Extraordinary Africa>South Africa>Cape Town>Ellerman House
Perched on the cliffs above Bantry Bay with breath taking views of the Atlantic, Ellerman House is one of Cape Town’s most elegant properties. It’s not right on the water, (though beach drop offs can be arranged), but the location on the slopes of Lion’s Head means Ellerman is wonderfully sheltered away from the strong south-easterly winds that make the city notoriously blustery, especially in summer. This makes their terraced garden and outdoor pool an ideal spot for enjoying sunny days without the gusts that affect the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.
What’s Ellerman House really like?
A private residence turned boutique hotel with 11 bedrooms, two suites and two private contemporary villas, as well as a gym and spa, Ellerman has all the classic grandeur you might expect from an Edwardian mansion, but the feel is very much one of going to stay with friends (albeit the ones with some of the nicest views in town). The owner is a renowned collector of African art and it’s home to an extensive collection of South African paintings and sculptures, taking guests on a journey through the evolution of the local art scene from the 19th century to the present day.
Ellerman House welcomes children from the age of 12 (with younger kids able to stay in the two family villas on site) which we’d say is just about right for the atmosphere of quiet luxury that is fostered here. Service is uber personalised, and nothing is too much trouble, with a dedicated team ensuring every detail is taken care of, from setting up private wine tastings and art tours, to arranging pilates sessions (yoga mats, skipping rope and dumbbells along with a book with suggested exercises have also been thoughtfully placed in all the rooms). We also rather fell in love with the pantry where guests can help themselves to a line up of sweet and savoury snacks when they’re feeling peckish – or even if they’re not (it’s just too tempting!).
There are two restaurants at Ellerman, a bar and a vast wine cellar that is somewhat legendary, it was designed by a local sculptor and houses an extensive collection of South African wines. Set within the wine cellar, Curate – the newest addition to the gastronomic line up – is “an elevated fine-dining experience” offering an 8-course dining experience and celebrating hyper-seasonal spins on South African dishes. It’s quite a popular fixture on the local dining scene so if you’d like to eat here, we’d recommend booking a table before your trip.
Giving Back At Ellerman House:
Ellerman has turned to technology to take their sustainability efforts to new heights with the adoption of a management platform that allows them to track, measure and report on their interventions, from their elimination of single-use plastics to water-saving technologies and their solar energy system. All the alien plants have also been removed from the grounds, making way for one of the most beautiful, indigenous gardens in Cape Town. In terms of philanthropic ventures, The Click Foundation was set up in 2012 by the owners of Ellerman House to assist with the education crisis in South Africa. Ellerman House ArtAngels – an annual charity auction and party – is held to raise money for this foundation.
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