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There’s something undeniably special about the West Coast that makes it one of the most enthralling destinations to travel to for those wonderful weekends away with your favourite people. As with every journey, the fun begins on the road, passing padstal after padstal, stopping off and stocking up on the best baked pies and pastries, Ouma’s marmalades and Tannie’s titbits. The road is long and the landscape is vast, with its never-ending rough and raw terrain that unravels itself all the way to the wild Atlantic ocean.

Just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the burgeoning West Coast bolt-hole of Yzerfontein spreads itself along the shoreline that’s brimming with both old and new, bold and beautiful beachside bungalows. On the South side of the town, occupying a magnificent stretch of oceanic bliss, At Olive Beach House anchors itself into the sand dunes that frame the periphery of the property. Set on two palatial levels of living, entertaining, reclining and resting rooms, this handsome hideaway lures you in to its open, airy spaces and whisks you away with the breathtaking views of the ocean, that command your attention from almost every angle.

Having recently undergone a thorough renovation, with its five grand ensuite bedrooms, ample entertainment areas, thoughtfully stocked kitchen and lavish dining areas, At Olive Beach House is an idyllic haven for large groups of friends and family to gather, and immerse themselves in the nature that surrounds. Though the living areas are vast, a labyrinthine feel ensues over time, with all of the comfy reading nooks and coffee-sipping crannies, sun-lounger and sun-downer spots, and enveloping armchairs beside wood-burning stoves. From the views of the upstairs balcony where the dolphin are putting on a fantastic display of duck and dive in the surf, to the secluded seating area beside the olive tree where a kaleidoscope of butterfly are fluttering about the branches. The wrap-around, spacious deck where the games are being played beneath the umbrellas beside the heated plunge pool, to the sunken fire-pit overlooking the dunes and the odd ostrich prancing by. It becomes enticing to lead a sedentary life during your days at the beach house, given the plethora of pockets of laid-back living. It’s like being at a completely different destination, at different times throughout the day. When the urge for movement sets in, there’s a long stretch of beach to explore, and waves to walk alongside before the evening sun begins to set and the fire-pit gets lit. The indoor braai area awaits, with its long wooden dining table and suspension lights – mimicking the amber hues of the horizon – as supper is served with the summoning of Dassen Island’s lighthouse that flashes in the distance.

All that’s left to do with the day – as the kids huddle together on the couches for some home-cinema action, and the crackling fires break the chill from the ocean’s breeze – is to sit back with that tipple of choice, beneath the stars and tuck into another one of Ouma’s treats from that padstal you’ll definitely be stopping off at on the way back.

What we love!

• The quality of the linens, the Charlotte Rhys bathroom products, the complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, and the carefully considered little touches that subtly add to the luxury of your stay.
• It’s hard to find a spot within the house that doesn’t deliver magnificent views of the long stretch of beach, the ocean and Dassen Island.
• For those late afternoons and evenings when the cooler breeze creeps in, the sunken fire-pit is a lovely place to gather around, cocooned by glass balustrades.
• Direct access to the beach, via a little wooden gate that leads you onto the sandy pathways, through the fynbos and over the dunes.
• The choice of books and boardgames that are available to occupy you and the kids for those moments spent out of the water and away from the sun.
• The amazing Rosemead Artisan bakery in the town, with its yummy olive breadsticks and sourdoughs, and pretty much everything delicious you can fathom that’s baked.

What you need to know…

• Yzerfontein is a small town with only a few cafés and one convenience store. It’s best to stock up on all of the fine ingredients you’ll need, before arriving.
• The sea in front of the beach house is not ideal for swimming, as the currents can be strong. It’s better to swim along the stretch within the town, where the waves aren’t as rough.
• There is decent Wifi throughout the house – Fibre is on its way to Yzerfontein – and air-conditioning / heating units in all of the rooms for extra comfort.
• Yzerfontein fish market and Dassen Seafoods are great local sources of the freshest fish for cooking up a storm on the braai.
• The swimming pool is heated for those days when the air is not as warm as we’d like it to be.

Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie