There is something undeniably alluring about Kommetjie as a Southern Peninsula seaside destination. Its community of barefoot beachgoers, clusters of bungalows, long stretches of sand where the surf curls and retreats its relentless flow of blue.
The laidback influence of the village incites an adjustment to our clocks where time extends itself voluntarily. Urgency from all activities is removed and replaced with a ‘go-slow’ attitude. Walks are enjoyed as a leisurely amble on the shoreline, swims are savoured as an invigorating health kick, meals are spread out over hours, catching the rays and basking in the ocean air.
There’s a connection to nature in Kommetjie, that satiates our longing for stillness and nurtures a quiet sense of belonging.
Set on levels of tiered spaces around spacious decks with sun loungers, comfy sofas and seating areas, a plunge pool, a hammock, a fire-pit and endless views of the ocean, the mountains and Hout Bay’s Sentinel, this perfect hideaway seamlessly settles into its surroundings. And implores you to do exactly the same.
Sunset Cove opens its shutters and its floor to ceiling glass doors to the untamed ocean elements and lets Kommetjie’s karma flow throughout.
Its open-plan living, dining and entertaining spaces lead out onto the wrap-around deck and terraced areas, where the colour of the fynbos is reflected in its gentle hues of green and grey, with soft shades of cream and stone.
Gregory Mellor’s finesse can be seen and felt in the interiors with textures of reed, timber, glass and quartz marrying the linens, the whicker and the shaggy rugs. Its three ensuite bedrooms – one of which being a large bunk room for the kids – all optimise on the ever-constant sea air and natural light.
The downstairs tv room allows for a little lazy respite from the sun. Whatever the weather, the beach will always beckon those walks, the fireplaces will always entice a game or two around them, and the views – with their ever-changing colours – will always pacify.
Seaside bliss from sunrise to sunset
That is, after all, the reason why we all flock to be beside the sea. Season upon season, on a weekend getaway, or an extended family holiday, the waves warrant a bit of a surf, a paddle and a dip.
The community cafés and eateries serve hot bakes and treats to accompany a hot brew on the dunes.
The nearby mountain trails await those vigorous early morning hikes with the birds. The Peninsula roads map unique spots to explore, where the wilderness meets more, curious hamlets.
And when it’s time to simply settle around the long table, with your clan, feasting from the seafood spread and savouring every sip, the sun will be transforming the colours of the sea as it begins to set. The mountains will be reshaping their silhouettes and the air will be toasted by the flames from the fireplace. As time holds you captive to the very moment that Kommetjie so cunningly disguises as forever.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Dawn Kennedy