At Roga Rock it feels like you are always on the beach. Well, actually you are. Just with no sand between your toes. One step off the soft lawn and you are walking on Plett’s iconic Lookout Beach, with the Indian Ocean just beyond. If you look closely you’ll likely see surfers carving esses in the waves. Friendly dolphins often surf with them, in their dozens. Whales breach and blow just behind the waves in winter.  

In an unusual turn of events, the beach came to Roga Rock. This family property was set back on languid Lookout Beach. But the floods of 2008 completely changed the architecture of the beach, and the property became beachfront blissful. Roga Rock’s triple storey contemporary building was then built on solid rock, with its toes tickling the beach.

The fresh white palette of the house is punctuated with splashes of vibrant colour in wall art, and restrained blues in soft furnishings. It’s a study in calm and effortlessly emphasises the beach and ocean that are right outside. The seven double bedrooms, spread over three levels, are all en suite – most with king-sized beds and some with walk-in closets too. Ceiling fans keep living cool in summer, but since the house is north facing, climate control is natural and the sun is never in your face. Heaters and a gas fireplace in the sweeping living space make winter nights superbly cosy, as you cook and commune to the sound of the ocean.

Unfussy and with plenty of metaphorical white space, the beach house is seamless indoor-outdoor living. Glass doors stack away and you can lounge on the patio and chat to those cooling in the pool or cooking in the kitchen. Seagulls may join in the banter, perched precariously on the lip of the pool.

 Out of season at Roga Rock is like having your own private beach, but regardless of the season you can body surf with dolphins. There’s no need to go anywhere at all; beach, ocean and pool are right there – and just next door, out of sight and sound, are two laid back restaurants. 

Lazy days are easy here. An ocean swim before brunch, afternoon naps, some surfing, paddle skiing or biking in between, or chilling on the patio simply being hypnotised by the view. Because the beach came so close to the house, you’re actually on it anyway. Inside, outside and beachside is all one.

What we love!

• Watching dolphins from the lounge or the seamless swimming pool
• Having direct access to the beach and ocean
• Being completely private and secluded, yet close to activities if you choose them
• The rolling communal space of the kitchen and living area, all the way to the patio and pool
• Views of ocean and mountains in one glance
• Model bi-planes whimsically wafting in a window
• The spaciousness of rooms
• Vibrant wall art created by family artists 
• Walk in closets in some bedrooms
• Everyone being together to cook and eat 
• The beach is really the front garden
• Seagulls visit on occasion

Need to know …

• The pool can be secured with a glass balustrade to keep young children safe
• Shona the housekeeper will assist as much as requested. She can also sleep in as there are staff quarters
• A lift can take you from ground level to the third floor
• Five of the seven bedrooms have ocean views
• Some bedrooms are configured so parents can be adjacent to children
• There are two braai options on the patio deck: gas and wood
• Plenty of activities are on offer in the area: whale watching by boat, hiking, bungee jumping and more

Reviewed by Keri Harvey