An African Villa

Excellent value, spacious and contemporary-styled guesthouse created from 3 Victorian terraced houses

You may be forgiven for thinking that some clever illusion has been played out when entering the front gate of this friendly guesthouse, only 7 blocks from the city centre. The outside seems conventional enough: a terrace of charming 19th century houses featuring original wooden balconies and wrought-iron railings; but open the door, and you’re catapulted into a 21st-century urban safari. The interior yields spaces on a grand scale, with décor as up-to-date as this morning’s news. Some describe the design as 'African-Scandinavian'; others, 'African-Zen'.

The owners have interlinked 3 'grand old Victorian ladies' to create 11 guest rooms and a disarmingly cosy environment. The chic African style features classy, warm colours with splashes of tribal red and an eclectic mix of weird and wonderful artefacts, many of them for sale. In summer a tranquil courtyard with a rectangular plunge pool, tables and loungers invites you to soak up the sun after a morning’s sightseeing. The soothing atmosphere continues indoors to a library, a dining room and 2 lounges, all with fireplaces awaiting the crackle of a winter blaze: the perfect setting for your complimentary sherry or port.

Highs

• We loved the tribal-arty adornments: papier-mâché elephant-head lights, fertility dolls from Ghana, ostrich eggs painted burnt orange...
• Rooms (especially the Platinum ones) are generously-sized and comfortable
• Relaxed, informal atmosphere with helpful staff: Keith or Louis will sit down with you over a cup of coffee and help you plan your stay
• You'll also meet the owners' 2 dachshunds, Zip and Taylor, who add an idiosyncratic quirkiness to the place
• Located in Tamboerskloof, a quiet, leafy residential neighbourhood, yet within walking distance of some of the city's best restaurants

Lows

• Sheer popularity makes it difficult to get in during high season
• Views from some Platinum Rooms only; Gold and Silver Rooms have street/courtyard-facing windows
• No real garden - potted trees in a tiled courtyard
• The pool is only big enough to cool off in
• Some ‘house noise’ (mostly creaking floorboards) - a reminder you are sharing an old home