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Rodwell Road, St James, Cape Town, South Africa
7945
Lovingly restored to its parquet-floored, clipped-lawn glory, Rodwell House is a refined 1930s mansion that houses a boutique hotel, an impressive collection of 20th-century art, a huge wine cellar and two passionate hosts.
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Rodwell Road, St James, Cape Town, South Africa
Live Bait on Kalk Bay’s harbour (+27 (0)21 788 5755) is a fantastic seafood restaurant with a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Ask for a corner table overlooking the sea. Harbour House is another good bet for fresh fish; it’s just above Live Bait. At 134 Main Road, Olympia Café in Kalk Bay (+27 (0)21 788 6396) is a tiny, bustling eatery. Don't be deterred by its humble appearance – it's hugely characterful and popular. You might have to queue for a table, but it's well worth it for the fresh ingredients and fantastic bread baked on site by chef Kenneth McClarty.
In Kalk Bay, The Polana restaurant on the harbour (+27 (0)21 788 7162) has huge windows overlooking the wave-lashed rocks. It has a very chilled-out bar area with big leather sofas that’s a favourite with cocktail-sipping, backgammon-playing locals. Have a few Portuguese-influenced starters and an eyeful of ocean for mains (or nip next door to Live Bait for dinner).
The surfers, bikers and ageing rockers at 1960s hangout Muizenberg Village make stopping at one of the little ice-cream bars and cafés a people-watching dream come true.
Rodwell House co-owner Robin will take time to get to know you, and suggest activities and sights that you’ll really enjoy. A fairly obvious thing to begin with would be a tour of his amazing cellar and some wine-tasting classes.
You’re right on the coast – Muizenberg, Fishhoek and Dalebrook beaches are all close – so swimming, kayaking, body-boarding and kite surfing are on offer nearby (all the relevant kit can be hired locally).
You could potter down to Kalk Bay and poke about in the little crafts and antiques shops, or try birdwatching in Rodwell House’s gardens or in one of two local bird sanctuaries. Walk a little down the coast and swim in the remarkable tidal rock pools at Dalebrooke – if you want, Rodwell House can arrange for a marine biologist to come with you and talk you through the secret life of the sea; honestly, it’s fascinating. Or just ask for a picnic and take that along instead.
Stretch your legs and enjoy the spectacular view from the top of Table Mountain. There are many routes up, but the route from Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (+27 (0)21 799 8783) will make you glad you huffed and puffed your way up there.
For a full list of bars and restaurants in Cape Town, click here
Rodwell House provides a gorgeous backdrop to your nuptials, with Italianate architecture, mature terraced gardens, and views of the mountains and the Indian Ocean; the pergola is perfect for ceremonies.
The wedding licence is pending at the time of writing, so check with the hotel for the latest news. Eighty guests can be accommodated for a champagne receptions with canapés; 40 for a sit-down dinner, which can take place inside if the weather turns grey or blustery. Owners Robin and Joanne will make sure everything is exactly as you’d want it, adding personal touches to create a totally bespoke event. They have an efficient and intuitive wedding planner who will take care of all the details and run the show like clockwork.
Wine, wine, wine – the cellar at Rodwell House is exceptional, so your wedding menu can be moulded around your preferences, or around a particular vintage or French champagne; Robin and Joanne can help you select something really special for the toasts.
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The Rodwell Suite can be connected with the Muizenberg room for families; there’s a safe patio to play on and acres of space. Under 12s can stay in other rooms with their parents for R500 per night.
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Romping over the lawns and along the beach, and paddling in rock pools; playing boules. Rodwell House can arrange loads of fun family-friendly activities, including nature walks, hiking, biking and canoeing, as well as day trips.
Children are welcome to use the main pool, which has a shallow end, but it’s unsupervised; parents should be present and also ensure other guests are not overly disturbed.
The kitchens are very flexible and can adapt the menu with smaller portions or tweaks to certain dishes on request; children are encouraged to try new flavours and expected to behave themselves in the dining room. High chairs available.
Can be arranged (preferably with 24 hours’ notice) at a cost of R100 per hour.
Bring your own monitors; check the range but most should be audible from the restaurant.
There aren’t any special facilities on site, but if you forget something vital the hotel will help you find a replacement.
All rooms have fridges where you can store milk, and child-friendly lunches and picnics can be packed to go.
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