spent under the African sun, beside the ocean, surrounded by your favourite people. Just as they began, there’s something to be said about how your days end at Cliffside, too.
What we love!
- Should you wish to take a break from cooking it’s possible to arrange a fully catered stay.
- You have your very own tidal pool in the garden! All the joy and beauty of sea swimming with none of the worries about rip tides!
- Hermanus has a number of pristine, white sand beaches and is a great place for surfers.
- Hermanus town centre is a short stroll from Cliffside, so super handy for cafes, restaurants, shops and a mooch around the static market.
- Though there are a number of great outdoor activities to get involved in and wilderness to explore in and around Hermanus, you’ll find it difficult to leave the property. Its spatial living and entertaining areas and monumental gardens allow for endless hours of feasting and games, restful reading and bonding with the clan.
- The property’s conscious use of natural materials incorporated into the build that seamlessly blend with the environment it occupies. Though the bones are new, there is a timeless stature to every element of this magnificent hideaway, built with the intent of an indoor-outdoor flow of living.
- Whatever the time of day – from early mornings to late nights – the views are magnificent. During whale watching season you can view these incredible creatures directly from the property!
What you need to know…
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve is an absolute must for all hiking enthusiasts wanting to explore the lesser beaten tracks in nature. Especially for winter walks.
- The Stanford Valley is a twenty-minute drive away for a full day out. Activities include picnics under the Stanford Manor trees, beside the dam. Sunset cruises on the Klein River. Cheese, beer and wine tasting. Antique shopping in the historic village of Stanford.
- Hermanus Country Market every Saturday for all things art, craft, food, music, fun and frolics.
- Lizette’s at the circle is a great place to go for a light tapas lunch with its lovely atmosphere, or to just simply grab some yummy things from the deli.
- There’s also a golf course just around the corner that’s set in the most beautiful landscape for a lovely afternoon walk and the odd pitch onto the green.
- Educational Whale and shark watching boat trips with a marine conservationist on board leave from Hermanus and Gansbaai, further along the coast (30 minutes’ drive away).
- The aptly named valley of Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) has numerous wine estates to indulge in wine tasting or enjoy a long, lazy lunch amid spectacular scenery.
- If you’ve succumbed to a little too much holiday indulgence there’s an exercise area for yoga and yoga or Pilates’ sessions, and massage treatments can be arranged.
- if Cliffside is not available over your dates, you can browse our other luxury accommodation in exclusive-use beach houses in Hermanus and the Overberg.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Michelle Snaddon