You get the feeling, when you spend time along the coastline of the Southern Peninsula, that nobody works here. There’s a gentle rhythm to life that somehow gets under the soles of your feet, orchestrating an entirely new stride. Everything slows down in defiance to order. Like vanguards of leisure, time becomes sacred. It’s all about catching the rays of light as the seagulls do the ocean’s breeze. Relying on it to shape your hours of rest, feast and play. Swimming in the sea, hiking along the mountain trails, browsing the village book stores and quaffing in the cafés. When you arrive at Villa Zuri, overlooking the long stretch of Fish Hoek beach, there’s an instant resignation to urgency. A surrendering to the sublime notion of a slow holiday ensues.
Perhaps it’s because of the views of the Cape’s coastline, the mountains behind and in the distance, the sea air, and the light. Perhaps it’s because of the villa’s interiors that are as endearing as the home’s history. A heritage build that’s been ardently retained to keep the stories that you create as a family, as compelling as possible. Beautiful layers of textiles and textures canvas an extraordinary colour palette. Classically furnished with all the essential modern appliances and luxury touches to accompany the charm of antiquity.
As you enter the property, a sunny patio escorts your gaze out across Fish Hoek beach, that’s only a four-minute walk away. A study and bathroom with a shower rests to one side, with a large lounge and TV room on the other. A generous dining room and open-plan kitchen flows outdoors to a little braai and pool area. A sauna and spa area on the other with another little splash pool, and an outdoor shower. There’s a discreet laundry room and small residence for the staff that are on site for your daily housekeeping and convenience. There’s the convenience of a wind-protected area at the back of the property. A true benefit of the hideaway, as it can be windy on the beach – as we know with the Cape’s moods. When it’s gusty at the front of the home, you can retreat to the cocooning of the high stone retaining walls at the back, and enjoy the pool area without the bother of a breeze.
Upstairs to the four magnificent ensuite bedrooms. All delivering spectacular views that are completely unique to this seaside hamlet. Over there is Kalk Bay, with all of the old famous eateries, antique stores, book shops and funky bars. Just that way is Simon’s Town, where the penguins gather on the boulders and waddle through the waves. Beyond that are the other laidback surfer villages like Scarborough and Kommetjie, where the communities thrive in accordance with their own rebellion to order. Barefoot, carefree and fabulous.
Long morning walks along the shoreline
You are of course at liberty to head out onto the coastal roads and explore all that the peninsula has to offer. There will be the odd day when the clan elects to go exploring. Cape Town is no more than an hour’s drive away. But that’s not why you’ve chosen to stay at Villa Zuri. This villa summoned you to its spaces so that you can go against the grain of a conventional getaway. To begin the day with ease; enjoying a morning walk and a dip in the ocean as the sun slowly rises. Strolls along the esplanade, enjoying a coffee and a hot, buttery croissant at C’est la vie. Hikes up to Elsie’s Peak. Slow lunches around the tables, swimming in the pools, decompressing in the sauna or enjoying an afternoon massage that the property manager has organised for you. Gathering around the living areas, or reading in one of the many bay windows. Late nights beside the fire, playing games and sinking into those deep sofas as the conversations elevate the family bonding. Whoever you’ve brought along with you, all eight of you will be ensconced in the romance of Villa Zuri. Inspired by her beautiful spaces and rebelliously ripping out the pages of life’s rule book. Like the real vanguards of leisure.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie