Hawksmoor House
near Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands & West Coast, South Africa Book from Book from £155 per night
“Stylish, homely Cape Dutch country manor and wine farm close to Stellenbosch and Cape Town”
There's a sense of living in a different era here but it's far from fusty: arriving through the farm-style kitchen with its Aga stove and shiny copper pots, you immediately feel at home. The 15 inviting rooms all have contemporary touches with silver-painted bedposts and old chairs covered with funky fabrics. It may be a working farm but think pretty flower gardens, dappled lawns shaded by oaks and jacarandas, a pool, in-room massages and lazy sundowners.
Highs
- Wonderfully peaceful with a relaxed make-yourself-at-home ambiance made more enjoyable by the large comfortable rooms that successfully mix old and new
- Good location for both the Winelands and Cape Town (a 40-minute drive)
- Very helpful and knowledgeable managers, who make great efforts to train disadvantaged locals to a high standard
- If you like dogs, their german pointers, Grace, Virginie and Jack, are never far away
- The view from the veranda: a great place to watch some stunning sunsets with Table Mountain in the distance
Lows
- If you want a change from the onsite restaurant you'll have to drive out, but there are plenty of good restaurants in the area and their recommendations are excellent
- Be prepared to take breakfast with other guests at one long table, but for us this was enjoyable
- In-room tech is limited to WiFi (no TVs or phones), but this can be a real joy for many
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique Guesthouse
- 15
- Breakfast (+ dinner by arrangement)
- Ages 2-11 on request; other ages accepted
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- WiFi
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Beach Nearby
- Off-street Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The 15 bedrooms are spread between the main house and various converted outhouses. Each room is different but all are beautifully furnished with fine antiques, contemporary touches and comfy beds dressed with crisp linen. Expect slick basins and armchairs re-upholstered with fresh new fabrics; we particularly like the outhouse rooms with their clean lines, great views and fine finishes.
Our favourites were the bright and airy Superior and Family Rooms, with their spacious bathrooms and relaxing terraces. We also had a quick peek at one of the Luxury Rooms which was fresh and chic, with doors opening out to the gardens (others have garden views only).
Featuring a kitchen, living room and dining space, the Self-Catering Cottage has 2 ensuite bedrooms with large French windows, as well as access to a sunny courtyard.
All rooms have digital safes, WiFi, hairdryers and Charlotte Rhys toiletries. There are no TVs but you can request an iPod docking station.
Features include:
- Central heating
- Cots Available
- Extra beds
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Honesty bar
- Safe box
- Terrace
- Toiletries
- Underfloor heating in bathroom
- WiFi
Eating
Taken inside or on the pretty veranda, breakfast is served at a long wooden table overlooking the rose and lavender gardens. Expect a healthy array of juices, granolas, creamy yoghurts and fresh fruit, plus homemade jams and toast. Leave room for the cooked breakfast - our scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and roasted tomatoes were perfect.
Bear in mind that the Self-Catering Cottage has its own kitchen and is booked on an accommodation-only basis.
A 3-course set dinner menu is on offer daily from the Country Kitchen, just pre-book before 11am that day; expect simple, but tasty home-cooked food. There's a cosy sitting room with an honesty bar: help yourself to a glass of their crisp Chenin Blanc and watch the sunset from the veranda.
Although there’s no formal lunch service, there are delicious cheese and meat platters available, and staff will happily make you a pot of tea (ask for the fresh mint brew), served on a silver tray with locally baked biscuits.
For change of scene, you will have to venture out in the car. Make sure you book well in advance as it can be difficult to get into the best restaurants (Hawksmoor staff are very good at making suggestions and reservations). We like the award-winning Terroir (on the Kleine Zalze wine estate), 96 Winery Rd (rustic and famed for their steaks) and Tokara (innovative cuisine and amazing views).
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
Activities
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Hot air ballooning
- Museums / galleries
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Traditional cultures
- Well being
- Wine tasting
Kids
Children aged 2-11 can stay by special arrangement only, and this will depend on other guests staying at the time. Other ages are always welcome.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Family Rooms have space for an extra bed; the Self-Catering Cottage sleeps up to 4 in two ensuite bedrooms, and has its own kitchen.
Babysitting:
Babysitting can be arranged
Families Should Know:
The long pond and pool could be a hazard for any unsupervised children
Distances:
- Airport: 35 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
