Handpicked for you...

Tucked away in the scenic suburb of Zwaanswyk, on the foothills of the Constantiaberg mountains, Serenity opens its unassuming doors to nature-relishing, adventure-seeking, wine-cherishing, golf-attempting, bird-loving, beach-going families. Set on a couple of acres of rolling lawn, flanked by freesias, white stink woods, Natal mahogany, fig and lemon trees – this family hideaway delivers all of what the Cape and her Peninsula have to offer. Bordered by vineyards, the property backs itself into the untouched nature reserve, where natural streams run through the pine plantations, and alongside the many hiking trails.

Two storeys of laid-back living pivots from the hub of the home where three sitting rooms meet the open-plan kitchen that leads out onto the vast verandah and that never-ending view. Seven big bedrooms dot themselves about, occasionally adjoined by another sitting room, or study, all looking out to some special aspect of the property. From the tips of the Tokai forest to Silvermine peak, the Hottentots mountains to the long stretch of False Bay – the mountains meet the valley that meets the ocean. Serenity stands high above it all, where the Cape eagle owls, the waxbills and the pin-tailed wydahs sweep the skies. Olive woodpeckers hammer about the bark as wild frogs and the endangered Western leopard toads discreetly hop about the place. Only the clucking from the resident guinea fowl breaks the peace and quiet of the nature that surrounds. That, and the shrieks from the kids jumping on the trampoline, or swinging from the jungle gym. Or on cooler days, when the coals are burning and the sauna’s sizzling, the icy swimming pool water awaits your joyful screams as you dolphin dive from hot to cold. It’s like occupying your very own hidden sanctuary in the hills of the city. Yet some of the country’s finest restaurants and wine estates, oldest towns and quirkiest villages are just an easy motorised amble down the hill.

What we love!

• Every morning the sun rises spectacularly and floods the front porch with golden light. A perfect spot for a coffee as you greet the day and harness the quiet for a moment or two.
• The birdlife is incredible – even for avid bird-watchers who might know them all – rare and exciting species flock to the Zwaanswyk region of the mountain, spicing up the diversity.
• Evenings spent outside under the stars, watching the lights flicker in the valley below, as the crickets chirp and the firewood crackles from the fire pit.
• This hideaway is perfect for large Friendamily groups who’d all like to stay together, under one roof, as one happy commune.
• The phenomenal views!!

What you need to know…

• The property is in close proximity to the Constantia wine region – home to some of the country’s finest restaurants and wine estates – and only 30 minutes from the city centre.
• Take a short drive and explore all that the region has to offer including Buitenverwachting, Beau Constantia (spectacular views of the valley), Steenberg Vineyards – that’s home to Bistro Sixteen82 and Catharina’s – and of course Silvermist Wine Estate where La Colombe’s kitchen cooks up the most iconic and internationally acclaimed menus in South Africa.
• There are two leading golf courses in the area – Steenberg and Westlake – not more than a 10-minute drive away, for a good round of banter. It’s best to book in advance and confirm the courses’ attire restrictions.
• Silvermine Nature Reserve is a short drive away, up the scenic pass that wraps around the mountain. A fun family excursion for some picnicking, hiking and swimming in the natural, coca-cola coloured waters.
• Although more than a 30-minute drive from the centre of the Mother City, the southern region offers a whole different perspective of the mountain, a feel for village life, an abundance of activities in nature, and endless quaint little towns to explore.

Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie