There are many words and sentiments that come to mind when arriving at Sandpiper. A compendium of thoughts flash through your mind as you exhale with the rising waves of the ocean. Your eternal viewpoint from almost every angle. Those thoughts float with your breath, through the open living spaces, wafting gently in a rhythmic flow of seaside existence. Out into the untamed landscape. Over the dunes, across the shoreline, out to sea where the whales and dolphins are swimming, the seagulls are soaring through the blue and the occasional fish eagles call out in reference to the continent they’re on. “We’re home”, is one of those sentiments that lingers long after the other words have dissipated. Speaking to you in a subtle, earthly language of belonging.
Sandpiper encapsulates the picture-perfect dream of how seaside living should unravel. Where family memories are made for every generation to share its tales of adventures in the dunes. Stories that will include rising with the sun on the stoep. Watching the ocean wildlife perform their magnificent morning display through the waves. Escorting your second hot brew down to the dunes, where you’ll park yourselves on a bench, watching the kids cartwheel across the vanilla sand. Heading back to the bungalow to pack a little picnic for the hours spent in the tidal pools. Stopping off at the bakery first, for some hot cinnamon bakes and olive loaves. Some of you might prefer a surf and a boogie boarding session on the main beach, whilst others opt for a gentle lap around the rock pools. When the afternoon arrives it’s time to dial it all down a little and tap into that gentle rhythm once again. Reading on the recliners, snacking and snoozing in the sun or on one of the heavenly beds. Some might like a spot of light entertainment in the downstairs TV lounge, whilst others will be out on the stoep, with the binos in one hand, a bird book in the other, witnessing the oyster catchers, sandpipers and plovers dance amongst the fynbos. One more beach mission in the late afternoon to warrant that third helping of the feasting that’ll be served later on. Another braai in paradise. You’ll gather around the supper table with the sun setting and the dolphins doing their last parade before the night comes. The Dassen Island lighthouse marks her land, pivoting her light across the ocean, signifying that ongoing sentiment of being in rhythm with nature.
In keeping with the picture-perfect dream, it’ll be an early to bed, early to rise ritual at Sandpiper. Because the three ensuite bedrooms are so inviting. Especially the top-floor suite that extends itself across the third level of the home. As if you’re out sailing your own little yacht. Going west with the Cape’s breeze. All doors and windows open to the elements and a deep slumber in sync with the moon rising over the water. Tomorrow will be dishing up more for the books. Those tales that will be told for generations to come, about spending some special quality time together, in the wilds of the West Coast.
What we love!
- Having endless hours of access to the long, almost private beach in front of the property. You’ll rarely spot another walker, occasionally the odd resident with their dogs. As if it’s your own long stretch of sand to explore.
- Swimming in the beautiful rock pools that are perfect for dipping in and out, and safe for the kids.
- Something has to be said about the interiors of the home. There is a lovely mix of inspiration – from Scandinavian and European influences to the essence of African furnishings. All layered in textures and quality textiles. The lighting is also worth noting as the owners have gone to great extremes to ensure that intimate lighting is considered in every space. Even in the positioning of the odd lamp, warming up a space that reflects the magic of a textile perfectly.
- Living the barefoot beach life, for days on end, ensconced in the comfort of the home, always eager to explore what the surroundings have to offer.
What you need to know…
- The property’s proximity to Cape Town is ideal for those that love a quick weekend escape from the city. The safety of the area and lovely small-town community of residents, that are always waving as you drive by is what makes Yzerfontein a great destination for a family holiday.
- Sandpiper is situated immediately on the dunes, with a verdant strip of fynbos vegetation that’s adjacent the property, part of the nature reserve that surrounds.
- Visit the amazing Rosemead Artisan bakery in the town, for its yummy olive breadsticks and sourdoughs, pastéis de nata, sandwiches and many other warm baked snacks.
- Yzerfontein is a small town with only a few cafés, a Spar and a couple of convenience stores. It’s best to stock up on all of your favourite ingredients before arriving.
- Yzerfontein fish market and Dassen Seafoods are great local sources of regional fish for fish braai fiesta.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie