A hidden bolthole so secluded and serene, the 100-year-old church bells in the village centre chime every Sunday, to signify the end of another week. Immediately opposite the church, and overlooking the placid turquoise waters, Whalesong Beach Cottage reveals its blue roof, as it sits snuggly at the end of the lane, amongst the fragrant fynbos, beneath the branches of an old thorn tree.
In keeping with the vernacular of the village and honouring its signature in being environmentally sustainable, this hideaway opens its beautiful blue doors to a classically styled Fisherman’s cottage. With its iconic white-washed walls, comfy contemporary furnishings, windows and glass doors aplenty – that mirror the colourful concoctions of the bright blues and greens of the interiors – Whalesong Beach Cottage is in complete harmony with the environment it nests within.
Two separate cottages stand beside one another, with little outdoor showers, sun-traps, shady siesta spots and a gorgeous long stoep adjoining them together. The main cottage invites you in to the helm of the home where the entertaining, cooking and dining takes place, a large main bedroom and loft space. The L-shaped cottage at the rear has an additional two suites with lovely views out over the lagoon and the wetlands.
Days will spent dawdling down to the water’s edge, passing the resident tortoises, ostriches and mongooses on the way. It’s up to you whether you to choose to climb aboard a rowing boat or paddle board, or simply wade about the gently lapping waves.
Endless walks around the lagoon and through the reserve on bikes, scouting the wildlife and magnificent landscape. Many a lazy moments will be spent on the sun-loungers, window benches and heavenly beds with a book and a pair of binoculars, for another positive sighting of one of the 250 bird species that inhabit the area.
The peace and quiet will permeate your thoughts, until it’s time to prepare the next feasting around the table. Then it’s back to business in the kitchen that’s big and open-plan enough for a couple of bossy cooks and their exciting menu. When the broth begins to boil over, the outdoor fire-pit beckons for those who wish to huddle around the crackling fire, away from the madding kitchen crowd.
There’s enough space to be in your own little world, as well as in it all together, at the same time. That’s the magic of Churchhaven – and this special family cottage – it very quickly transforms time spent together, to being more valuable than ever. The digital detox keeps the board games going, the great chats flowing and the holiday clocks from ticking.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie