A conscious narrative on authenticity and sincerity flows through the open spaces, the contemporary monastic rooms, the reading nooks and meditative spots of Pringle Beach Retreat. Blatantly declaring an intent with the property’s relationship to its surroundings, seamlessly blending into the verdant fynbos, the rolling dunes, the ancient milkwood forests and the eternal palette of blue. Light floods through the vast sliding glass doors and windows, dancing across the robust screed cement, the timber, the stone and terrazzo flooring, down stairways and long corridors, landing like a kaleidoscope of colour wherever the eye travels. Just as the owner intended when she combined her vision with the reputable architect, Sean Mahoney. Together they cultivated their own principles on virtue and matters of the soul, poured them into the foundations of the retreat and married them with bespoke works of local artisans, natural materials and the ancient wisdom of the Hottentots Holland mountains, within the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.
Set on two levels of both monolithic and pacifying statements, Pringle Beach Retreat navigates its ways around the voluminous open-plan living and entertaining spaces that meet the magnificent kitchen adjacent a very long dining table, the seven-metre sliding windows and lovely lookout terrace on the top floor. A curation of contemporary, bespoke furnishings dressed up in crushed velvets and vibrant silks, shaggy poufs and healing crystals, elemental design pieces and classical African art from the likes of Ruby Swinney and Rose Mudge occupy their own spaces with the owner’s reverence. Down the stairway to the quiet, minimalistic reclining rooms and central TV lounge where glass doors and windows escort you out into the back courtyard with its natural swimming pool and outdoor shower, the milkwood forest with a swinging hammock, the mountains and boundless fynbos shrub, rising with the dunes. A large outdoor fireplace sits beside another long dining table shaded beneath the upstairs terrace and gliding out onto the lawn of the garden.
Of all of the attributes that the beautiful seaside village of Pringle Bay has to offer, this hideaway harnesses the serenity of its surroundings and mirrors it with the makings of your soul. You’ll rise with the morning light and meander your way down the winding pathways towards the beach, escorted by butterflies and birds. A leisurely swim in the revitalising currents, witnessing the whales, the seal, the otters and other oceanic wildlife mimicking your strokes. The surfers are also out doing their dance with the waves. You’ll return to the welcoming steam from the outdoor shower, up onto the terrace for a hot brew with the view. Perhaps a bit of yoga and quiet meditation with the pen as you drift out with the tide. Onto the walking and cycling trails, exploring the neighbouring bolthole of Rooi-Els or into the mountains. The duiker, rock jumpers and oyster catchers are prancing their ways amongst the king proteas and pincushions alongside your stride. Back to the tranquil base for another swim or a snooze, a slow lunch under the milkwood or around one of the long tables. You might like to head off to the rocks and forage for mussels. Take an easy paddle in the kayak across the estuary before sipping on an evening tipple on the terrace, as the colours of the landscape change again with the sun saluting the day over the ocean. The fresh seafood feasting ensues and the stillness of the night sets in. All’s that left of the day is to retire to one of the reclining spots, settle in with the pacifying sounds of the sea and cocoon yourself in gratitude. For the day that’s been, the day that’s to come and the person you’ve been reminded on being, having reconnected with some ancient wisdom that’s surely streaming in from the Hottentots.
What we love!
- The strong connection to nature that you get to experience at Pringle Beach Retreat. Walking through the milkwoods and the fynbos, feeling the essence of the environment as it gently decompresses and declutters your mind, and any urgency that might exist.
- Relaxing on the sofas or big poufs, looking out over the landscape and witnessing the colours and light and shapes and scenes transform over the hours of the day.
- The architectural lines of the property allow for the ever-changing light to play with the spaces in harmony with the hours of the day. An entirely soulful, spiritual experience.
What you need to know…
- Pringle Bay is a fabulous place to retreat to without having to endure a mammoth journey in getting there. It’s no more than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, along one of the most scenic routes in the Western Cape, marking the start of the famous Whale Route. Its charming community of residents and its wonderfully laidback approach to beach living, on the eastern shores of False Bay makes it extra special.
- Pringle Beach Retreat is situated down a remote gravel road, within walking distance of the little village centre. It’s perfectly safe and secure for the kids to ride around on their bikes and enjoy the freedom of being in nature. It holds a magnificent energy, making it the ideal spot for artists to gather or yoga enthusiasts to invest in their wellbeing.
- Lemon & Lime Deli in the heart of the village is a great spot to stock up on delicious baked treats and olive oils and quiches and jams and wine and cheese.
- Hook Line and Sinker on the beach is an iconic seafood restaurant if you’d like to venture away from home for the evening.
- There are some amazing hiking trails to explore – Brodie Link and Hangklip are the best for a couple of hours of an adventure.
- A loose gravel road leads to this hideaway, guests must please drive SLOWLY to avoid any damage to their car.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie