A tale of the unexpected, the five-star Waterfront Guesthouse at 35 Helena Street in Port Owen is an antidote to homogenised predictability in self-catering establishments. With a deftly executed interior, it’s a sophisticated, comfortable waterside retreat.
The living rooms are ever so appealing, while the marina views delight and divert. Every convenience is in abundance in the cool beige kitchen which sports four fridge/freezers, two dishwashers, a washing machine and tumble drier. Three ensuite bedrooms with extra-long king-size beds are smart as paint, while two additional bedrooms have their own bathrooms too.
But there’s more. Capitalising on its superb location, indoor/outdoor entertainment comes complete with a pizza oven, as well as a gas and wood braai. It goes without saying that your boat also is accommodated at a private berth. And to crown it all, an indoor gym for keep-fit buffs.
Port Owen is big on activities. There’s boating, sailing and canoeing; sauntering through the marina; watching 210 bird species; visiting Laaiplek harbour; Tollie’s Boat and River Cruises (071 1110417); visiting the famed Russell’s on the Port restaurant; buying art at Marina Clunie’s River Studio (083 4159524); or delighting in Velddrif’s inimitable Bokkomlaan.
This is a destination guesthouse that doesn’t cost a fortune – R875pppn negotiable, depending on time of year, number of people and length of stay. It’s child- and pet-friendly (by arrangement) too. Pretty well all you’d want from a five-star establishment, but with a much more relaxed style.
Book: Rob Newman at thewaterfrontguesthouse@telkomsa.net; 082 3309777.
