The house stands on the slopes of Lion's Head with the Atlantic below. Gardens replanted with species native to the coast, inspired by Kirstenbosch, wind past proteas and aloes to open balconies and a pool terrace facing the ocean. Inside are a library, a wine gallery, lounges and a guest pantry that stays open late.
The rooms in the manor are each designed individually, with original South African art and ocean views, and they come as Classic, Superior, Deluxe and Deluxe Spa House Rooms. The Ellerman House Suites add separate living, dining and sleeping areas and a terrace over the Atlantic, with underfloor heating, a complimentary minibar and entry to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Two villas stand apart from the main house. Villa One has five en-suite bedrooms across three levels, a private infinity pool, a study, several lounges, a kitchen and spa access. Villa Two is a contemporary residence over two levels. Each villa has a private chef and a dedicated hospitality team.
Art, wine and cuisine are the three pillars of the house. The art collection spans more than two centuries and hangs through the rooms rather than in a gallery. The Wine Gallery centres on a corkscrew installation that spirals up through thousands of bottles, beside a wall of soils collected from Cape wine farms, and the cellar behind it keeps one of the country's significant private wine collections. Menus follow the seasons and use local ingredients.
The pool terrace, the gardens and the library fill the days, and the V&A Waterfront and the city centre are a short drive away. Guests aged twelve and over are welcome in the house, and families with younger children stay in the villas.
It suits travellers who prefer a house with art on the walls and a cellar below to a large hotel, and groups who want a villa with a chef.
