A mere 30 minutes drive out of the Cape Town city centre, a secluded home away from home awaits you at the dk Villa Harbour View Villa in Hout Bay.
As we entered the address into the GPS for the drive there, I began to wonder what the stay had in store for us and imagined a weekend of relaxation and sea breezes.
As we drove along the winding road out of Constantia, we eased into the holiday mood, green trees lighting the pathway to our weekend getaway.
On entering Hout Bay it felt as though we were transcending into a different world as the shores came into view and the sounds of crashing waves ushered us forth.
We arrived at Harbour View Villa to be warmly greeted in true Hout Bay fashion by Liz, who smiled and welcomed us in.
“You are in for a treat of a weekend, the apartment is so wonderful,” Liz said.
With wide eyes with excitement we headed to the apartment located on the second floor. The external façade of the building is unassuming, painted a muted beige but a view fit for a king is what welcomed us as we entered the apartment.
Decorated with blue tones, wooden finishes paired with a modern twist, the Harbour View apartment has a balcony view of the Hout Bay habour, and yes it was as jaw-dropping as it sounds.
Liz took us on a tour of the apartment and revealed three bedrooms with one of them featuring as ensuite and a second bathroom accompanied with a shower and toilet.
Feeling spoilt for choice, we decided to choose the main bedroom as our slumber haven – the obligatory ‘bed check’ (where you sit on the edge and bounce to check the comfort) reassured me I was in for a good nights rest.
We popped open the welcoming bottle of dk Villa branded champagne and watched the sun rest upon the horizon. It was the first time we attempted to open a bottle of champagne and the ‘pop!’ reaffirmed the holiday mood.
After the obligatory cheers, we wandered around the apartment exploring all the rooms, bathrooms and kitchen.
The Habour View kitchen is fit for a King, equipped with state the art Smeg appliances, utensils and everything you could need to whip up a delicious meal.
Traditionally we prepare nachos on a Friday (no, not every Friday, we may then sport the figure of a nacho chip), and this day was no different, as we packed all the necessary ingredients. Thankfully there was a suitable oven dish along with a chopping board, sharp knives and a grater to prepare our meal.
Tossing the mozzarella cheese over the chips and smashing the avocado, we couldn’t wait to settle into the couch and watch a movie. The apartment is equipped with DStv and Wi-Fi, offering guests the opportunity to stay up to date on their favourite shows.
After eating our fill, we retired to bed settling in the Egyptian cotton sheets and soft duvet.
Waking up bright an early on a Saturday morning, we decided to take a walk to the nearest beach, passing by the ‘smallest pub in Africa’ and nearby apartment blocks, under the scorching summer sun.
The beach was a short 10 -15 minute walk from the apartment and is nestled in a secluded cove that stretches to the popular Mariner’s Wharf.
Heading back to the apartment, we were happy to find clean bath and beach towels. All of the bathrooms are equipped with a honey-based body wash, shampoo, conditioner and soap produced by Simply Bee.
A light breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast was feasted on after our brisk walk to the seaside. The balcony features an adorable tea table where we ate our breakfast and let the fresh breeze in with the open sliding doors.
We headed to the nearest restaurant, with numerous options available we decided to try Deli Delish, a cafe that offers wholesome meals. Ordering the vegetarian burger (a homemade patty with basil mayo), my mouth watered as it arrived to the table. I was not disappointed in the flavours of my meal, whereas my partner ordered a succulent and flaky hake served with chips.
“There is no sincere love than the love of food”, a quote by George Bernard Shaw hung framed on the wall in Deli delish and reflects the warm nature of the staff and the flavours of the food.
Walking back to the apartment block, we noticed a nearby Checkers grocery store, easily accessible as it is across the road from the Harbour View villa. We decided to purchase a few items to prepare pancakes for our Sunday breakfast.
Unfortunately, we were not successful in our attempts to make pancakes due to the pan available. As an inside tip, it is advisable to bring along a non-stick frying pan if you intend to prepare pancakes, crumpets or flapjacks.
We decided to dip the available Ouma buttermilk rusks in tea instead – reminding us that even a rusk can solve hunger pangs.
Sitting on the balcony, I gazed at the ocean view feeling relaxed and at ease. The Habour View Villa gave us the chance to unwind and take a moment to breathe from the daily stresses of life.
Sunday morning rolled in sooner than we expected, with check out time being at 10am we packed up our bags and bid a sad farewell to our new home away from home.
The Harbour View villa in Hout Bay will always have a special place in my heart.
Contact: Co-founder Johann de Kock, 082 922 0775
Website: www.dkvillas.co.za
Picture: dk villas/Harbour View villa