Rodwell House in the sun-soaked village of St James. It nestles between the Kalk Bay Mountains and False Bay, world famous for whale-watching, warm sea bathing and a sheltered Mediterranean climate.
The eight suites have been positioned so that you appreciate the sea, either from windows or private balcony. The modern, open-plan bathrooms are separated from the bedroom only by a risqu waist-high wall.
Calm, modern and sophisticated, these suites offer unrivalled space, with comfortable couches and chairs, fine finishes and extra length beds. The entire 2nd floor is set aside for guest bedrooms.
The first floor has wide welcoming terraces and public rooms including a formal drawing room, romantic dining room, library and sun room to relax in. Period fireplaces, teak paneling and a magnificent staircase, feature among the impeccable furnishings and artwork.
There is an intricately tiled Moroccan courtyard with terracotta walls offering welcome shade, and a tinkling fountain to get you in the mood for that siesta.The trimmed lawns and vine-covered walkways of the front garden are accessed from the wide terraces with classic Cape Town views of the St James tidal pool and multi-coloured beach huts.
The swimming pool is fed by a mountain stream and invites pure, unadulterated leisure.
But the pice de rsistance has to be the 15 000 bottle refrigerated wine cellar, with a collection to rival top restaurants with over 600 different choices of international and South African wines, the choice could be mind-boggling but Robin ensures that advice and help is at hand to turn wine into an unsurpassed experience.
The wine cellar has a tasting room, and a sweeping bar enhanced by cutting edge design, dcor and lighting.
Despite walled seclusion, and food and wine heaven on site, Rodwell House is a stroll away from activities, 10 minutes from top vineyards, gold medal restaurants and Simons Town, 20 minutes from either Cape Towns Central Business District or Cape Point, and light-years away from boredom or tour groups.
Rodwell House
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"Not 5 stars"
18 Feb 2014
By Nicolette, South Africa
"Nice rooms, but it feels as though skimping - geyser turned down very low so showers were barely lukewarm, towels are small and not new, food at dinner was poor.I wouldn't stay here again or recommend it."
"Summer breakaway"
22 Dec 2012
By Pieter, South Africa
"This is a superb breakaway guest house! You experience quiet luxury accommodation with no fuss from the service team. Do eat at the house: the food is very well prepared, fresh and tasty. Impressive wine list. The house is well maintained, everything works and is of high quality. The garden is well kept and the pool sparkling clean, lovely for early morning swim. The tide pool is just across the road and great for calm swimming in the sea. There is much less wind at this site than at Muizenberg or Simonstown. A most enjoyable two nights in Dec 2012!"
"Lovely!"
06 Aug 2012
By Robert, South Africa
"As a surprise, my husband booked me into Rodwell house for a little bit of peace and quiet one night, as we have a 15 month old son and I'm also 6 months pregnant and getting rather uncomfortable. The experience I had was lovely - the grounds and house itself is absolutely gorgeous. Michael, the concierge, was friendly and welcoming with a tour of the house and many suggestions for dinner. The room I was booked into had a fantastic bathroom with heated floors and a gorgeous tub - perfect for a relaxing bubble bath! My only complaint was that there was no way for me to play music in the room; the tv channels were extremely limited so no help there and there was no mp3 speaker or radio which I found annoying. Over all, it was a great place and I would definitely go back!"
"Fantastic"
14 Feb 2008
By Peter, Denmark
"The stay at Rodwell House and St. James was fantastic, special the Kalk Bay area. We will come back!"
