Standing in the grounds of the house, it is hard to believe River Lodge is only 20 minutes from the city.  With the mountainous Oranje Kloof Nature Reserve behind it, the beach and village life of Hout Bay is a five minute drive westwards down the leafy Valley Road.  A short drive in the opposite direction takes you to the famous Constantia winelands.

The lodge naturally lends itself to outdoor living, with every room opening onto the large veranda and decking stretching out around the solar-heated swimming pool.  There is also a lapa (outdoor fireplace) in a clearing under the trees and various other shady spots to swing in a hammock or dangle your feet over the rocks and listen to the stream.

A large, double height sitting room is the focal point, with a leather sofa and comfy armchairs around a traditional wood-fired stove. The kitchen leads off from one side, and the two bedrooms from the other. Wooden stairs lead up to a mezzanine area which can serve as a TV room / library, or guests can make use of the double futon which comfortably sleeps two. This third room leads into another bathroom.

The whole house is floored with travertine tiles which emphasise the light flowing throughout the spacious coolness of the interior.  The huge main living area is open plan with windows on three sides. At one end is a fireplace and large comfy sofas and chairs. The windows at this end fold away completely so that the room naturally extends itself onto the outside deck which in turn leads into a rim flow pool.  From here, looking west, Hout Bay spreads itself out before your feet. 

The well-stocked kitchen at the other end of the living area opens out onto a second, larger swimming pool at the end of which is a sumptuous Moroccan-style gazebo which not only has its own Jacuzzi but also speakers linked to the sound system in the kitchen.  Behind the gazebo spreads a good-sized garden in the middle of which is another covered area, should guests feel inclined to do anything as active as having a barbecue. 

The bedrooms are all in one wing of the house.  At the end of the wing, the master suite includes a large bedroom which opens onto the front deck, a vast bathroom with a stone bath and two small walk-in wardrobes, and a study which opens onto the big pool and can double as an extra bedroom if needed. The other two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom are all en-suite and all have French doors out on to one of the two pools.  There is also a flat downstairs which can be used for guests or an au pair.

Five cottages have been created out of Cape sandstone, each one individually designed and furnished with top-of-the-range appliances and a sleek, modern style that belies the country setting.  With the possible exception of Thyme, which is right next to the pool, each of the cottages is very private, though some can be linked to accommodate larger groups.  Each has its own shady veranda, and with the many different terraces and lawns within the landscaped grounds every guest can escape entirely from the others.

Backing on to the property is part of the Table Mountain National Park, and there are numerous hiking trails within a stone’s throw.  Peacocks and butterflies and dragonflies highlight the remote setting, and yet the bustling city is just a twenty minute scenic drive away. 

Ideally situated to explore all the Cape Peninsula has to offer, The Tarragon is a fabulous base  for couples or family groups.

Cottage Details