THE acclaimed Ellerman House is set along the steep and winding Kloof Road within the swanky enclave of Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, and about a 10-minute drive from the V&A Waterfront.
Upon entering the gates of this grandiose former Cape Edwardian-style residence, it feels like we have entered into someone’s private home – it seems inappropriate to refer to this property as a hotel. The sheer scale of art on display is overwhelming, resembling a gallery rather than an extravagant hideaway.
Many original architectural features have been retained throughout, which allude to its historic ambience. Before we even check in, we’re greeted by the charming manager, Karien Bendle, and her front-of-house team as if we are old friends.
Garden and pool
The Ellerman art collection highlights the South African spirit, with priceless works by native legends such as Gregorie Boonzaairer, Maggie Laubser and Irma Stern lining every inch of the wooden-clad walls, while sculptures in various shapes and sizes are perched precariously on mantles and corner shelves.
There’s a separate, professionally-curated contemporary art gallery, with more than 1,000 pieces, which is renowned as the finest collection of African art on the continent. It is a privilege to experience this collection either on a guided tour or individually with an iPad. Art aficionados will have to stay at Ellerman to view this world class collection as the property is not open to the public.
View From Felix Studio
Ellerman House has a brag-worthy store of more than 9,500 South African wines. These comprise emerging and established labels from the Western Cape wine region, famous for its 350-year-old winemaking heritage.
Wine storage is enhanced with specially curated wine racks with a glass installation in the shape of a giant corkscrew taking centre stage within the wine gallery. This space is also home to an interactive, multi-media wine library and brandy-tasting lounge.
Bar Rock
Our exceptionally spacious suite is stocked with a complimentary mini-bar and a selection of delicious locally produced snacks (topped up daily). French doors lead out to an expansive ocean-facing terrace with panoramic coastal views across the numerous Atlantic bays of Cape Town, with Robben Island in the distance. It’s like a double-page spread from a glossy coffee table book. We leave our terrace door open at night, falling asleep to the calming sound of the waves breaking on the shore below.
Ellerman House presides over the one and a half acres of manicured grounds, and its sizeable swimming pool is flanked by green and white stripy sun loungers – the perfect secluded spot to soak up the balmy sunshine after a day exploring the buzzing beach-fronted city.
Bottom pool terrace
Service is discreet and you’re guaranteed to feel like this is your home-away-from-home, whether you’re staying in one of the 13 bedrooms in the main house or in one of two private villa residences, each with a private entrance. We love the quirky “naughty corner” walk-in pantry besides the kitchen, which is open 24 hours for luscious sweet and savoury treats, including jars stuffed with copious amounts of famed South African confectionary.
But the best treat is in the evenings heading to Bar Rock, with its famed South African craft gin trolley, to watch the sun set slowly over the tip of southern Africa.
by Amanda Bernstein
Ellerman House – 13 Rooms & 2 Luxury Villas. Rates range from $850 – $12,800 per night.
For reservations email info@ellerman.co.za ellerman.co.za/
+27 21 430 3200 | 180 Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa