South African family-friendly holidays

Boulders House, Simon’s Town, Southern Peninsula

After gentle renovation to restore this 1890s Sir Herbert Baker classic overlooking lush lawns and the world-famous Boulders Beach, Boulders House has opened her doors. Styled with age-old romance in mind, and with the addition of a swimming pool and hot tub, this gracious grand dame provides an utterly idyllic backdrop to the quintessential family-friendly beach holiday in South Africa.

Just an hour from Cape Town and a stone’s throw from historic Simon’s Town, with its characterful cafes, quirky shops and dive centres, it’s the perfect place to start family holiday in South Africa. A few steps down the garden path will take you to Boulders Beach, but locals will tell you that Water’s Edge and Windmill Beach on either side are equally lovely. There’s a delightfully nostalgic ambience here, conjuring up childhood memories of dripping ice-cream, sandy bathers and sun-kissed shoulders. With seven bedrooms, many reading and resting nooks, a broad, shady stoep leading to the tiered garden overlooking simply magnificent views of the ocean and mountains beyond, Boulders House is hard to leave.

X-factor: What makes Boulders Beach extra special is that one shares it with the teeny-tiny African Penguin, who, with their kookie top-hat-and-tails look and comical waddle, are both endearing and entertaining in equal measure. Owned and cared for by South African National Parks and strewn with its namesake curvaceous boulders, this protected little cove is one of the most unique experiences for family-friendly holidays in South Africa.

One of Cape Town’s most talented interior design teams, Clinton Savage Interiors and Architecture, recently took the helm of an intense renovation at Bishop’s Hall to create a staggeringly beautiful family-friendly hideaway. Together with a visionary owner, they masterfully balanced the traditional elements of this grand dame; her ivy-clad exteriors, wood-panelled walls, elegant picture rails and classic marble fireplaces, with the best of contemporary design, choosing deep, rich wall colours, eye-catching light installations, flamboyant wallpaper and glorious art. 

Add in the setting; a lily-flowered eco pool overlooking tiered lawns to the dramatic mountains views beyond, and the result is transcendent. Suffice to say, one is easily bewitched and besotted with Bishop’s Hall, Cape Town’s newest hideaway. Surrounded by the lush gardens and rich heritage of leafy Bishopscourt and set on the gentle slopes of Table Mountain near Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, this graceful estate has been transformed into a luxurious yet delightful family-friendly sanctuary. 

X-factor: It is the stairway carpet, of all things, that has guests instantly spellbound at Bishop’s Hall. A design leap of faith by the owner, who commissioned the design to mirror a much-loved handbag, led to an eye-catching creation that cloaks the immense stairway and balcony of her beautiful home. Her courage paid off… as design statements go it may be bold, but boy does it work! 

Oasis on Glen, Glen Beach, Camps Bay, Cape Town

Glen Beach is one of those hidden coves that locals love: blink and you could miss it as the beach is sandwiched neatly between Clifton and Camps Bay, the darlings of Cape Town’s famed Atlantic Seaboard. Discover it and you’ll be hooked forever. 

Cushioned into a deep curve with soaring palms and banana trees giving the glen tropical island vibes, Oasis on Glen actually dates back to 1890. Not surprising, as it is the best location on this sought-after stretch, with views of the Twelve Apostles peaks extending all the way down the coast from Camps Bay to Llandudno. Besides, it’s a favourite with an exclusive little community of surfers and swimmers who frequent this beach daily. 

Surrounded by much-loved clapboard bungalows but recently rejuvenated into a modern seaside home, Oasis on Glen elegantly rests on the rocks to take in the best of the ocean views. There’s no need to drive here – the restaurants of Camps Bay are a five-minute walk away from this barefoot family-friendly holiday home, where you can simply hang up the keys and enjoy every minute of its ocean-front location. 

X-factor: Evenings on the deck spent around the fire-pit, watching the sun set and the moon rise above Table Mountain. Everyone has left the beach, the night air balmy as the ocean breeze rolls in… a magical setting for unforgettable family getaways in South Africa.

Le Jardin, Devon Valley, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands

This madly opulent Cape Dutch manor house is set within extensive, whimsical gardens with its very own vintage carousel, teepee and a huge heated pool. Families seeking extraordinary South African family-friendly holidays will find every child’s dream—and every adult’s luxury—at Le Jardin. Manicured lawns deviate off into pathways leading to a lily-laden lake with a slide, a zip line and a boat. There’s a Jacuzzi and steam room, an outdoor pizza oven, a kid’s playground, a teepee… all kinds of bells and whistles that make a family holiday here so much fun! The house itself is richly layered with a wonderful sense of history, bespoke wallpaper and some fabulously eclectic art pieces.  

Do you own a veritable raft of kids or grand-kids? Would you like to treat them to a Christmas Wonderland in the summer sun of the Cape this year? Then check out Le Jardin, near Stellenbosch, just 45 minutes from Cape Town and 10 minutes’ away from the trendy university town of Stellenbosch, an historic beauty. It’s quite extraordinary. 

X-factor: This place is the stuff of dreams for little people… and for the big people the house is elegance personified and with the most romantic and decadent glasshouse where your family holiday celebrations will sparkle in the candlelight with a never-ending flow of the owner’s just-released Méthode Cap Classique from their wine estate next door. A true highlight for families exploring the Cape Winelands on holiday.

Pear Farm, Franschhoek, Cape Winelands

A very private sanctuary in the winelands, this contemporary, industrial-inspired farmhouse, surrounded by long grasses and ancient oaks, vines, fruit and nut orchards, veggie gardens and wild, blossoming indigenous pastures captures every family’s heart. 

Warm yet unobtrusive staff are ready to help, and restaurants, galleries and boutiques of the stylish winelands village of Franschhoek are but a short walk away. For those who love to cook, the kitchen beckons with its considered gadgets and cookbooks aplenty. Foodies will spend a lot of time planning and preparing the next feasting (while tasting local wines). That’s what Franschhoek is all about.

Pear Farm is no misnomer. Just along the seasonal stream is the orchard, attracting a variety of feathered friends alongside the owner’s treasured chickens, guinea fowl and peacocks. Walk around the little farm with the animals or take a dip in the pool. As the evening draws in, gravitate to lounge on the stoep, or gather around the firepit or on the rooftop cocktail deck. For as gorgeous as the interiors truly are, it’s the tranquil outside spaces where the light plays with colour on vast mountain vistas; a living piece of art to wonder and marvel at.

X-factor: The farm is also home to a handful of alpacas and a fluffle of adored and adorable rabbits, both hilarious to watch, and what a treat to cuddle a bunny! As with all farms, there’s oodles of space for kids… all just an hour away from Cape Town.

Once a traditional fisherman’s cottage and now a sensitively renovated modern-day retreat, Schrywershoek Beach House is a luxurious yet charming hideaway truly off the beaten track, near the quaint fishing village of Churchhaven. Spend lazy days wandering the pristine shoreline of this gentle lagoon, dipping in and out of its silky warm waters, gazing at the parade of flamingos or spotting a family of ostriches. Go cycling together, or simply feast your eyes on the greatest show on earth… the reserve literally bursts into a blaze of colour as the Namaqualand flower season begins in spring.

At sunset, it’s time to light the lanterns and sit around the fire beneath a star-spangled sky, serenaded by the faraway booming of surf on 16-Mile Beach. There’s truly no place quite like it in South Africa and this discreet yet sophisticated interior makeover so perfectly honours its gloriously unspoilt West Coast location, less than two hour’s drive from Cape Town.  

X-factor: This is where Capetonians come to embrace the art of slow living, slow food and being here in the magic of now. To detox in sublime comfort, restore sleep patterns and reconnect with everyone dearest to them. 

Langbaai, Hermanus, Overberg

Head east from Cape Town and you will quickly find yourself in the splendid Overberg region. Here a picturesque landscape unfolds… gently undulating hills enclosed by magnificent mountains and flanked by beautiful bays and beaches.

Found a few steps from the beach, Langbaai is one of those homes that’s palpably infused with the happy family memories of its owners, who’ve been slowly restoring this century-old treasure for almost a quarter of that century! Named after the secret swimming cove found just below it, the most recent addition to this much-loved beach house, is the large, welcoming courtyard, swimming pool and a cottage… allowing you to gather for sandy-footed family holidays with your favourites.

X-factor: Hermanus may be the jewel in the Overberg’s crown, but there are numerous other Overberg treasures to explore: the vibey villages of Stanford and Greyton, the pretty beaches of Pringle and Betty’s Bay or the aptly named Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven on Earth) Valley, known for its superb wineries.

Search for ‘best place to watch whales’ and you’ll find Hermanus is top of the pops. If heading out to sea isn’t your cup of tea, Southern Right Whales mate and calf incredibly close to the shore between June and November, allowing you to watch their antics from the comfort of your beautiful bed with the kids!

Stone House is something of a flagship hideaway; the coastal path location, the deluge of natural light, the utterly fabulous interiors of this staggeringly stylish home have ensured its place on many Perfect Hideaways regular’s bucket list.

X-factor: Whale watching aside, Hermanus is an absolute family holiday winner… with coastal paths to meander along, rock pools to play in, lovely little beaches to picnic on and plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to sample in the sea-facing town. It fits the bill for the whole family.

Bobbejaanskloof, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

There’s an elemental style to the materials chosen for this gorgeously textured and layered farmhouse that inimitably evokes that Out of Africa feeling… yet this gem is just 20 minutes’ drive from buzzing Plettenberg Bay.

Once ensconced on this 150ha private wilderness, we bet you’ll have no reason to leave this Garden Route retreat. Purposefully, there are no televisions and there’s no sound system here. Birdsong and the rustle of wind in the trees is your soundscape. Immense stoeps or farmhouse verandahs are furnished with deep armchairs, draped daybeds, storm lanterns and soft throws, to encourage a life led outdoors, soaking up those restorative views. For those with a penchant for interiors, a stay here is as much about absorbing its style as it is enjoying its pristine surroundings.

Whether you need time to reconnect with your loved ones, or with yourself, this is the place. Start your morning in the calm yoga barn, take one of the many walking trails through the reserve, retreat to your beautiful bedroom for an hour of journalling or meditate on the huge contemplation deck that hangs over the kloof.

X-factor: the farm’s warm embrace is very much about the kind and attentive house manager who is also an accomplished cook. With young children in tow, his support is welcomed by multigenerational families who come from around the world to this special spot. 

Iroko House, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

Anyone who loves Plettenberg Bay will relate… Iroko House simply makes you sigh with longing, the salty air palpable, the views dreamy. 

This contemporary Garden Route home is a consciously considered work of architectural finesse. Its tiered indigenous gardens are embedded into the build, framing the dramatic landscape that unravels from every viewpoint of the house. Generous open spaces and sun-drenched living areas flow through three voluminous levels of timber and glass, allowing the views of the ocean, the beaches, the lagoon and the ever-changing blues of the Tsitsikamma mountains in the distance to make the boldest of statements.

Tick every box: this house is perfection with every creature comfort you could wish for.

X-factor: Its location. Iroko House is just a few minutes’ walk downhill to Lookout or Central Beach if you can bear to leave the luxury of this beautifully curated hideaway and its mesmerising views. 

Book these South African family friendly holidays through Perfect Hideaways on info@perfecthideaways.co.za

Credits

Contributing writers: Amanda Perkins, Colleen Ogilvie, Michelle Snaddon.
Photographs: Henrique Wilding, Greg Cox, Obsessively Creative Directed

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