On a languid summer day, the lure of the sea draws us… whether for a lazy holiday or a snatched week-end. This hideaway, cushioned between the fynbos of the Robberg dunes, with its wooden boardwalk meandering beneath ancient milkwood and candlewood trees and glimpses of sunbirds, perhaps even the flash of a mongoose… to where the warm waters of the Indian Ocean wash against a long curve of white sand… holds a collective longing for holidays past.
The smudgy colours of the interior reflect the natural surroundings, while banana leaf mats and Nguni hides scattered across wooden and cement floors with underfloor heating, add texture for padding around in bare feet. The house, both upstairs and down, is surrounded by balau decking so every room, even the kitchen, has access to a place for lounging.
At the heart of the house is the living room where a few dark Senufo beds and Ethiopian coffee tables punctuate the quiet statement of linen and natural fabric. The spacious open- plan extends to a dining area and huge kitchen island both in solid beech, with a double- sized oven and a Gaggenau grill, as well as a pizza oven… perfect for slow-roast lamb with rosemary straight from the herb garden. While outside a boma hidden between the fynbos, awaits a grilling of freshest locally soured fish with olive oil, lemon and fennel. This is clearly a foodies kitchen, where a plethora of handy appliances and shelves of cookbooks all attest to this being a space used for casual relaxation and lazy days of delicious dining.
Four light and airy bedrooms with shuttered sliders beckon for afternoon siestas or a languid read, while others might prefer an energetic hike around Robberg Peninsula, which is within easy walking distance. But ultimately, it’s the simple idyll of this house that soothes the soul and nourishes the senses.