A place that harbours memories of multigenerational gatherings upon the tepid shores of the lagoon. Dreamy days spent wading about in the warm waters, rowing boats and paddling across the glassy blue. Long bicycle rides along winding dirt tracks, foraging for nature’s treasures and witnessing some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets imaginable.
Just as it was so many years ago – a place for family bonds to strengthen and future celebrations to be planned – Churchhaven retains its eminence as the most sacred place to spend time with those we cherish, among the wilderness of the West Coast National Park.
One of the longest-standing original plots, tucked immediately behind the old church, with instant access to the lovely new wooden walkway that escorts you down to the shoreline of the lagoon, this hideaway is a family memoir written in the white sands, whispered across the wild landscape and carried with the coastal air, resting upon its deck.
Built by renowned architect Michele Sandilands – who won an award for the intricacies of the design, in keeping with the strict vernacular regulations of the region – Lagoon House pays homage to the simplicity of the existence and the sincerity of the community that prevails at Churchhaven. Set on two levels that are centred around the main open-plan living, cooking and dining spaces, all overlooking the vast landscape of green and blue, four bedrooms, with a fun bunk room for the kids and a cozy room in the attic dart themselves around the cottage.
A lovely cocooning courtyard with an ancient olive tree leads to an additional bedroom. The views draw you out to a long verandah with its outdoor braai, an outdoor shower and sturdy timber roof with a ladder – beckoning those stargazing nights, all huddled around on cushions.
Immersed in nature
Given that the lagoon is under two hours’ drive from Cape Town and completely off-grid and ensconced in nature, your journey there will be as riveting as the days spent beside its waters. Whatever’s on the cards for the day, you’ll rise with the dawn, the resident sunbirds and a hot brew on the verandah.
After a morning stretch or long cycle, a swift paddle and a warm swim, a breakfast feasting ensues around the table. Followed by a snooze on the loungers or in the courtyard or in one of the heavenly rooms, dipping in and out of a memoir – different to that of the one that’s unfolding before you. The kids are safe and free. The cooks are inspired and cool-tempered. The game-players are still at it around the long table. The music is rising and falling like the wings of the magnificent birdlife.
The breeze is as affectionate as Granny’s warm embrace, reminding you of what holidays beside the lagoon are all about. As the colours shift with the sun’s salute farewell and the skies light up with stars, you’ll climb the ladder and rest on the roof, making wishes and recalling all of the ones coming true. The family memoir continues to write itself into the perfect sands of the lagoon.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited and optimised by Michelle Snaddon