Occupying space like a sturdy, young lady amidst an old crowd, Blue Anchor harnesses her heels upon the east cliffs of Hermanus. Free-standing and set on three levels, this magnificent old soul, with new bones, opens her recently renovated walls out onto an eternity deck, and into the ocean.

What was once a 1950’s family cottage, previously owned and occupied by the existing owner’s grandmother, aptly named, Blue Anchor, defiantly anchors its history and succumbs, with subtle consent, to change. It has to. Having spent her childhood holidays on the property, the owner, a Landscape Architect, envisaged every nook, every cranny, every prospect of light, every party and every intimate conversation, and rebuilt this home with absolute appreciation for the years she shared with her granny. 

The doors are the original doors, the window frames, the wooden flooring – some from before, some from Belgium. Tiles that have been sourced from India or collected over the years, all chipped up and merged together, contributing to the tales being told throughout the home. Antique furniture still sits beneath the consciously curated pieces on the walls, from a framed cloth of the Ghanaian flag, to three elephants walking beneath the moon, by the reputable South African artist, Karen Bezuidenhout, as recognition to the owner, of her children.

The eclectic combination of steel, wood, concrete and stone connect the interiors as you travel away from the lavish open-plan living space, upstairs to three spacious bedrooms. All delivering endless views of the ocean and the mountains, where whale-watching can be done from the bathtub, and spectacular sunrises kindle your morning shower. 

Sun-traps and shady siesta spots are dotted about the place from the upper deck to the middle deck, to the lower deck, to the courtyard and back. An enclosed verandah, perfect for lazy afternoon lounging on the Kenyan daybed, extends itself into the space where the Garden-Designer-Owner, has clearly worked her magic. Luscious lawn meets the pool, that banks the white hibiscus and the pale yellow cannas, that look up to the star jasmine creeping the walls that cocoon the courtyard, and additional guest bedrooms.

When it’s cold and we need to move inside, the Morso wood-burning stoves keep the games going, the conversation flowing and the holiday clocks from ticking. Whether it be a round of darts in the downstairs cellar, a shot at table tennis, an impressive library of books to choose from, playlists to be played on the Sonos surround sound system, or planting yourself on the long, long sofa to simply watch the family fun unfold – it’s up to you to take your pick.

This, after all, is Blue Anchor’s intention; for you to return to that little place of nostalgia within yourself that feels incredibly new and exciting.

What we love!

• The property’s host, Loya, and his ever-smiling wife Ester. The magnificent Malawian couple are here to rid you of any burdens during your stay. From the opening and closing of the property, to the cooking (outstanding), the cleaning, the shopping, and even the fire-lighting.
• Proximity to the town where the markets are amazing, the cafes are cooking, the bars are buzzing, and whales keep on frolicking. 
• Betty Blue for breakfast, in the heart of Hermanus, for those mornings when you’d like your eggs easy over.
• Loya’s sensational fillet of beef with pepper sauce.
• The sunrise that puts Nina Simone’s words into practice. Eternally, a new day and a new dawn.

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 famous Hermanus cliff path that hugs the coastline and stretches as far as 12km is on the doorstep. Great for morning and evening strolls.
• 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.

Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie