Fit and flourishing
Nestled in a sub-tropical, tiered urban garden on the slopes of Little Lions Head in Llandudno, Orchard House is a seaside haven of tranquillity.
Perfectly poised against the mountain that cradles the sandy shores of Llandudno Beach, Orchard House has superb views of the Atlantic Ocean. Consciously built to preserve the existing ficus, Madagascar dragons and European palm trees, the refined architecture and organic design of this lush contemporary home celebrates all things nature and zen.
Stepping into Orchard House, one cannot fail but to appreciate the purposeful design choices that have been so lovingly considered. Massive fold away doors prioritise the majestic views and take indoor-outdoor living and lounging to an elevated pleasure level. Every outdoor perspective is mindfully framed to evoke awareness of the breathtaking vistas. The Balinesque wooden deck with its front row view to the 20m azure lap pool offers some serious relaxation options. First up, a carved stone Buddha to set the mood, shloomfy day beds and long sofas, baskets brimming with ethnic cotton towels, ornate filigree lanterns dotted hither and thither. The pièce de résistance, a bronze fire pit, is the perfect spot for a starry still night listening to the ocean’s susurration, the crackling of the fire and the gentle murmur of your loved one’s voices.
Add two levels of expansive living, dining, cooking, entertaining and reclining spaces, all artfully layered with bespoke furnishings and eclectic touches like antique chandeliers and a massive carved stone Buddha from Zimbabwe, and we have effortlessly achieved premium relaxation status. The top floor is anchored by four expansive, layered and balanced bedrooms, with a master suite that delivers on all the extras – beyond the Egyptian linen and architectural fireplace, it boasts its own private terrace with obligatory, and oh-so indulgent day beds, and a cleverly crafted, glass enclosed indoor-outdoor shower. Just the place for some blush-streaked morning sky salutations.
Perfect perspective
The defining element of Orchard House is its one-of-a kind 500m2 lush urban garden. Farm-to-table within your own space is the ultimate lifestyle luxury. Imagine harvesting plump tomatoes or colourful peppers for a vibrant salad, with the convenience of your gourmet kitchen only a few steps away? Alternatively take advantage of the garden seating area, enveloped in its heavenly herbal scents, where all you have to do is languidly pluck and pop some fresh mint into that afternoon mojito.
Orchard house is no stranger to doubling down on a healthy and mindful environment. The new dedicated wellness pod offers a cutting edge infra-red sauna, a multi-benefit ice bath, red light therapy and a requisite treadmill. Together with the airy interiors, the sweeping views that create a sense of openness and tranquillity and the lush garden, this sanctuary is an ode to connected living.
What we love!
- This house is the epitome of a holistic environment that effortlessly nurtures mind, body and soul, where the boundaries between home and nature blur, inviting you to slow down, and experience together with your loved ones a profound sense of well-being and connection.
- Llandudno is a place of wild, untrammelled beauty, rugged hillsides that slope down to a boulder-cosseted white sand beach, with sweeping views across the majestic Atlantic ocean. This family forward hamlet, only a 20min drive from the centre of Cape Town generously offers all that is desirable in the famed Atlantic Seaboard lifestyle.
- The nature based activities and adventures reads like the dream ‘this weekend I want to…’ list – all manner of hiking trails – from beginner to mountain goat – in the reserve behind the house (part of Table Mountain National Park), surfing, cycling, ocean-life watching, wave wading and mountain views.Â
What you need to know…
- Although Llandudno is justifiably retail free, Hout Bay a mere 10min away, offers a plethora of dining and shopping options. Enjoy some legendary calamari at The Chapman’s Peak restaurant, or indulge in some weekend market therapy at the Bay Harbour market.
- Indulge your inner Grace Kelly and cruise the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive in a convertible, stopping for all the de rigueur scenic photo opportunities and then pop in for a leisurely brunch or live music at Cafe Roux in Noordhoek or a tapas-style dinner menu by internationally acclaimed Chef Franck Dangereux at The Food Barn, also at the Noordhoek Farm Village. Nearby is Aegir, the local microbrewery and Furney’s with its curated fine wine collection.Â
- If Orchard House is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in the Atlantic Seaboard.
- Orchard House is available as a Shoot Location.Â
- Intimate celebrations and small weddings may be booked at Orchard House.
Reviewed by Julie Ragavelas
<edited by Michelle Snaddon>