Best of both: river and sea
Those who love Kenton-on-Sea (and try to keep it a best-kept secret!) will know that St Austel is a landmark Eastern Cape beach house with some of the most captivating views along this coastline.
Living along the banks of the Bushman’s River, a tidal waterway that meets pristine beach and rolling dunes of this unspoilt Kenton-on-Sea coast just down the road, is nothing short of magical. You’ll wake to the call of river birds and the rhythmic sound of the waves, have breakfast outdoors as the river gently rises, ebbing softly softly along the shoreline. Days are spent drifting down to the beach for warm swims or paddling upstream and enjoying water activities. Lunch is easy going and alfresco as everyone returns to the generous deck in their swimming costumes where family and new friends gather, but sundowners here are our favourite time of day. The setting is nothing short of spectacular as rays of sunshine beam in till late, giving way to balmy evenings with moonshine reflecting on the water.
Sensitively reimagined seaside haven
Interior designer, Marion Orpen of Marion Orpen Design, took inspiration from the ever-changing colours of the river with accents of blue and turquoise complementing natural shades in subtle olives and pistachio, with hints of coppery gold and natural bronze offsetting hand-hewn stone work, superbly crafted joinery and bespoke furnishings throughout the home. But it was Fluid Architects who completely reworked this superbly well-designed beach house to reveal its full potential and jaw-dropping views, both upriver and downstream to the beach. Extending the living area beyond the statement stone fireplace revealed the full potential of this magnificent setting and created show stopping yet utterly relaxed entertaining areas. Today, the contemporary new look brings the outdoors in, making it a pleasure to stay in all year round – even the glass-lined corner kitchen window now welcomes the sunshine and opens up to the trees and garden.
St Austel is the perfect multigenerational beach hideaway – not only because Kenton-on-Sea has some of the most beautiful beaches to enjoy in the Eastern Cape, but also because a stay here can be combined with day trips to surrounding game reserves or walks and days spent exploring up and down this pretty coast. However, we do think you’ll be hard pressed to leave this utterly beautiful gem….
What we love!
- The location: without question it’s the best there is! Elevated above the Bushman’s River, with beautiful views towards the mouth and the crashing waves of this unspoiled Eastern Cape shoreline.
- That Kenton on Sea is a really easy, scenic drive from PE airport (just over 1.5 hours), even if you stop at our favourite Nanaga Farmstall on the way (famous for its legendary pies!).
- River activities: bring your own kayaks and SUPs as you’ll love exploring the Bushman’s River. It’s a short paddle (or walk) downstream to the mouth and beach.
- That you can combine a beach holiday with safari day trips: Sibuya is a highlight as the 10km boat cruise upstream takes you alongside banks of Albany thicket filled with birdlife before arriving at Sibuya Game Reserve for a Big Five game drive and delicious lunch. Or you can drive to Addo Elephant National Park for a Big Five game drive in your own vehicle.
Need to know…
- Kenton might be small but everything you need is here: there is a Spar near the deli and coffee shop, plus a butcher in Kenton but the Rosehill Mall in Port Alfred (20 minutes away) has everything plus there’s a large Woolworths.
- The outdoor fireplace on the covered outdoor verandah makes this a house for all seasons – it’s simply glorious out here, no matter the time of day or the weather! There are ceiling fans for sultry summer days.
- This is the perfect home for a multigenerational stay, but the bedroom downstairs is not ideal for children who need to sleep near their parents, but the lower floor bedroom has direct access to the pool (not covered) and garden, which is perfect for grandparents or couples who want privacy.
- St Austel is solar powered and has a back-up inverter for continuous power supply.
- If St Austel isn’t available over your dates, browse other hideaways in our Eastern Cape collection or consider combining a holiday with a Big Five safari. Malaria-free, Eastern Cape safari lodges are close: all within one to two hours’ drive of St Austel. Camp Karoo is self-catering and exclusive-use, and Kariega’s Settler’s Drift and Kwandwe are both five star options.
- Kenton-on-Sea is also a wonderful destination to combine with the Garden Route, if you’re heading to Cape Town on a road trip.
- St Austel is also available as a shoot location: ideal for bush and beach location requirements, and a quick drive from Port Elizabeth airport.
Reviewed By Michelle Snaddon