A magical escape on Churchhaven’s tranquil shores
Discover a charming beach house on the shores of Langebaan Lagoon in the tiny hamlet of Churchhaven in the heart of the West Coast National Park, just north of Cape Town.
There’s a place like no place on earth. Where the flamingos preen their pink silhouettes in the shallows of the lagoon’s tepid waters. Where the abounding nature unravels as far as the eyes can travel. Where the air is salty and the skies eternal, mirroring the magic of all that’s blanketing below. A place where time slows down and moves with the natural flow of light. It’s nature’s invitation to reset, revive and reveal all that matters most, when we feed our souls with a slice of Churchhaven.
Settled on the lagoon’s edge, no more than a minute’s walk from the water and emerging from the verdant West Coast vegetation, Yellowwood seamlessly blends into the land it occupies like a loyal friend of the fynbos, not wanting to steal the limelight. In keeping with the vernacular of the community’s cottages, this hideaway reveals its use of natural materials and soft, neutral tones that are as distinct as they are unique.
Flowing and all open-plan to the breeze, the living, reclining and dining spaces are met with an eclectic mix of contemporary elements accompanying traditional classics. Camphor wood beams, corrugated iron, rattan ceilings, rough screed floors, wood-burning stoves, cottage-comfy furnishings are fêted by signature pieces of art, contemporary lighting, quality linens and textures and fabrics fit for kings. Given that the property is entirely off-grid, it’s a marvel that the kitchen’s high-tech appliances, the WiFi, the piping hot water and the rest of the electrics are run off the Tesla solar systems that help the hideaway to function. Without a hint of being pervasive to its environment. And that’s just how it should be when we flock to the lagoon like the flamingos do. It’s about the dance with the energy it carries. The seclusion and stillness. The peace and tranquillity.
Succumb to Yellowwood’s daily rituals
Yellowwood Cottage encapsulates the very essence of the nature reserve and generously gives it back to you and your serene swagger that’s gliding in motion with nature’s mood. Mornings will be spent wading through the water or catching the early sun on the long verandah. The birds will be joining for brunch as the hot ciabatta is pulled apart and lathered in sweet jams and rich butter.
Snoozing after brunch becomes a new ritual. Then onto those porcupine pathways and tortoise trails, meandering around the reserve, seeking nature’s treasures whilst working up an appetite for the next gathering around the table. A quick dip into the beautiful blue waters once more, then a rinse under the glorious outdoor shower. Resume the kaftan attire, light the fires, lay the table – that’s decorated in all of the little findings on the footpaths – then tuck into the next course. The hours are yours, the night’s as young as you wish it to be, and the sounds are as pacifying as a mother’s heartbeat. A beat like no beat on earth. It’s poetry in motion, and as unique as can be.
What we love!
- All of the rooms – apart from the bunk room at the back – maximise on the spectacular views of the lagoon and surrounding nature, with a cocooning comfort and bold declaration of style!
- The property sits on one of the most secluded spots of the lagoon, only a hop and a skip down to the shoreline.
- There’s a lovely little outdoor kitchen which is not only romantic to perform some mise en place from, but also very functional when there are too many cooks at the broth.
- The highest quality of linens, downs and luxurious fabrics add to the overall experience of utter bliss.
What you need to know…
- Churchhaven is only a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, within the West Coast’s National Park, where opening and closing times of the gate are in place and have to be adhered to.
- During your stay, you’ll be living the simple, off-the-grid life you’ve been talking about doing. There is cell phone reception and Wifi. Solar power is the majority rule with the romance of wood burning stoves, hearty fireplaces and of course gas ovens.
- There are plenty of wonderful cycling tracks to explore from the property including access to Tsaarsbank beach in Langebaan, where you can dip into the ocean (should you feel the need) and venture back past Geelbek restaurant for a little bite or sip, or do a spot of birdwatching, then back onto the trails.
- If Yellowwood Cottage isn’t available on your dates, you might want to look at our other exclusive-use, self-catering hideaways in Churchhaven or at Schrywershoek Beach House, 1km away.
- 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 the latest fee tariffs. It may be worth investing in a Wild Card membership.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie.
Edited by Michelle Snaddon
