They say our homes are a reflection of who we are – ‘they’ being the wise people who say wise things. The bones, the style and the soul of the build supposedly embody what we are as individuals and the lives we lead. The places we’ve travelled to, the art that has inspired, the relationships we’ve nurtured and the conversations we love to share that’s gently held in the ambience of every space. When you walk into a person’s home, it tells a compelling story, that – if you’re willing – implores you to settle down, take it in and become a part of its ongoing narrative, alongside yours. That’s what they say about special homes. And that’s what happened when we arrived at Westbeach, in the burgeoning village of Yzerfontein, on the wild, rugged shoreline of the West Coast.
Perched immediately on the beach, looking out to Dassen Island and the ever-unfolding blanket of blue, Westbeach beckons you in to an uplifting novel that whisks you away with a family’s chapters of fun and frolics beside the sea. Set on two levels of cleverly considered spaces that are inspired by a Nantucket come-Scandinavian cabin, comprising of fibre cement to keep the cold coastal air out yet maximising on the abundance of light and spectacular ocean views, this hideaway talks about travel, taste and time well-spent, with the people you love. What has been a gradual evolution of the build, there are two spacious wings to this hideaway, built by the father and son duo of Logo Homes. Double volume spaces opening out to the natural elements through tall glass doors and windows, with airy living and dining rooms, a large kitchen, a central courtyard, six beautiful bedrooms with shared bathrooms, separate showers and extra guest loos, declare the intent of this home; to allow for large, multigenerational families to gather and make many wonderful memories together. Each room adds to the romance of the novel with the refined furnishings and treasured collectables depicting different parts of the world that they’ve either been sourced or inspired by. The crockery, cutlery, cabinetry and classical design statements harness this contemporary home as a beach bungalow. Accents of personal connections to the build make it familial. Which is why we love it so much. Because that is what you can be here, at Westbeach; home with your favourite people. Your family, your friends, your stories and theirs.
You’ll start the day with a long walk or a run along the beach, heading to the natural rock pool for a morning dip. Or some slow rising with your book and hot brew on the deck. Or early to the oven to begin the breakfast bakes whilst some East African beats are echoing the sounds of the ocean in the background. Off to Darling Brewery for a decent pub lunch or back down to the rocks for some mussel foraging. They’ll go well with the seafood pasta on the menu for the evening’s feasting, around the big table that’s been occupied for a few hours in the day by the crowd’s ping pong enthusiasts. If the wind picks up – which it occasionally does – there’s the lovely courtyard for more storytelling. But if it’s still and serene – like mostly is – and the sun is starting to do its wondrous thing of saluting the day farewell, emblazoning the horizon in gold, then you’re all gathered on the front deck. Settled, listening to the sounds of nature, taking it all in, absorbing the story of your own novel that’s become intertwined with that of Westbeach.
What we love!
- It’s not far from the city – only an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Yet this little bolthole on the West Coast offers a wonderful community life, where the kids can roam free and treasure hunt along the shoreline, cycle into town and run along the footpaths to their hearts’ content.
- Spending time together on the deck, watching the stars come out at night and the lighthouse of Dassen Island lighting up the waves.
- The choice of fun board games and miniature ping pong set that are available.
- The amazing Rosemead Artisan bakery in the town, with its yummy olive breadsticks and sourdoughs, pastéis de nata, sandwiches and baked snacks.
What you need to know…
- 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 cooking on the weber braai or in the wood oven. There is also a convectional oven.
- The property is about a 10-minute drive from the village centre.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie