This was our third visit to this magnificently restored Herbert Baker house. The location is spectacular with a panoramic view over Simon’s Town’s Yacht Club, Naval Base, with False Bay and the Sir Lowry’s Pass in the distance. There’s even the distinctive Simonsberg Mountain to be seen towering behind Stellenbosch. For early morning risers the view over the great bay as the sun begins to make its appearance is unforgettable. For those with a naval bent, there are always the two submarines and various frigates to observe while young naval recruits are put through their swimming paces in the sea. At the weekend there were thirty or so yachts and dinghies participating in races just beyond the Naval Base.

This beautifully appointed and spacious house is north east facing, yes, NE even this far south, so you have the benefit of both the sea and the mountains as well as the sun. Five of the six bedrooms, as well as the two reception rooms and kitchen on the ground floor, all have a great view. The view is particularly good from the small sheltered balcony which leads off two of the bedrooms. We loved having breakfast and lunch just outside the kitchen on the veranda which runs the length of the north-east side of the house. Apart from the view, in the foreground there is a pretty and well-maintained garden with a small pond. Should you want to eat inside there is a lovely large table in the nice big kitchen which has been very tastefully arranged. It is such a pleasure to have a larger than average stove and one those big side by side fridge freezers as well as separate coolers for drinks. There is even a separate TV room with full DSTV, although we always seemed to be otherwise occupied. We loved walking down to see the penguins and continuing on to one of the sheltered beaches or burning up some calories going up the mountain behind the house to the 1st WW Cross and ‘Just Nuisance’s’ gravestone for the spectacular view from the top. We also enjoyed being able to jump on the train from Simon’s Town station to go to one of the many restaurants in Kalk Bay with the sea only a few meters away throughout the brief journey.

There is just this lovely feeling of space throughout the house with its high ceilings, which gives such an uncluttered impression. The ever-attentive and charming housekeeper, who lives on the property, looks after the house and garden with great pride and energy. Nothing is ever too much trouble for him. We were once again sad to leave this beautiful house which feels to us so like a home from home. -