A place where fish eagles and African harrier hawks soar above the flamingos, the giant kingfishers, the cormorants, and darters. Where the whales, dolphins, orcas, and seagulls traverse the currents and ocean breeze just beyond the dunes. Where you and your favourite people can gather on the water’s edge, dipping in and out, paddling across the lagoon, playing on the sprawling lawns, and exploring the natural surroundings.
Settling beside the swimming pool and at the long dining table for endless hours of feasting, shaded by ancient milkwood. Imagine it’s you and your clan at this special spot, on the banks of the Klein River Lagoon overlooking the Maanschynkop mountains within the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Where the ethos of its existence is as in line with your go-slow itinerary and adventurous activities, as it is with the ecosystem of its surroundings.
Settled on the southern banks of the tepid lagoon, cushioned into a milkwood forest that disperses into the burgeoning fynbos where tortoises and porcupines preside, Coot Club invites you into a wondrous, whimsical world of play and adventure, stillness and tranquility on the outskirts of the amiable old village of Stanford. Comprising of a cluster of traditional stone cottages and contemporary boathouses – all adjoined by winding walkways that escort you through the greenery, around swimming pools toward a communal clubhouse – this hideaway is a utopian playground for families, friends, and lovers to harvest quality time, immersed in nature.
With a conscious stamp on conservation and in keeping with the terrain’s palette, each dwelling gracefully emerges from the thicket, opening out to the magnificent views that occupy every space. The dynamic interior design duo of Camilla Fraser and Dominic Touwen have seamlessly stitched their nautical-inspired touches into the tapestry of each room.
The layers of textures and tones mirror the mountains, the water, and the wilderness. Whatever the size of your clan, the ways you like to spend your days, and the motive of the hour; you’ll succumb to the serenity of the environment that has been ardently nurtured in every aspect of the build. Retaining the heritage and the soul of the stone cottages, and boldly curating a canvas of colour to the boathouses.
When you’re not languidly hanging out in your abode, reading and listening to the birds, snoozing under a sunhat, you’ll be on the trails by foot or by bike. In the kayaks paddling around the lagoon. Jumping off the jetty. Lounging by the pool. Throwing yourself into the games on the lawns and around the tables. Taking a cruise down the river with binoculars in one hand and a tipple in the other. Birdwatching is considered to be one of the most cathartic practices.
Exploring the phenomenal flora and fauna of the area; learning about Coot Club’s ways with conservation. Whale watching and trips out to sea. Strolling down the village lanes of Stanford – artisanal treat and antique hunting. For most of you, having discovered this special spot on the banks of the Klein River, you’ll opt for a footloose and fancy-free, obligatory-free daily itinerary.
Whichever way the wind is blowing each day, there’s a plethora of both pacifying and invigorating activities to partake in. It’s entirely up to you and your clan how you choose to imagine your days spent at this utopian wonderland.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie