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 verandah 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 a colourful array of prints makes for a cool and eclectic atmosphere. It’s beautiful but also homely, with 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, 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. The outside pool deck is another inviting spot to settle at, with comfy 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 not venture into town. 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.
Written by Michelle Snaddon
Edited by Colleen Ogilvie