Hidden away in the leafy suburb of Oranjezicht in the lee of Table Mountain, with wraparound views of the city and the bay, this century-old listed building was revamped by its art-loving owner to create one of Cape Town's most stylish boltholes.
Many original features like the Oregon pine floors, porthole windows and fireplaces were conserved; while striking new elements include an angular wood and steel loggia which spans out above the garden terrace. Flowerbeds of raked gravel, neatly tended rosemary hedges, and a decked salt-water pool and fishpond induce a Zen mood of studied calm in the garden. Step inside and it's more upbeat, with jazzy African paintings and sculptures in the sun-filled lounge and classy bedrooms adding zest and colour to the building's airy, elegant lines.
To add to this architectural delight, any request to the quietly professional staff at Four Rosmead will be dealt with promptly, and any thanks will be acknowledged with one word: pleasure. We couldn’t think of a better way to describe what our stay here was filled with.
Highs
- Top location: a quiet, secluded suburb with off-street parking, within walking distance of all the action
- A skilled refurbishment which masterfully marries past and present
- Every conceivable in-room comfort, as well as some unexpected treats like the upbeat aphorisms left with the chocolates at turn-down
- Warm and inviting salt-water pool - most alluring after a hard day’s sightseeing
Lows
- They have undergone extensive refurbishments since our last visit, so as such our review may not reflect their current incarnation
- Oranjezicht is a residential suburb and might be too subdued if you’re in the mood to party
- The guesthouse can only accept children over the age of 12
- You’ll need to take a taxi if you’re heading for the beach or down to the waterfront
Best time to go
Cape Town is wonderful at any time of year and there is masses to do come wind, rain or shine. High summer is from late September through to February, and March is delightful. April to September is referred to as the 'Green' season in the Cape - it sounds better than the rainy season - but days can be as hot as British summertime, without fierce sunshine.
Our top tips
Don’t be afraid to talk about the art on sale at Four Rosmead. There will be a DVD in your room with all the pictures; prices are negotiable.
- Boutique Guesthouse
- 10 rooms
- Breakfast only (+ restaurants nearby)
- Over 12s welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
Decór and furnishings are a mix of modern and antique. Faultlessly orchestrated, expect muted colour schemes of cream and white walls, fabrics and carpets have been pepped up with colourful throws, cushions and paintings, and everywhere the same funky, beaded animal sculptures that greet you in reception.
The 5 high-ceilinged first-floor Deluxe Rooms have city and mountain views; we were in Oakmont which shares a terrace with Oranjezicht (go for one of the other Deluxe Rooms if you want your own balcony). There are also 5 Luxury Rooms, of which 2 are in a separate garden annex.
Bathrooms are slick and functional with swish taps and fittings, walk-in showers and loads of treats like rooibos toiletries, lavender-scented bath salts, candles and night lights. Some also have a separate bathtub which will comfortably fit 2.
All the rooms are sympathetically lit with spots and freestanding lamps, and kitted out with every conceivable extra: air-conditioning, heated towel rails, satellite TVs, WiFi, minibars, iPod docks and beach baskets with extra towels and even a frisbee!
Features include:
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast at Four Rosmead is a sumptuous buffet laid out in the cosy, art-filled breakfast room, and which you can take to the garden-facing terrace. As good as any brunch, it will include freshly baked bread, muffins and scones, a jug of freshly squeezed juice and a second one of chilled water with sprigs of mint, and homemade ‘bircher’ muesli with extra bowls of seeds and stewed fruits. There will also be platters of cold meats and cheeses, eggs to order, and a daily 'special' like corn fritters, waffles, pancakes or perhaps stuffed mushrooms.
Lunches aren't prepared at Four Rosmead but you're welcome to have a light lunch delivered by the Liquorice and Lime deli; their menu includes salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, pies, quiches and flame-grilled burgers.
You could also have supper delivered from one of Four Rosmead’s recommended take-aways, but with so many great restaurants close by, most guests prefer to eat out. And despite our late night request (on a Saturday night no less) staff managed to get us a table at Savoy Cabbage, one of the trendiest local eateries. We still talk about the stuffed rabbit leg and vanilla risotto, not to mention the bow-tied sommelier, who made it our most memorable Cape Town restaurant outing.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Head down to the V&A Waterfront where you can shop, eat lunch or take a boat trips out to Robben Island to see where Mandela dreamed of freedom
- Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and hike back down. Walking in a city just doesn’t come better than this
- Grab the basket from your wardrobe (complete with frisbee) and head for the beach at Clifton or Camps Bay
- Order a picnic lunch from the Liquorice and Lime deli and head for Kirstenbosch Gardens
- Take a day trip to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, then return via Llandudno, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak and Simonstown
- Head for the Winelands: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl are all less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town
- Hike to the top of Lion's Head, perhaps to see the sun setting over the Atlantic
- Take a tour of one of Cape Town’s townships and maybe stop off for a cookery lesson
- Play tennis. There are tennis courts very close by that are open to non-members
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
- Wine tasting
- Yoga
Kids
Children must be 12 years or over. This restriction does not apply if the entire house is booked. You’d feel relaxed here with older children who would enjoy the pool and gardens.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Four Rosmead is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain in the residential suburb of Oranjezicht, Cape Town.
By Air
Fly into Cape Town International (20km). There's no jetlag if you're coming from Europe! Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
Four Rosmead is a 20-30 minute drive from Cape Town Airport. Transfers can be arranged with the hotel, and there are plenty of taxis in and around town. Many guests hire a car (see below).
By Car
Hiring a car is a good option if you're planning to explore more than just Cape Town - see our car rental recommendations.
Public Transport
In Cape Town public transport is rather slow and occasionally risky, so best to avoid it unless you know the ropes.
Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to South Africa and getting around.
Airports:
- Cape Town International Airport 20.0 km CPT
Other:
- Beach 3.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km