Twelve years ago, a couple stumbled across this stunning Zinkwazi property adjacent the lagoon, pondered on its humble foundations and prime location, and rebuilt their idyllic family seaside escape, upon the water’s edge of one of the most magnificent stretches of beach on the Dolphin Coast. Aside from retaining the old Oregon floors and painting them the signature white, the rest of the contemporary beach house was built from the ground up, to maximise on its incredible views and direct access to the lagoon, the ocean, the long stretch of sand that goes on for miles, and the hours of tropical sunlight flooding every room.

Set on one vast level of light, open plan living, dining and entertaining spaces, four gorgeous ensuite bedrooms and two dormitory rooms for the kids – also ensuite – a fabulous, fully-equipped kitchen with a tiered outdoor space that cascades down onto the rolling emerald green lawns and directly into the water below, this hideaway is the epitome of a tropical wonderland. The waves curl relentlessly for that perfect surf all day long, occasionally breaking the lagoon wall and merging into one beautiful body of water washing itself around the palm trees at the bottom of the garden. Avid fishermen jump aboard the boats and head off for the catch of the day, as divers forage the ocean boulders for crayfish and muscles – that’ll be buttered up and flamed over the braai later on, or tossed into a creamy white wine and lemongrass broth. Swimmers, skiers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, wake-boarders, boogie-boarders, booze-cruisers, sun-tanners and sand castle aficionados will be perfecting their skills in the sunshine. The action is endless until the sun indicates it’s time to settle on the long verandah with a couple of bottles of crisp sauvignon blanc resting in the ice buckets, as those eager cooks muscle-up with the catch of the day and prepare a feasting in the warm evening seaside air. The Gambler hits its queue on the stereo as barefoot dancing resumes on the lawn, under the stars with echoes of the curling waves breaking the silence before the next track kicks the dancing back into action. Tonight’s the night for dancing. Tomorrow you can stretch out those battered heels on the lower deck with an hour’s pilates in the easy morning sun. Followed by a deep tissue massage in the comfort of your ensuite, listening to the fish eagles, the trumpeter hornbills and swallows as you drift off with the warm breeze. And then it’s the moment to be poolside, on a comfy lounger with that great book or enthralling podcast as you settle back into that heavenly tropical temperature and escape with words and titillating tales of long-lost loves. Before the evening antics resume once again, for another night with the best of the best, singing you’re simply the best, better than all the rest! Quite frankly, this place makes you believe you are just that. For which every single phone call, over the weeks, months and years was worth every dial. For single memory made to date, and every single moment to come at Zinkwazi White House.

What we love!

• The property is the perfect spot for large family gatherings / multigenerational reunions with its open-flow spaciousness and beautifully furnished beach-house-laidback style, yet refined in every way. The view of the lagoon and the ocean really does take your breath away.
• There aren’t better kitchens by the sea, than this. Looking out over the living space, onto the verandah, over the lawn and out to the blue. As you hear the kids frolicking in the water and the jolly merriment of everyone doing what makes them happy. You can taste it in the meal when it’s served!
• The shutters can completely cocoon you from the change in weather – if the winds coming off the sea decide to pick up – the property is very sheltered.
• Every day is different at Zinkwazi White House – with its endless activities to get involved in. There are some stunning 5-10km running routes too, as well as cycling through the neighbouring towns and into nature.

What you need to know…

• There is a convenience store that serves the essentials just a 5-minute walk away from the property in Zinkwazi. For everything else you can venture to either Ballito or Salt Rock, which are both twenty minutes away. The airport is only a 30-minute drive away.
• There is daily housekeeping at the property and should you fancy the best omelette in the world one of the mornings, Gloria is available to whip up some eggs and serve a delicious light breakfast.
• You are welcome to moor your own boat on the private deck at the bottom of the property. There is a little tug boat available for use. The ski boat club is only a short walk away.
• If you’d like to collect your own crayfish or go muscling on the rocks beside the property, you just need to secure a permit – provided it’s the right season.
• The owners love to take their friends on historically significant cycle tours along the banks of the Tugela River to original Ultimatum Tree. An activity that would be worth your while – not just for the beautiful scenery, but the heritage too.
• There are lifeguards on the beach in front the property throughout the year.

Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie