Living along the banks of the Bushman’s River, a tidal waterway that meets pristine beach and rolling dunes of this unspoilt Kenton-on-Sea coast just down the road, is nothing short of magical.
You’ll wake to the call of river birds and the rhythmic sound of the waves, have breakfast outdoors as the river gently rises, ebbing softly along the shoreline. Days are spent drifting down to the beach for warm swims or paddling upstream and enjoying water activities.
Lunch is easy going and alfresco as everyone returns to the generous deck in their swimming costumes where family and new friends gather, but sundowners here are our favourite time of day. The setting is nothing short of spectacular as rays of sunshine beam in till late, giving way to balmy evenings with moonshine reflecting on the water.
Sensitively reimagined seaside haven
Interior designer, Marion Orpen of Marion Orpen Design, took inspiration from the ever-changing colours of the river with accents of blue and turquoise complementing natural shades in subtle olives and pistachio, with hints of coppery gold and natural bronze offsetting hand-hewn stone work, superbly crafted joinery and bespoke furnishings throughout the home. But it was Fluid Architects who completely reworked this superbly well-designed beach house to reveal its full potential and jaw-dropping views, both upriver and downstream to the beach.
Extending the living area beyond the statement stone fireplace revealed the full potential of this magnificent setting and created show stopping yet utterly relaxed entertaining areas. Today, the contemporary new look brings the outdoors in, making it a pleasure to stay in all year round – even the glass-lined corner kitchen window now welcomes the sunshine and opens up to the trees and garden.
St Austel is the perfect multigenerational beach hideaway, not only because Kenton-on-Sea has some of the most beautiful beaches to enjoy in the Eastern Cape, but also because a stay here can be combined with day trips to surrounding game reserves or walks and days spent exploring up and down this pretty coast. However, we do think you’ll be hard pressed to leave this utterly beautiful gem….
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon