Birkenhead Villa

Hermanus, Overberg,

There can be few better places to spot your first whale than reclining in this elegant beach villa, in such close proximity you'll swear you can feel its spray on the wind. Perched above the rocky cliffs of Walker Bay, a few steps from the beach, the ever-changing seascape draws the eye west, following the trajectory of the sun, while the sweeping heights of the Overberg mountain range forms a majestic backdrop. Drink it all in from your private balcony - leading off each lavishly decorated suite - or your king-size bed, or gather together around the pool and grassy decks.

The house also offers direct access to the beach, and there is always someone on hand to pack a picnic basket and a couple of bats at the drop of your beach hat. The elegant, open-plan design of the house means the doors are always flung wide open, with that great sense of being outdoors even when ensconced in a comfortable couch, and sandy feet are never frowned upon. Cool, classy and discreet - the perfect beach retreat.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
Sleeps: 12 adults in 5 doubles.

Bedroom configuration: Four of the five bedrooms are on the second level; these all have sea views. The ground floor bedroom (Room 5) opens onto patio with outdoor shower. Every bedroom is en-suite, all with dressing area. Room 2a & 2b (an interconnecting family room) and Room 5 have a shower over the bath; all the other rooms have a separate tub and shower. Room 3 and 4 can accommodate extra beds or a cot. Room 5 has no space for an extra bed but can accommodate a cot. Every room has a stocked minibar (included in rate).

Living Areas:
One lounge area and one dining area, open-plan to the kitchen. Sliding doors from kitchen and main lounge flow through to pool area. Wonderful objects and selection of artworks throughout.

Outdoor:
A private garden with swimming pool at the front, with semi-sea views. Outdoor lounge and dining area with dining table and covered verandah. Outdoor children's play area. Direct access to the beach.

Other:
Serviced daily. Private chef. Rates include all meals and snacks prepared, as well as local beverages and house wines. Laundry and local transfers also included in rate. Secure walled entrance. 24-hour security guard. Armed response alarm system as well as perimeter sensors.

Neighbourhood:
The Whale Coast, of which the coastal town of Hermanus is the unofficial capital, is an easy (and beautiful) 90-minute coast-hugging drive from Cape Town. Birkenhead Villa overlooks Walker Bay, known to be one of the best land-based watching areas in the world, with whales migrating to its shallow coastal basin to mate and calve from mid-July to November.

Voelklip is a popular residential area in Hermanus, approximately a 5 km drive from the centre of town. The two most popular beaches, Voelklip and Kamma Bay, are just a few steps away. It's a lovely 8km walk to the centre of Hermanus, which has a great selection of shops - a driver is on hand to collect you.