There’s something undeniably special about the West Coast that makes it one of the most enthralling destinations to travel to for those best weekend getaways with your favourite people. As with every journey, the fun begins on the road, passing padstal after padstal, stopping off and stocking up on the best baked pies and pastries, Ouma’s marmalades and Tannie’s titbits.
The road is long and the landscape is vast, with its never-ending rough and raw terrain that unravels itself all the way to the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Yzerfontein spreads itself along a shoreline that’s brimming with both old and new, bold and beautiful beachside bungalows. On the South side of Yzerfontein, At Olive Beach House anchors itself into the sand dunes that frame the periphery of the property.
Set on two palatial levels of living, entertaining, reclining and resting rooms, this self-catering holiday accommodation lures you in to its open, airy spaces and whisks you away for a perfect family friendly beach holiday.
Having recently undergone a thorough renovation, with its five grand ensuite bedrooms, ample entertainment areas, thoughtfully stocked kitchen and lavish dining areas, At Olive Beach House is a holiday home rental for large groups of friends and family to gather, and immerse themselves in the nature that surrounds.
Ample space for everyone to unwind
Though the living areas are vast, a labyrinthine feel ensues over time, with all of the comfy reading nooks and coffee-sipping crannies, sun-lounger and sun-downer spots, and enveloping armchairs beside wood-burning stoves. From the views of the upstairs balcony where the dolphin are putting on a fantastic display of duck and dive in the surf, to the secluded seating area beside the olive tree where a kaleidoscope of butterfly are fluttering about the branches.
The wrap-around, spacious deck where the games are being played beneath the umbrellas beside the heated plunge pool, to the sunken fire-pit overlooking the dunes and the odd ostrich prancing by.
It becomes enticing to lead a sedentary life during your days at the beach house, given the plethora of pockets of laid-back living. It’s like being at a completely different destination, at different times throughout the day. When the urge for movement sets in, there’s a long stretch of beach to explore, and waves to walk alongside before the evening sun begins to set and the fire-pit gets lit.
The indoor braai area awaits, with its long wooden dining table and suspension lights – mimicking the amber hues of the horizon – as supper is served with the summoning of Dassen Island’s lighthouse that flashes in the distance.
All that’s left to do with the day – as the kids huddle together on the couches for some home-cinema action, and the crackling fires break the chill from the ocean’s breeze – is to sit back with that tipple of choice, beneath the stars and tuck into another one of Ouma’s treats from that padstal you’ll definitely be stopping off at on the way back.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Dawn Kennedy