DESCRIPTION OF THE HOUSE

Three historic terrace houses linked together creating an impressive twelve bedroom boutique hotel with exceptionally generous proportions, ideal for visitors who want a gently pampered environment near to the main attractions of the ‘Mother City’. The Villa is situated half way between the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Table Mountain Cableway in a quiet residential quarter with a lovely ‘village’ feel within a short stroll of the centre of Cape Town and a large number of its best restaurants. 

These elegant double-story Victorian terraced houses have the hallmark architectural characteristics of an era when space was no obstacle. The rooms are spacious, the ceilings high and the original walls reassuringly thick and solid.  Dating back to the late 1800’s the new building has been refurbished and decorated in a sophisticated contemporary African style. 

The air of calmness which is immediately noticeable in the house is achieved by skilful use of play of light, sensitive use of colour, subtle texture and pattern play which is uniformly applied throughout the house. 

The Villa is manned by 4 owners, Louis, Jimmy, Keith and Cindy with the help of a very enthusiastic staff and three dogs (Button, Zip – the dachshunds, and Brandi – a golden retriever).  After petting the hounds, guests are given an orientation to the secrets of our city after which we offer you the freedom of this spacious Victorian townhouse just as you yourself would to visitors in your own home. A thoughtful and well-planned written guide to life in the city, its tourist attractions, restaurants and other places of interest on the Peninsula, will help you to settle in. Should you need more advice or help, staff are at hand to offer assistance. 

At the heart of the house, as you may expect, lies an enormous and welcoming kitchen. Breakfasts are served either in a spacious dining room or, weather permitting al fresco, in our marvellous courtyard beside the pool.  Friendly housekeeping staff, Susan, Anne, Portia, Pumza, Annelene, Edwina and Joanna are on duty to prepare a hearty, cooked breakfast (included in the rate) and service the rooms. Jonathan our maintenance man and porter is always on hand to sort out those little challenges which a 115-year-old house likes to toss at us. Two night porters (Xolani and Boni) complete the team. 

Facilities at the Villa include: a library where free internet access is available (the house is also equipped with wireless internet access which is offered to guests free of charge); a plunge pool surrounded by cushioned loungers in summer. Do not be surprised to find yourself surrounded by glowing, wall hung, hurricane lanterns on a balmy African summers eve. 

THE BEDROOMS

All rooms are equipped with en suite bathrooms (some with shower and bath and twin basins); heating in winter; television (with 20 satellite stations); electronic wall safes; telephone, Tea and coffee tray; hair dryer; beds are dressed in luxurious white cotton percale linen. All guest rooms have air-conditioners. 

There is a large and comfortable lounge in which to relax, perhaps with a complimentary glass of sherry or port. Other beverages are on offer from an honesty bar or you are welcome to bring your own drinks and keep them in a guest fridge. 

Most guests find that the An African Villa has the feel of an intimate boutique hotel because of its sophisticated décor and generous facilities. It is, however, intended to be simply a warm and welcoming guesthouse. We hope that the unique layout with its three interlinked houses will help you to feel as though you are a guest in a home rather than in a hotel. 

It is an ideal place for the traveller of independent spirit who appreciates personal freedom, new-found friends and a haven to return home to after exploring this ‘fairest cape in all the world’.