Escape to a Hermanus gem, a refurbished thatched homestead
Langbaai, a much-loved beach house named after the secret swimming cove below it, has the most enviable position in Voëlklip, Hermanus – the darling of the Overberg.
One of the original thatched houses here, Langbaai is almost 100 years old, yet this chic and timeless hideaway is all about today’s lifestyle. There’s no need to get in the car (bliss!) as the beach is a few steps down the winding path in front of the house. ‘It’s like having the sea in your garden,’ says the architect-owner, ‘and is the best location in Hermanus. We’re the very first beach off the cliff path, the first “pearl” in a deep, sandy cove protected by rocks on either side … this is what makes Langbaai so special. It’s so close to the wildness of the ocean and whales in season, yet it’s a safe swimming beach. A morning and evening dip (all year round!) is a long-held family tradition here.’
It was love at first sight for the owners, who started restoration 23 years ago and have recently added a courtyard, cottage and pool. ‘Our title deed refers to cattle grazing in the garden…. so, it was very rural in those days, but after preserving the charming character of the historic main house, known affectionately as the “Groothuis”, Langbaai is now super comfortable, not at all precious and wonderfully welcoming.’ It’s the quintessential family beach house that greets you every time you open the front door with the evocative scent of thatch and the unmistakably fresh ‘Hermanus’ smell of waves crashing against the rocks below.
Weekends here are about having the best time with friends and family, preparing delicious meals together. They’re about falling asleep to the sound of the sea and the best night’s sleep in comfy beds under the softest cottons and linens. They’re about listening for the tell-tale whoosh of whale spouts and tail-slapping in the bay. And about restorative swims and long walks along the cliff.
The layout of the house is simple, with the main living area connecting beautifully with a sea-facing terrace on the one side, and a wind-protected, mountain-facing courtyard with beautiful views on the other. It’s a magical space with large doors that slide away completely into the walls and give the impression of it being part of the outside spaces. Large ‘shlumpy’ sofas and chairs with raw linens and slipcovers invite you to put your feet up and relax.
The new cottage or ‘Jongmanshuis’, meaning the ‘young men’ or ‘jongmans’, is a playful reference to the family’s two sons and comes from the historic description used for Cape Dutch homesteads referring to the adjacent smaller house that was traditionally occupied by the son and heir. It’s totally separate but intimately connected by the garden courtyard and new pool, ideal for grandparents or couples.
Whales, wine, fynbos and more …
Of course, staying a week is simply not enough in Hermanus… there’s so much to do in the area, starting with wine tasting. Day trips take you to the Hemel en Aarde Valley and all the way down the coast to the Stanford Wine Route or Baardskeerdersbos (try the Giant Periwinkle) and the Agulhas Wine Triangle towards Elim, with a microbrewery and cheese tasting along the way. Hiking in Fernkloof Nature Reserve takes you up into the mountains to swim in the dams, but there’s mountain biking, kayaking, whale watching, or birdwatching on the Klein River cruise before browsing the antique shops in characterful Stanford. It’s also the perfect place to relax before or after the Hermanus Camino or the Wines2Whales mountain bike race in November, not to mention Hermanus FynArts in June and Kalfiefees in August.
But more than anything, Langbaai is a relaxed beach house for family, friends and multigenerational gatherings in the very best location… a place one can retreat to time and again for a wonderfully restorative stay.
What we love!
- Early morning walks along the cliff path and swims, with delicious coffee at Kammabaai’s famous coffee kiosk afterwards. All the best beaches are within walking distance.
- Strolling through the village and visiting all the wonderful art galleries and ending up at Oskar’s for late-morning breakfast.
- On Saturdays, it’s worth visiting the Country Market, for local produce, especially honey and freshly baked bread from Brood. Foodies will discover a treasure trove of delis and Lizette’s restaurant is a favourite nearby (open breakfast to dinner).
- Visiting the local fish shop for the freshest catch of the day for a braai.
- Hot showers after an early evening swim, followed by sundowners on the verandah to watch spectacular sunsets.
What you need to know…
- The thatch roofs are heritage protected but the reality is that it can be a little bit dusty inside (that is the nature of thatch), especially when it is windy.
- There is an inverter but it excludes power to the appliances.
- The pool is new but doesn’t have a cover or safety net yet, so little ones and non-swimmers need to be watched.
- In the loft there is a really spacious room that is furnished as a dormitory with four double beds but the staircase is a tad more steep than normal…not suitable for the elderly.
- The kitchenette in the new cottage or Jongmanshuis does double duty as the laundry so it is used in the daytime by staff. Everyone usually gathers in the main kitchen for meals but it’s lovely to have the extra kitchenette for early coffees if everyone is still asleep in the main house.
- Guests need to be mindful that cooking outside at the braai or Weber must be done responsibly because of the thatch roof.
If Langbaai isn’t available on your dates, you might also like other accommodation in the Overberg such as Stone House or Sophie’s Rock in Hermanus.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon