Pods and Cabins 2023
If you’re crazy about quirky, yet uber stylish accommodation…one of these has your name on it. Three delightful boltholes in Hout Bay, a stone’s throw from beach, bush and urban drawcards.
Three independent living units in a glorious setting in the village of Hout Bay, each with its own unique charm and character. With direct access to the Sandy Bay Dunes Nature Reserve via the property’s back gate, guests can walk about 200m up the hill, onto the sand dunes, down to Sandy Bay and across to Llandudno along the hiking paths, as well as onto the Shipwreck Trail. The top of the dunes is perfect for picnics.
All that’s needed is to look out for the sign to the beach, and follow the path behind the main house (not by the deck and pool). If you’re a surfer, idyllic surf breaks at Sandy Bay and Llundudno are walking distance. This is a paradise for hikers, trail runners and cyclists, and even the less fit can enjoy an almost flat walk (from the top of the dunes) along the contour of the mountain, with incredible views across to Camps Bay, the 12 Apostles and Lions Head.
The largest of the three accommodation options is The Sentinel Cabin, which sleeps 6. It’s an architect-designed two-bedroomed wooden cabin with glorious outdoor spaces, and a light footprint in the natural surroundings of mountains and fynbos. The house comprises a bedroom and en suite, along with a kitchen, scullery, dining room, lounge and large outdoor deck. Upstairs is the main bedroom en suite and an open mezzanine chill area with a work-from-home office and two additional beds in a bunk bed style. Sentinel guests have access to the entire cabin, the deck, the eco-pool and the garden seating area, as well as a parking bay. For peace of mind, the property has an extensive, comprehensive security system.
The Reservoir Micro Pod was built off-site by the talented Moriko team and co-designed with the property owner with sustainability and affordability in mind. The pod is set atop the property’s water reservoir, reclaiming unused space. This compact one bed, two sleeper pod (14.5m2 interior) is built from solid reclaimed pine, black charred on the outside, has a corrugated roof and has folding doors that open up 3m to an outdoor deck with mountain and sea views. With a queen-sized bed, en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, work-from-home setup, as well as a mini wood-burning closed combustion fireplace and a private covered deck, the Reservoir Pod has numerous unique little features (like the rustic, home made concrete basin, using sand from the property). The kitchenette is complete with a bar fridge, gas stove, microwave, sink, basic cooking utensils, shelf and counter space. The deck has a rustic table and chairs, and gorgeous views of the sea. The fire pit area in front of the pod is available to pod guests. This micro pod is perfect for anyone wanting to visit Cape Town while working-from-home, visiting the City for business, or looking for an affordable holiday on a magical property. Note: This pod is not ideal for very young mobile children due to open pools, stone steps, deck drop offs etc.
During summer, a higher need for irrigation and water for the eco-pool means this has to be replenished by pumping water into the reservoir twice a week for a few hours, usually Mondays and Thursdays. It’s unavoidable, and undoubtedly part of the charm of this cabin. Just as the chickens have their coop behind the pod and can be heard clucking in the morning and during the day – chickens have rights too…
The Fynbos Cabin is perched on a hill of fynbos with 270-degree views of the Chapmans Peak mountains, Sandy Bay dunes and Hout Bay beach. The pod was designed and thought out over a long time…so you’ll find a bit of glamorous rustic, a bit of luxury, a bit of originality, and a lot of practical functionality, with incredible views. This cabin is designed for three people, with different configurations possible: mattresses can be configured as a connected singular king bed for individuals or couples (default), or as twin beds for single travellers. The couch in the lounge has an additional feather mattress topper and can double up as a comfortable single bed for a third person if booked accordingly. Step up to your sleeping platform, read a book or wake up to a magical sunrise, watching the panoramic sea and mountain views. Behind a solid wood, locally crafted barn door, is the beautifully designed bathroom with a uniquely-tiled shower, stone basin atop a purpose-build wooden pedestal and loo. The Cabin has its own wooden deck – if it’s not windy, enjoy a braai and al fresco dining. You’ll love the wood-fired outdoor bath – pop a few logs into the wood-fired coil to warm up your own personal concrete hot bath (for one or two). Likewise, the outdoor shower hits the right spot after a hike or long day at the beach.
The kitchenette boasts beautiful, locally-crafted wooden counters and shelving, as well as a rustic concrete basin home-made from the sand outside. Crockery, cutlery and all the basics needed for self catering are found on the open shelves – the mini dishwasher is a joy for those who loathe washing up. The lounge area has a tiny wood-fired closed-combustion fireplace with a basket of wood, as well as a comfortable hand-crafted wooden couch with magnificent views. Drink your coffee in the morning, enjoy your meals, and if you must, work on your laptop under a unique chandelier, at the versatile coffee bar, with incredible views of the mountains and sea. The sliding windows all open in any direction, for the living outdoors feeling.
