Yes, as the name suggests, you and your multigenerational clan could not be closer to the waves, the dolphins, the seals, and the whales. Maré House is a historical home, perched on the rocks, resting above a secluded tidal pool.
Overlooking the magnificent expanse of ocean, and the neighbouring seaside hamlets that pepper themselves along the Southern Peninsula coastline. As the mountains rise and fall behind and beyond, this Kalk Bay hideaway anchors its heels into the soil it’s occupied for many generations, as a testament to the consistency of the tide.
The original bones of the build remain intact, with a recent renovation elevating the home to maximise on its incredible location, and absorb the views of the landscape.
Contemporary elements added as essential luxury appendages to the age-old stories the villa carries through its spaces. The property comprises of seven spacious ensuite bedrooms, arranged across a substantial main residence, and two adjoining, fully self-contained cottages.
At the helm of the main house, a lovely open-plan kitchen is discreetly divided by a fireplace, creating a moody, natural distinction within the generously large space.
On one side, the working kitchen. On the other, a seating area and long dining table for the whole clan. A separate living room sits just off the kitchen, with a television room and its own fireplace.
A lounging sun room with fireplace opens directly onto the terrace, providing a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Keeping the conversation going with the ever-chatty waves.
Three ensuite bedrooms rest on the upper floor, with their own outdoor balcony space. Attached to the main residence are two adjoining cottages, each self-contained with private living areas, kitchenettes and television areas with fireplaces.
The first cottage has two ensuite bedrooms upstairs, with a study for those who would like to tend to those obligatory emails. The second cottage mirrors this arrangement in layout, with its own open-plan living space and outdoor seating area. It includes one bedroom on the ground floor and one upstairs.
Ideal for those family members that prefer navigating their way around without any stairs. The property may be configured for use as three bedrooms within the main house, or as a full seven-bedroom residence, depending on the size of your clan.
Early morning tidal pool dips
There are so many wonderful attributes to this property, but its location is what takes the seaside holiday cake. It’s perfectly secure behind a boundary wall and set of gates that open up to a dirt road above the boulders.
A three-minute walk to Harbour House restaurant, a fish and chip shop, and of course the harbour itself. A railway track rests behind the property which adds to the romance. The sounds very quickly become part of the playlist. A tidal pool immediately in front, you can walk down at any time of day, plant yourself on a boulder and watch the ocean wildlife for hours.
Or invest in the daily ritual of dipping into the water as often as possible. You can walk along the esplanade to the other tidal pools, and the buzzing main road of Kalk Bay. Sourcing hot bakes, books and souvenirs. You’ll come across antiques that resemble the interiors of the home you’re staying in.
Having been in the family for several generations, this historical hideaway displays a lot of family photos, written letters from centuries ago, heirlooms and sentimental stories for your perusing. Evoking another era, yet always held in the comfort of its lavish amenities. That’s why we choose Kalk Bay. For the age-old stories, the art, the colours and the culture. For the moments spent with family, by the sea.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie