As you take to the bends of the great Victoria Road, gliding along the Atlantic Seaboard – in and out of the curves of the Twelve Apostles’ feet, heading south from the city – a tranquil wave of calm envelopes, as subtle bursts of holiday thrills begin to set in. Not more than a twenty-minute drive from the bustling Camps Bay, the serene little hamlet of Llandudno is the secret stopover before hitting the hub of Hout Bay. The beautiful stretch of beach, crystal clear waters and rambling boulders hold centre stage to the rows of beach bungalows and bougainvillea lanes that occupy this charming multi-generational community. A place where everything slows down. Where front doors are left wide open for their neighbour’s kids to collect some lemonade, for the dogs to share their kelp collections, and where most people greet each other barefoot, throughout the hours of the day.
Cushioned into one of the rows of bungalows, only a three-minute walk from the beach, Nautilus opens its long sliding doors to more than just lemonade. You’ll be likely to find a platter of charred stuffed aubergines, steaming from the grill, too. A thing to note about the German-Spanish owner of this dreamy beachside hideaway – as an accomplished foodie, with one of her own cookbooks on the shelf – the well-equipped kitchen has every gadget necessary for a getaway gig of feasting. The refined kitchen sits downstairs, neatly tucked behind the elegant living spaces that flow with the ocean breeze out onto the deck.
Set on two levels, Nautilus has been pleasantly renovated to retain its old bungalow features and foundations, and converted into a stylish contemporary beach home. A floating staircase leads you upstairs to two of the five bedrooms, that are both en suite and open out to a lovely wrap-around balcony with views of the ocean. The three downstairs bedrooms, one being en suite and the others sharing a large family bathroom and gorgeous outside shower, are all finely furnished in the signature Scandinavian theme, that’s styled throughout the home.
Works of art by Paul du Toit, Ben Coutouvidis and the previous Swedish owner’s own colourful Warhol-inspired photography, occupy spaces on the neutral coloured walls, above the oak floors. A family entertainment room with a projector and side little office nook connects to the downstairs living and dining area where an old butcher’s bench lends itself as a drinks bar, and a grand piano awaits any Bach enthusiasts.
The bungalow’s heritage is in harmony with its contemporary counterpart at every turn. Especially as we venture outside onto the deck that tiers down into the overflow pool, and into the garden that’s blooming with rows and rows of lavender, Frangipani trees and Spekbooms. With the odd Lionel Smit and Marieke Prinsloo-Rowe sculpture for good measure. It’s apparent that the owners are also the owners of the gem that is the Cape Heritage Hotel. Their influence is palpable. Just like the entire energy that this lovely little hamlet exudes. It’s seeped in multi-generational heritage that can be felt in this happy, homely hideaway, and seen in the smiles of the community.
What we love!
- The large outdoor shower, with its wide, tall ladder for hanging wetsuits, towels or resting a chilled G’n T whilst you rinse the salt from the sea.
- Taking in the views from the calm of the upstairs balcony, that overlooks the palms and the milkwoods, and out to the ocean.
- It has to be said, the kitchen is a great kitchen to cook from. Not only for its appliances but for its viewpoint of all of the living and chilling areas, always feeling connected to the holiday action.
- The Nordic sofas that invite you in with a good book and glass of the good stuff, making it very difficult to get up and do anything else.
- In the owner’s words – “It’s a very easy and friendly home with a lovely open flow throughout – you will feel connected to everyone, in the common space.”
- It’s access to the beach that is only a 3-5 minute walk away, depending on the size of your team. Early morning and evening walks are a wonderful way to start and end each day’s activities.
What you need to know…
- Llandudno is no more than a 20-minute drive from Cape Town, and only 10 minutes to Hout Bay that’s home to every kind of convenience store you’ll need.
- For some fun and frolics visit the Hout Bay Market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday which offers live music, art, craft, food and fashion aplenty.
- Take a drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive to the southern part of the Peninsula and stop off at some of the most scenic picnic spots in the world.
- The Constantia Wine region is a 25-minute drive away, towards the Nek of Constantia and through the forest to some of the best grapes in the Cape.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie