Listen to the ocean. Smell its saltiness on the breeze. Throw open the doors and gaze across wild fynbos towards Robberg. Then take a five-minute stroll to the beach for a morning swim before breakfast. Now imagine that every day can start this way. Refreshed, blissful and chilled in beautiful Plett, where every season has a good reason to be there. 

Daria House is tailor made for holidays with all the family. It’s one thing to have plenty of space, but pods of perfect privacy for all are more unusual. Built on a slope and across two levels, the home has six bedrooms, all en suite, but beautifully cocooned so that everyone – older, younger and inbetweener – has personal space to relax and simply be. Cosy living spaces are numerous in the ‘top house’ and ‘bottom house’, both of which are self-contained. What’s really special, is that Daria House has plenty of space to retreat and then gather to spend time with loved ones in community, the intelligent design of the house is an ode to personal space. 

And wherever you choose to chill, the space is calm, comfortable and quiet. Décor ensures this. A neutral palette throughout resonates tranquility, while sculptures and artworks by local talent created magical highlights throughout. Vintage touches marry modern comforts throughout. The wingbacks will hug you and sofas will soothe away your cares. Textured whites dominate, but there are splashes of berry and olive green too. Vibrant turquoise doors lead out to the pool which beckons freshwater swims with views over the reserve and a small lake; birdsong is background treble and the ocean plays bass. It’s simply idyllic.

Follow the boardwalk over the trickle of the Piesang River to the tiny lake to see the bird orchestra and smell the scent of countless faces of fynbos. It’s authentic communion with nature and instantly grounding. If the ocean breeze comes up, the central courtyard at Daria House offers permanent calm. And should the weather turn, simply retreat to the games room for a round of table tennis or darts with the family. Cosy up, chat, connect and cherish the good times together. Those are the memories that last a lifetime.

Reviewed by Keri Harvey

What we love

• whimsical pulled raffia light fittings and the leafy wallpaper in the bathroom
• the old world record player and baby grand piano
• having so much space
• open rafters and the lightness of being in the house

Need to know

• the pool is not covered
• there is a discrete chair lift from the street to the lower level
• it’s at most 10 minutes to the heart of Plett