Hout Bay Manor is a celebration of all things South African – from the past to present. That they do it is beautiful. That they do it so well is incredible.

This historic building is situated in the Cape Town suburb of Hout Bay, one of the province’s most beautiful spots lush in flora and fauna and exotic in pristine beaches and sunny weather.

Sensitively Designed Space

This sensitively designed space is a fine blend of tribal colours and textures with touches of European architecture. It shows as you enter through its wide Cape Georgian door and immediately you are hit by a surge of rich shades and a frizz of energy – butter yellow paints coat the entrance hall and luscious pink coats the sitting room, while Zulu beading and motifs decorate the furnishings.

Owner, Sue Strüngman, has given this Cape Dutch guesthouse a decorative jolt using designers who have come from KwaZulu-Natal and share her aesthetic vision.  No space is left to its own devices. All twenty-one rooms are designed and laid out to bring out South Africa.

Different References

Each of the rooms is cleverly made to different references, from curtains inspired by tribal skirts to the shell plastered walls and latte ceilings in the en-suite baths that speak of the bush. That said, a healthy dose of wit prevents the look from seeming contrived – there is a surprise lurking around every corner.

The rooms have been arranged into different themes. The Zulu rooms face onto tea gardens incorporating cultural pride; the Xhosa rooms face onto the mountain; the Sotho rooms are downstairs and have their own share in the courtyard; and then, of course, there are the two Sangoma suites offering luxury and convenience.

Sense of Generosity

A sense of generosity and abundance abounds – wraps, beach bags and hats hang on every bedroom door and outside each is a doorknocker and lantern to make people feel they have arrived home. The two teagardens carry indigenous plants and a herb garden releasing indulgent scents that help you relax. You have arrived.

There is also the luxury Inzolo Wellness Suite, which focuses on Africa’s healing energy. It offers massages, spa treatments and other pampering therapies using Healing Earth products.  

Pure

Of course, every hotel has a spectacular feature. In this case, it is the restaurant Pure. Oh, but it is beautiful. This fantastical space is a combination of offshoots of snowbound Antarctica with shades of light browns. There is granite and strip flooring with coral table centrepieces.

The design is different from the hotel with guests providing most of the colour. There is a hand beaded curtain chandelier on the floor as well as African statues and a room divider made from driftwood. The grand finale is the chandelier at the centre made from crystal antelope horns. A brave, beautiful restaurant!

Although it is separate from the hotel, they are so individualistic in their own ways. Only the creative, passionate spirits can get the secrets of this dome.