Seaside charm in Plettenberg Bay
Bathed in light, halfway to the clouds on the Robberg peninsula, the Garden Route’s Lalapanzi is a coastal cocoon of calm – one of our most serene seaside hideaways.
Just as the name suggests, you can kick back and relax every fibre of your being here. It’s Plett, but this is no soulless beach house. Rather conjure images of colonial-style comfort and casual chic, doused in dreamy romance. This is Lalapanzi.
Cosseted from the coastal wind and bordering a greenbelt, guinea fowl scurry about outside, while their more stoic, beaded lookalikes adorn a mantelpiece inside. Fire, stone and water are in bountiful supply at Lalapanzi. There are vast interior and exterior fireplaces and a brazier on the deck – along with the dancing flames of banks of candles throughout the house. Steadfast stone walls on the veranda are evocative, while the swimming pool and outdoor baths are as soothing as the sound of the sea nearby. Actually, it’s so close you’ll walk to Robberg 5 beach in 3.5 minutes tops.
The house is an original Cape Dutch farmhouse-style building that has been hugely renovated by fashion designer Tabitha Webb. Reed clad ceilings with slow whirling fans and wood burning fires mixed with an eclectic and colourful array of prints makes for a cool and eclectic atmosphere. It’s beautiful but also homely, and easily seats 10 for supper at one long outdoor table. There are also plenty of sink-into sofas for hours of cosy chats and relaxation.
Built on two levels, there’s a sense of space with places to escape to solitude, if you wish. Upstairs is a library and TV room to retreat to on balmy hot days, or perhaps a soak in the enchanting outdoor bath, long cool drink and a good book to hand, will suit your holiday mood. The outside pool deck is another such spot, with inviting seating and loungers to chill on in the sun; or toast marshmallows on the brazier and stargaze by night. It will feel just like you’re on safari.
A fusion of colour and creativity
There are five bedrooms, enabling options for ten guests. Decorated in a mix of colours, using prints from Pierre Frey and Christopher Farr as well as local African designers, the bedrooms have sumptuous beds dressed in fine white linen. There are two outdoor baths and the main en-suite bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe. Double basins and separate loos feature throughout. One thing that’s hard to miss at Lalapanzi is that comfort is carefully curated to a pure art here.
The coup de grâce, however, is the wonderfully welcoming staff. The driver and cook will collect your shopping first thing in the morning then cook and garden for the rest of the day, while the housekeeper will also assist with cooking. So if you choose, you need never to go into Plett proper. And knowing that Lalapanzi also has its own private water and power supply, you are actually completely self-contained. Your own world within the world.
What we love!
- Lalapanzi has a well-trained cook, who can also drive, plus a housekeeper in residence.
- Always hearing the sea at Robberg Beach close by, one of the most beautiful on the Garden Route.
- The deep and cosy verandah that’s about 15m long with its soft sofa seating and a large fireplace for year-round living.
- Pure romance in candlelight and stone. Glass star lights are sprinkled through the house.
- The two outdoor bathing options.
- Beautiful textiles, down pillows and cushions throughout.
- Built-in fireside seats in the living room, a wonderfully cosy haven in winter.
- Plentiful birdlife in the indigenous garden.
What you need to know…
- The pool is not covered or fenced, so is not suited to young children who can’t swim.
- There is high-speed WiFi throughout the house, so working remotely is a breeze (if you really need to).
- The light-filled kitchen is well equipped for entertaining, with plenty of fridge storage space. There is an additional utility kitchen plus two gas braais or barbecues.
- Lalapanzi means ‘lie down and rest’ in Xhosa.
- Robberg Nature Reserve is 10 minutes’ drive away for superb views of the entire Outeniqua mountain range over the pristine sands of Robberg Beach and Plettenberg Bay, all the way round to Storm’s River. Look out for whales, dolphins and the occasional seal when you walk to the ‘Gap’. Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water if you walk to the point.
- You can’t come to Plett and not visit Mungo, the much-loved South African weavers, particularly of gorgeous towels and bed linen. Take a morning out to visit the Mungo weaving mill, a contemporary architecturally striking addition to Old Nick, just as you leave Plett in the direction of Keurbooms. Watch the ancient Lancashire looms (dating back to 1890) in action!
- The Garden Route offers a huge variety of outdoor activities, from whale or dolphin watching and marine eco tours in the bay to canopy tours of the Tsitsikamma forest at Storms River.
- If Lalapanzi isn’t available on your dates, browse our beautiful Plettenberg Bay and Garden Route collection.
- Lalapanzi is also listed on our Shoot Location portfolio.
Edited by Michelle Snaddon