An authentic beach cottage in Churchaven
Experience a relaxing lagoon holiday on the water’s edge at Berit’s Cottage, a rugged and sublime off the grid beach cottage in Churchhaven, on the West Coast.
A home that holds a lot of history and charm, adorned in sentimental pieces of art and classical beach bungalow furnishings, Berit’s Cottage is a tribute to the old Churchhaven. An affectionate nod to the romance of the way things were, back when the fishermen resided on the shores of the Langebaan lagoon. Lapping up the tranquil beauty of the West Coast. Yet with all of the little luxuries, water sports and creature comforts one might need, from an off-the-grid, serene retreat in the wilderness.
In keeping with the laidback ambience of Churchhaven and its lovely community of lagoon swimmers and walkers, the cottage offers two spacious double rooms, with two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and separate dining space, and gorgeous living area. French doors lead out onto a long stoep with a boma and braai area, loungers and languid seating areas delivering views of the lagoon and its beautiful turquoise waters.
An outdoor shower lends itself as that prefect rinse-off spot after a morning spent in the water. The sunbirds will be mimicking your moments beneath the spray from their very own birdbath.
Nature’s display of life on the lagoon always within frame, as you look out over the landscape. Absorbing the natural tones of the fynbos, that’s home to the tortoises, the ostriches, the porcupines and the bountiful species of birdlife.
Nature, seclusion and endless sea views
Berit’s Cottage is settled upon the Schrywershoek section of the lagoon, where you’ll have access to the nature walks, the shoreline and the lovely, quiet seclusion of the village. With only a few houses neighbouring you. Whatever’s on the cards for you and your little clan, you’ll up with the birds and the paddle boards, making your way across the endless calm of blue.
Back to the cottage for a slow brunch on the shaded stoep. Gradually merging your morning with the afternoon as you recline somewhere tranquil, ensconced in the chapters of a novel, listening to the cackles of laughter and chitter chatter ripple from the water’s edge.
Evenings around the boma watching the flames dance and disappear into the night’s sky. Where the stars are out in all of their glory. Yes, Berit’s Cottage emits an age-old nostalgia of what this village might have been like a hundred years ago. Except you and your favourite four, looking oh so young and refreshed, having spent some much-needed time in the West Coast wilderness. Lapping up the wonders of the lagoon. Just like the fishermen used to do.
What we love!
- After spending most of the day in the water, a warm rinse under the outdoor shower, overlooking the lagoon and into nature, brings a blissful awareness to the beauty of the surroundings.
- Being located directly on the water’s edge, you’ll have access to all of the water sports including fishing, canoeing and paddle boarding.
- Sleeping with all of the doors and windows open, feeling at peace with the surroundings.
What you need to know…
- The property is as off-the-grid as they come. You will have solar-powered appliances and slight cell phone reception, but there is currently no WIFI.
- It’s recommended that you stock up on all of your essential supplies, groceries and goodies prior to arriving in Churchhaven.
- Please take note of the following gate times for entering and leaving the West Coast National Park:
1 April to 31 August 07:00 to 17:30;
1 September to 31 March 07:00 to 18:30.
No entrance into the park is possible after the gates close in the evenings.
There is a per person, per day entrance fee due to enter the park. Please check the SANPARKS website for latest fee tariffs.It may be worth investing in a Wild Card.
- If Berit’s Cottage is unavailable to book for your dates, browse our other perfect hideaways in Churchhaven,
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Dawn Kennedy
In the press
- Berit’s Cottage has been featured in the Financial Times. This hideaway is an off-grid Churchhaven escape on the West Coast.