Deck life at De Kelders
Whales Breath is a dreamy seaside escape in De Kelders, surrounded by the Overberg’s beautiful landscape, overlooking the vast expanse of ocean, where families can call this beach house their own.
Perched on the edge of a fynbos-cloaked reserve in De Kelders, with the craggy cliffs of Hangklip framing one side of the view, Hermanus twinkling in the distance, and the verdant mountains cascading down to the shoreline, Whales Breath offers front-row seats to nature’s dramatic spectacle. Whales will be breaching, seals surfing and dolphin dancing in the waves. Hamerkops, spoonbills and sugarbirds flapping about in the breeze. Singing their respective songs. Fynbos spreading its pungent fragrance far and wide, engulfing the home from one level to the next. This luxury accommodation in the Overberg is all about the land it occupies. Refined in its build and interiors, generous with its spaces, yet integral with its intent. Authentically declaring itself as the ideal beach home for friends and families to gather, surrounded by the serenity of the Western Cape’s hidden natural sanctuary.
It’s only a two-hour drive from Cape Town, a thirty-minute drive from Hermanus and a ten-minute drive from Stanford, yet arriving at Whales Breath is like being in your own utopian wonderland. For the whole clan. All eight of you – six adults, two kids. Ample space in the ensuite bedrooms, the two spacious living rooms, the dining areas, the heavenly deck and outdoor feasting spot, and of course the kitchen. A cook’s kitchen. Equipped with every culinary accessory that makes those holiday meals the talking point of your beach house adventures. There’s a dedicated working space for those that need it. Lovely little nooks to settle beside the glass windows, basking in the sunlight and drifting off with a good book. There’s an exercise studio to earn those extra bites at breakfast. There is so much that caters to the kids. A games room – where the garage sits – with table tennis, foosball and air hockey. The two children’s scooters are stored there too, should your children fancy a little scoot in nature whilst the others take in the fresh air with each stride. Plenty of boardgames and lots of literature. It’s like the holiday home you thought-up yourself. Filling the shelves with Merwyn Gers crockery. Positioning the James Mudge table to take in those views. Hanging the artwork that you’ve collected over the years in its rightful place. Sourcing fresh herbs from the vegetable garden. Lathering yourself up in the bath or shower with Just Pure cleansers. It’s all so you! And yet, it’s the best kind of escape from the you you know.
Whales, waves and wood-fired pizzas
An escape that includes morning coffees on the deck. With the first light creeping over the mountains, that are blushing in pink. You’ll head down to the coastal path, immediately beyond the garden gate. Stretching as far as 17km through the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. The wonderful housekeeper will be laying the table for breakfast so you’re at liberty to take as long as you like. The kids can get their boogie boarding in. Die Plaat Beach is ideal for those sandy morning adventures. It’s about 100 steps down, but worth every one of them. Back for brunch and a slow unravelling of the limbs. Into the swimming pool. Out on the deck, or in the living areas beside the fire if it’s chilly. Afternoon games on the lawn for a barefoot kick-about. There’s a soccer net to add to the holiday competitions. Maybe an afternoon cycle or another venture down to the beach. Picnics on the rocks, watching the sunset. Whatever the season, the sea is magnetic to watch. Especially when the whales are about. The bay is revered for its incredible spotting. You’ll be able to hear them from the house, see them tail-slapping in the cove, or calving just beyond the garden. You’ll sit and ponder the experience, sometimes for hours on end. Nature doesn’t just surround you here, it relentlessly performs.
Of course there are many beautiful attractions that you can venture out to. A detailed welcome guide will be sent to you, prior to your arrival. Packed with insider tips, house know-hows, and all the owners’ favourite local haunts. If you can tear yourself away from the villa, there’s horse riding on Pearly Beach, river cruising in Stanford, wine tasting at boutique farms like The Giant Periwinkle. Or exploring the coastal charms of Gansbaai and Hermanus. Or, you and the clan can do nothing at all. Hanging out at your own utopian wonderland for weeks on end. Which is arguably the best activity of all.
What we love!
- Whales Breath is settled in nature-lovers De Kelders. It overlooks an expansive stretch of ocean where the whales love to play. Your whale-watching experience does not get better than this.
- The home is beautifully furnished in a luxurious, laidback manner. With plenty of comfy lounging areas, tranquil suites to retreat to, and deep reclining sofas that are ideal for relaxing and reading, as you drift out with the views.
- The art that hangs on the walls and rests on the shelves have been collected over the years by the owners, adding their personal touch, with love.
- Spending time around the braai and pizza oven, doing what we all do best on holiday, completely cocooned from the elements.
- With its own private access to the cliff paths, it’ll be a wonderful daily ritual to just head out onto the trails and meander your ways around the coves, reconnecting with nature and one another!
What you need to know…
- The deck is always the place to be, sundowner in hand, relaxing on one of the deep couches, admiring the sunset which is only visible from March to November. Outside of those months, you can take the short path to the rocks, and catch the last golden light from your front-row boulder.
- Inside, the living is as easy as the view is impressive. The open-plan kitchen is a cook’s delight – fully kitted out with every spice, saucepan, knife, and gadget you could possibly desire. As well as that there are two dishwashers (yes, two), and daily housekeeping.
- When the weather shifts, the slightly cooler evenings call for the wood-burning fire, a book, and the kind of silence you can sink into.
- There’s an inverter as a power back-up, and plenty of firewood, fully stocked.
- The Stanford Valley is a ten-minute drive away for a full day out. Activities include picnics under the Stanford Manor trees, beside the dam. Sunset cruises on the River Klein. Cheese, beer and wine tasting. Antique shopping in the historic village of Stanford.
- If Whales Breath is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in the Overberg.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie