Making a bold architectural statement, with its refined, contemporary form and gallant occupation of the esteemed cliff paths of Hermanus, Villa Oceana is irrefutably impressive in every way. Emerging from the rugged edges with a graceful elegance of belonging. Its neutral tones and earthy textures of stone, glass and timber blend in with the landscape.
Mirroring the fynbos veld, the mountains and the ocean. The owners transformed the original old bones of the property into an extravagant beach house in the Overberg. With the expertise of locally revered architect, Nicolette Lloyd, alongside interior designer Patty De Kock. An expansive five-bedroomed villa, beautifully configured to maximise on the boundless views, always inviting the sea breeze and romantic natural light in to every space.
Staggered over a couple of voluminous levels of living, dining, cooking, entertaining and reclining spaces, this hideaway lends itself as a lavish retreat in one of the most alluring seaside villages of the Western Cape. Perfect for multigenerational gatherings and family getaways, in a town where the community is as enchanting as all of the activities on offer. Its age-old charm and familial traditions of swimming, sailing, surfing, market-going, hiking and exploring, golfing and vineyard gallivanting are what make this historical fishing village one of the best holiday spots throughout the seasons.
Every ensuite bedroom delivers views of the ocean, eluding to the notion that you’re on your own luxury yacht, drifting across the great Atlantic. Spotting all of the ocean’s wildlife around the clock. Early mornings are the best, witnessing the sun rising and the colours splashing their warm tones over the waves, and onto the soft linens of your bed. All of the rooms generously open out to nature. Binding your holiday stride with the tide below.
Beach house bliss
It’s a given that each day will present itself with something new and invigorating to explore. The ocean has a way of reminding us of an ever-constant change. Long walks in the mornings and evenings along the cliff paths – with your own direct access onto the path from the property. Dipping into the tidal pools or quiet moments of reflection on one of the many benches. Of course there will be those hours of getting gleefully lost in nature, in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
Swimming in the warmer waters close to the mouth of the lagoon where the beaches go on forever. Tapping into the local happenings of the town. Dining out when you’ve done enough braaing and feasting at the villa. A lovely change of scenery at one of the local eateries or a Saturday mission to the farmer’s market. Your days will gently unfold in accordance with the clan’s wishes. Of which there will most certainly be lots of swimming. Many hours spent in the heated pool, and lounging on the deck. Taking in the landscape that imposes itself upon you. As if you were here first, before the ocean and her wildlife came.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie