Embedded into its indigenous gardens on the Atlantic Seaboard like a custodian of the land it occupies, unobtrusively extending its early eighties bones across one level of soulful living, House Jack saddles itself upon the soil and opens its doors to a space of simplicity, minimalism, linear splendour, and an abundance of natural light. A blend of brick, concrete, and timber elegantly frame the facade, continuing inside as you enter through the glass sliding doors that keep that ever-constant flow of the outside, in. An expansive open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area holds itself at the helm of the home, with bespoke signature pieces of art, high-tech appliances, refined contemporary furnishings, and finishes commanding applause. Their subtlety and sense of belonging warranting the praise. Though not so much as to distract from the sensational views of the ocean below, the mountain and her apostles above, and the treetops of Camps Bay’s terrain, undulating like the waves on the shoreline.
With its four spacious bedrooms and an extra bunk room, all opening out onto the long terraces, this hideaway is ideal for large family and friend getaways in one of the most reputable seaside neighbourhoods in the Cape. A sunken living space with a large open fireplace and ample comfy seating areas scattered around the garden, allow for enough family bonding moments in immersion, as well as the necessary pacifying moments of solitude from time to time. Tall glass doors slide open onto the terraces that border the heated swimming pool, offering several seating spots to recline on as you look out over the lawn, the palms, and out to sea. An idyllic setting for all to gather together, as the flames from the braai get lit up, the afternoon cocktails get poured, the pool gets busy and the loungers get occupied.
Of course, there’ll be other necessary hours of the day where you’ll venture down to Camps Bay’s reputable strip of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and cafés – only a 5-minute drive away from the hideaway. Some might like to join the community’s rituals of early morning and evening dips in the tidal pool. Going on long coastal drives and visiting marketplaces, art excursions, and shopping splurges will satiate your holiday appetite for travel, culture, craft, and fashion. Whatever’s on the itinerary, House Jack awaits your return, where you’ll gather once again on the terrace – that’s secluded and sheltered from the wind – and resume your positions around the table, as the sun bids the day adieu.
What we love!
- House Jack is well located, just a 5-minute drive from the convenience stores and necessary essentials on the Camps Bay strip. Yet perfectly secluded enough to appreciate the peace and calm of neighbourhood’s nature.
- Should the notorious South-Easter winds decide to pick up in the day, the terrace is a wonderful place to take shelter from the noise and the gushes, without interrupting the views of the changing ocean, and the fun of the holiday.
What you need to know…
- House Jack is next door to The Aven, which sleeps sixteen, so if you have a large group, then taking both houses works really well.
- House Jack is a self-catering hideaway with housekeeping twice weekly. Should you wish to extend those services they can be arranged prior to your stay.
- The property is secured by a state-of-the-art alarm system, and a backup power supply, and includes a double garage for parking.
- Camps Bay is only a 15/20-minute walk away from the hideaway, where the popular strip of cafés, bars, restaurants, boutiques, supermarkets, and ice-cream shops are buzzing all day long.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie