Garden & Home TeamIf you have cabin fever and are itching to travel, we’ve got you covered. We searched high and low to find you stunningly beautiful holiday homes in locations perfect for exploring a city other than your own.
Even though most South Africans are back to work, you’re probably already itching for a holiday. And the time to book your much-needed escape is right now. Local travel isn’t as pricey or admin intensive as international travel. Plus, there are so many beautiful places to explore across the country that if you haven’t had the chance yet, it’s time to put it on your to-do list.
Here are our picks for some of the best holiday homes you can book now.
Cape Town House on the Hill
Higgo Road, Higgovale, Cape Town
Why we love it:
- You have direct access to the slopes of Table Mountain from the property.
- Kloof Street and Bree street are a five-minute drive away.
In one of Cape Town’s most prized suburbs, this secluded spot is a serene oasis – but only minutes away from the city. The space is a masterclass in chic design with attention-grabbing black industrial lines softened with wood.
The views will make you want to stay in – all three storeys have magnificent postcard views of the mountain, city and forest. The five bedrooms make this the perfect getaway for large groups, and even though the space is designed to a T, it is family-friendly.
The modern yet mid-century style and pieces by South African artists and artisans are carefully curated, and the roof garden has some of the best views in the city.
http://www.perfecthideaways.co.za
Western Cape Game Farm with a Luxurious Twist
Buff & Fellow Eco Coconuts, George
Why we love it:
- Each coconut has a wood-fired jacuzzi – perfect for lounging around on chillier evenings.
- The location is perfect for exploring up and down the Garden Route.
Owner Frikkie du Toit got the idea for the Eco Coconuts on a trip to Phuket. He was inspired by their architecture and wanted to do something similar in South Africa.
He approached Innovative Modular Concepts in Cape Town, and they were keen to bring his vision to life. The dream: Creating a paradise island vibe on the Garden Route. The eco-coconuts are all made from old shipping containers, and after four months of building in Cape Town, it took approximately ten days for the final build to be completed on the Farm.
The coconuts are quirky and comfortable (and every serious Instagrammer’s dream). They opted for a neutral palette, warmed with wood and rattan accents and black-and-white patterned tiles. Striking and cool.
Off-Grid Getaway in SA’s Jacaranda City
Rosemary Hill, Pretoria
Why we love it:
- The beautiful gardens are perfect for a picnic.
- There are tons of activities on the property and nearby.
Cabinville at Rosemary Hill is a dreamlike, chic hideaway where you can choose between different cabins and pods for your escape. The design of the cabins and pods are modern yet rustic with a certain old-school charm.
The off-grid cabins boast some of the best sunsets on the farm just outside of Pretoria. The minimalistic spaces are perfect for enjoying a farm stay without it feeling too farm-y. The glass-fronted cabins are tent-like in shape, and although it’s not glamping, it certainly is glam.
You won’t feel or hear any of the Pretoria traffic here – you’re just far out enough to feel as if you’re in the platteland, but close enough to every Pretoria spot you’ve always wanted to visit.
KZN Coastal Escape Into Nature
Nyoni, Zimbali
Why we love it:
- Nyoni is the perfect escape for the ever-changing weather of the property. You can live outside on balmy days and enjoy the cinema room on rainy ones.
- The outside courtyard of the main bedroom has a Balinese spa vibe.
Style never shouts, it whispers, and that is precisely what Nyoni does. This exclusive property in the tropical Zimbali Estate feels like it co-exists with nature – sliding in seamlessly, without fuss or drama.
Nyoni means ‘bird’ in Zulu, and it seems fitting – it sits on the 925 acres of coastal forest vegetation like a tranquil nest, bundled between the forest trees, foliage and cacti. The interior designer owner created a light and airy aesthetic by combining the views with local artisanal pieces, family heirlooms, and an eclectic artwork collection.
Nyoni has five ensuite bedrooms connected to the living areas by herringbone flooring and floor-to-ceiling glass doors to invite the outside in. And with Zimbali being famous for its birdlife, expect the outside to be filled with birdsong and cheerful tweeting chatter.
Free State Eco-Friendly Retreat
Liedjiesbos, Bloemfontein
Why we love it:
- There is a beautifully designed indigenous garden and masses of fruit trees to explore.
- Many local landmarks and gardens are right around the corner.
Liedjiesbos loosely translated from Afrikaans, Liedjies ‘songs’, bos ‘bush’ is a five-bedroom holiday retreat three kilometers North-west of Bloemfontein. Here you can enjoy the simple pleasures of bird songs, the song of the wind through the grasslands and trees, and the gentle sounds of their Ankole cattle grazing in the fields.
Collaborating with Smit Architects, Henning de Bruin and Dawie Human, world-travellers and fanatical amateur chefs, created Liedjiesbos to celebrate their love for nature, art, architecture, food, antiques and the pleasures of life.
The interiors reflect a modern interpretation of simple and elegant living, which channels contemporary Africa and Henning and Dawie’s love for everything beautiful.
By Mart-Marie Du Toit
