The captivating charm that Hermanus has over other seaside destinations is its history. A compelling story of an old fishing village – once named Hermanspietersfontein, but then shortened by the Postal Service in 1902 – that has evolved over the years, harbouring a long-lived community that’s as nurtured in its lineage as it is lauded in its growth. It’s a place where families have resided and holidayed for generations gone, and will be for generations to come. For its coastal walks, ocean wildlife, swimming coves and long sandy stretches. Its café and restaurant culture, curious boutiques and buzzing farmer’s markets. Its mountain trails and fresh water streams, with adventure thrilling escapades and easy, laidback village life. It opens the doors to your own family’s kingdom of memories and makes way for you to furnish it as you so wish.
Just a pebble’s throw away from Sievers Point – one of the most popular whale watching spots along the coastal pathways – overlooking the ocean and resting north, with magnificent views of the Kleinrivier mountains, Sophie’s Rock occupies space like the grand, graceful Dame of Kwaaiwater. Her sturdy old bones and signature Cape Dutch attire beckon you onto the front stoep, with 1920’s gables, columns and stained-glass windows harnessing her heritage and integrity. As you enter through the courtyard, passing a young olive tree, into the open-plan living quarters where the lounge, dining and kitchen area face the sea, a refined, contemporary space unfolds. Herringbone brick corridors meet Oggie oak flooring alongside 100-year-old timber and restored, original teak window frames. The charisma of her old soul is reverently dressed-up in a timeless style, all put together by the highly regarded interior design team of Studio 19. Six en suite bedrooms – one of which being a spacious bunk room for the kids – dart themselves around the courtyard and upstairs adjacent a little sitting room, overlooking the ocean. A moody, intimate library sits downstairs with its own secluded porch for those moments of quiet respite. The property’s perfect positioning of north allows for eternal natural light to flood through all of the open spaces, warming up all of the reading nooks and lazy lounging spots.
Of course when the sun’s out, the pool’s occupied with shrills and shrieks of holiday happenings. The lovely appendage to the grand old Dame is the long outdoor seating area beside the swimming pool, with comfy sofas for shady lounging whilst the kids swim and the masters braai to their hearts’ content. An afternoon amble down to the cliff pathway to sit and watch the whales as you share a sundowner with the seagulls will become a daily ritual. Every evening presenting a different display of light and colours and oceanic activity. You’ll be up traversing the mountain trails in the morning, dipping into the reservoir and discovering new fynbos species as you go. Home for a hearty breakfast then another dip in the pool perhaps, before venturing to the farmer’s market on a Saturday. Or, just simply spending time at home with the clan. The plan of the kingdom. To furnish it with as many wonderful memories as we can. Because that’s what this house what built for. Living our best lives, making new and retaining old rituals, in a very familiar seaside town.
What we love!
- Heading off for winding walks along the cliff paths to the closest swimming spot – Shelley beach – or Langbaai, which is only 900metres away, with the whole family. The coastline stretches as far as 12km! Great for morning and evening strolls.
- Spending time outdoors beside the swimming pool, on the couches in the braai area, or around the table playing boardgames. It’s perfectly sheltered from the wind and keeps the whole team together.
- The way the property’s integrity has been retained by either restoring or repurposing its original features and honouring the heritage of the build, whilst bringing it to life with light and refinery, and contemporary style.
What you need to know…
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve is an absolute must for all hiking enthusiasts wanting to explore the lesser beaten tracks in nature. Especially for winter walks.
- The Stanford Valley is a twenty-minute drive away for a full day out. Activities include picnics under the Stanford Manor trees, beside the dam. Sunset cruises on the River Klein. Cheese, beer and wine tasting. Antique shopping in the historic village of Stanford.
- Hermanus Farmer’s Market every Saturday for all things art, craft, food, music, fun and frolics.
- Lizette’s at the circle is a lovely place to go for a light tapas lunch with its lovely atmosphere, or to just simply grab some yummy things from the deli.
- There’s also a golf course around the corner that’s set in the most beautiful landscape for an easy amble should you rather just walk if you don’t know your irons from your woods.
- There is a cottage on the property where the housekeeper resides, who is available daily to keep the house shipshape and will also happily assist with some food prep.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
