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Azure, for me, describes not just a colour, but that light, joyous feeling of being by a bright blue ocean topped by bright blue skies. And this bright, fresh West Coast bolthole generates that same feeling. Even on the fringes of the Cape’s long summer period, and during chilly winter spells, the warm, sunny vibes persist, the weather notwithstanding.

An hour-and-a-half away from Cape Town, just a touch further up the coast from nearby Paternoster, and a quick drive to surfing hotspot Elands Bay, the little village of Dwarskersbos occupies a prime beachy stretch, a dream for taking long walks, picnicking and splashing about in the waves. While first impressions of the local houses and a resort on the outer edges might have you wondering about its charm factor, you’ll soon see exactly why the village is becoming one of the more desirable destinations for a West Coast retreat, not least for its generously spaced cluster of clean-lined, crisp white homes that combine the best of contemporary style with a traditional fishing village vernacular.

Location is everything when up the West Coast, and Azure quite possibly boasts one of the best positions directly on the beach, with what feels like your own private wooden walkway leading you onto the golden sand over gentle dunes covered in the endemic Strandveld fynbos vegetation (at its most splendid and ablaze with a dazzling floral display from late August through to early October).

This spacious, well laid-out villa provides what feels like an endless offering of comfortable social and more private spots to take in all this magnificent scenery (watch the sea change colour throughout the day), or to sunbathe, read, take a nap and enjoy sundowners. It’s been cleverly designed to accommodate every weather possibility, too, so even when a little inclement, there are cosy outdoor spots to gather over a roaring fire. We especially love the roof deck, situated between the two upstairs suites, with built-in seating along its length (a great spot to enjoy your morning coffee as you can leap straight out of bed and into the fresh air) as well as a sheltered fireplace for evening drinks beneath a canopy of stars. Downstairs, facing the beach, is another convivial seating area arranged around a lapa-style open fireplace.

With another two suites (interleading) downstairs, set back from the house across a gloriously sunny and sheltered pool courtyard, the house perfectly accommodates up to four couples, but would work just as well for two small families.

Thoughtfully designed modern interiors, in chic tones of pale grey and soft pink to complement the grey floors, invite lounging about in easy, barefoot style. There’s a giant television for watching movies (choose from a small but considered DVD selection) from the comfort of a generous sofa, or hang out on the bar chairs positioned around the large kitchen island while watching the elected chefs at work. The house is designed with entertaining in mind, and you’ll love serving up salads and other dishes in the Wonki Ware ceramic bowls and dishes in hues that match the decor.

What we love!

• You can stop in on your way up the R27 at Vygevallei Farmstore just before !Khwa ttu (great for chilled West Coast wines and legendary pies), or buy fresh bread at the farmstall at the entrance to Yzerfontein
• The protected, sunny courtyard with the pool
• Wonderful sea views from your bed upstairs
• Lots of fireplaces (five in total!) and no less than three Nespresso machines. Take extra pods

What you need to know…

• Bring additional firewood if you’re here in winter so that you can keep the fires burning
• Veldriff has a decent sized Spar should you need to stock up on provisions
• The two bedrooms in the main house on the beach front have separate staircases. Not ideal for small children who need to be close to their parents
• The other two bedrooms off the courtyard are separate from the main house and therefore suitable for older children only and adults
• The courtyard floor is covered with cobblestones which looks lovely but which those with delicate tootsies may find uncomfortable – we recommend packing your flip-flops
• Fans of water-sports will be delighted to hear that the house comes equipped with 2 boogies boards, a SUP and a canoe. Start your day with some gentle yoga – mats supplied – then get to the ocean and let the fun commence!

Reviewed by: Sylvia Stonebridge