It didn’t take much convincing for the owners of 90 Beachy Head to sign, seal and have the deeds delivered on their seaside property on Robberg Beach when they first came across it many moons ago. Its old and slightly decrepit bones sang out in true Stevie Wonder tones, “I’m yours”, as they gallivanted the garden, exploring the spectacular plot of land it sat upon. With sweeping views of the ocean, Robberg beach and its Nature Reserve, the Outeniqua mountain range and Nature’s Valley all within frame, this hideaway did the proverbial taking of the breath away and held the owners’ visions of the property’s potential, still. Over the years, the original old bones made way for a contemporary body of concrete, steal, glass, brick and timber to settle into the sandy soil and discreetly tuck and fold itself back, as it opens out to the magnificent surroundings and maximises on each changing season of the year. 

Set on tiers of expansive, open-plan living, entertaining and dining spaces, where seven double ensuite bedrooms and a 12-bunked dormitory, disperse themselves in different directions – all encompassing the staggering views of the ocean and her mountains – this hideaway is a tribute to family life beside the sea. A gesture from one generation to the generations to come, of how to start and end your days with your favourite people, all doing the things you love most, and bringing out the best in each other by doing so. There’s certainly enough space to achieve this at 90 Beachy Head. Whilst some might be gathering in the kitchen or around one of the many long tables on the one of the many fabulous lookout decks, others might be reading or writing some passageways in the study, or enjoying a languid moment in the bathtub. Some might opt for a bit of sport or light entertainment in the TV-room, away from the rowdy boardgames and witty banter that’s accompanying it, adjacent the outdoor fireplace. Whilst others are happy to park-off on a lounger, listening to the cormorants and black oyster catchers calling out as they feed from the shoreline below, watching the ocean wildlife of dolphin, seal and the occasional whale make their ways across the blue in the distance. When it’s time to all gather together as one big flock, there’s ample space at the helm of the home, around the fire-pits, or on the main wrap-around deck. To simply kick-back, watch the sunset, listen to the continuous curl of the waves, and all of those enthralling tales about what the day had held. 

Like the early morning brew uncle Billy enjoyed in the garden, urging you to rise with him the next day and witness the sugarbirds skimming the branches of the wild olives, the Cape Coastal Oaks, the Milkwoods and the Yellowwoods of the garden. Or the hours spent in the warm ocean waters altogether, paddling, surfing and swimming to your hearts’ content. Walking along the rugged pathways all the way to Beacon Isle for a spot of grocery shopping, stopping off at the odd coffee shop or eatery for a change of scenery with the cousins. The enthusiasm for the pending evening’s competition of come dine with me as to who’s cooking what and how best it’ll be done. There’s no end to the repartee and the family competition that comes with it. For there are many more days like these still to come at this idyllic seaside hideaway, to relish in the rituals of all that matters most in life, with those that matter most.

What we love!

• The property’s perfect positioning – immediately on the beach – with direct access to pathways, spending your days walking, swimming, cycling, fishing and exploring the area all the way to town.
• Its outdoor showers aplenty are just the ticket when returning directly from the salty shoreline and would like to linger in beachwear a little longer. Sun’s out, pool’s awaiting!
• Whatever the season, whatever the weather, there are plenty of lovely spots around the home to make the most of the warmth, take respite from the heat, shelter from the wind or the rain, and allow the magnificent views to envelope you throughout the year.
• Though the property is built with a contemporary flare, the laidback, beach house tones are achieved with quality, neutral furnishings, treasured family artwork, layered textures of bamboo, screed cement, tiles, reed rugs and baskets. It’s all tied together harmoniously in a stylish yet casual manner.

What you need to know…

• Should you need the extra space there is also a fully-equipped downstairs lounge with a kitchenette and a TV-room, leading out to a separate boma area, as well as an ensuite domestic quarter.
• The wonderful thing about a beach holiday is not having to leave the property by vehicle, unless for a daily excursion into the wilderness of the area. There are a number of activities to do in and around Plett, but should you wish to leave the keys on the hook and the car permanently parked, all you have to do is walk. That’s the kind of holiday we’re after!
• The Deli Factory and Robberg Fisheries, situated at the Shell service station as you enter Plettenberg Bay, stocks the freshest fish and artisanal delights.

Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie