It’s the same charm that Hermanus has had over other seaside destinations in its history, a charm that so many come back for year after year. It’s the compelling story of an old fishing village – once named Hermanspietersfontein, but then shortened by the Postal Service in 1902 – that has evolved over the years, harbouring a long-lived community that’s as nurtured in its lineage as it is lauded in its growth.
It’s a place where families have resided and holidayed for generations gone, and will be for generations to come. For its coastal walks, ocean wildlife, swimming coves and long sandy stretches.
Its café and restaurant culture, curious boutiques and buzzing farmer’s markets. Its mountain trails and freshwater streams, with adventure thrilling escapades and easy, laidback village life. It opens the doors to your own family’s kingdom of memories and makes way for you to furnish it as you so wish.
Just a pebble’s throw away from Sievers Point – one of the most popular whale watching spots along the coastal pathways – overlooking the ocean and resting north, with magnificent views of the Kleinrivier mountains, Sophie’s Rock occupies space like the grand, graceful Dame of East Cliff.
Her sturdy old bones and signature Cape Dutch attire beckon you onto the front stoep, with 1920’s gables, columns and stained-glass windows harnessing her heritage and integrity. As you enter through the courtyard, passing a young olive tree, into the open-plan living quarters where the lounge, dining and kitchen area face the sea, a refined, contemporary space unfolds.
Herringbone brick corridors meet Oggie oak flooring alongside 100-year-old timber and restored, original teak window frames. The charisma of her old soul is reverently dressed-up in a timeless style, all put together by the highly regarded interior design team of Studio 19. Six en-suite bedrooms – one of which being a spacious bunk room for the kids – dart themselves around the courtyard and upstairs adjacent a little sitting room, overlooking the ocean.
A moody, intimate library sits downstairs with its own secluded porch for those moments of quiet respite. The property’s perfect positioning of north allows for eternal natural light to flood through all of the open spaces, warming up all of the reading nooks and lazy lounging spots.
Summer swims, holiday memories and sunny skies…
Of course, when the sun’s out, the pool’s occupied with shrills and shrieks of holiday happenings.
The lovely appendage to the grand old Dame is the long outdoor seating area beside the swimming pool, with comfy sofas for shady lounging whilst the kids swim and the master’s braai to their hearts’ content. An afternoon amble down to the cliff pathway to sit and watch the whales as you share a sundowner with the seagulls will become a daily ritual.
Every evening presents a different display of light and colours and oceanic activity. You’ll be up traversing the mountain trails in the morning, dipping into the reservoir and discovering new fynbos species as you go. Home for a hearty breakfast then another dip in the pool perhaps, before venturing to the farmer’s market on a Saturday.
Or, just simply spending time at home with the clan. The plan of the kingdom. To furnish it with as many wonderful memories as we can. Because that’s what this house was built for. Living our best lives, making new and retaining old rituals, in a very familiar seaside town.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie