BY THE SEA

When patriarch Mills passed away, his family faced a choice: either maintain his Kalk Bay home as a familial escape or transform it for selective rentals. Thankfully, they chose the latter.

As one leaves the cobbled streets and Bohemian vibrancy of the village centre and passes through the quaint, colourful Harbour neighbourhood, the home comes into view.

The newly renovated By The Sea is a respectful nod to the region's heritage. The home features a blend of Cape Revival, Victorian and other architectural styles, somewhat reminiscent of the work of Sir Herbert Baker. The naturally rendered walls are capped with red-tiled roofs, and unpainted Tuscan columns run along the courtyards and covered loggias below. Inside, this residence avoids any clichéd seaside décor, allowing the adjacent sea to narrate that story.

The bright and airy lounge has a fireplace for cold Cape winter days. (Jared Ruttenberg)

Carefully chosen coffee table books give insight into the area’s history. (Jared Ruttenberg)

Views for days at By the Sea in Kalk Bay. (Jared Ruttenberg)

Each of the three smaller home units has its own lounge. (Jared Ruttenberg)

With floor-to-ceiling windows, ocean views are not only offered, but reflected back from outside. (Jared Ruttenberg)

The house, along with two apartments, is perfect for extended family or friends to connect while still enjoying their own space. Each apartment has its own kitchen, lounge and two bedrooms, and there are three bedrooms in the main house.

The verandas and courtyards provide ample outdoor space. To top it off, a small gate opens onto a tidal pool directly in front of the home. This shallow water offers a spot to cool down — thankfully warmer than the surrounding Atlantic waters.

The master suite features large bay windows and direct access to the balcony. (Jared Ruttenberg)

The sound of waves meeting shore provide the backdrop for supmtous bath experiences. (Jared Ruttenberg)

Though you’ll find it hard to leave the property, if you crave a meal out, you’re spoilt for choice. In the mornings, Olympia Café offers the best baked treats. First visit the café for a meal, then pop around the back for takeaway croissants from the bakery’s hole-in-the-wall. In the Harbour itself, Kalkies serves fuss-free fish and chips, while Harbour House offers exquisitely plated seafood in a crisp white setting overlooking the ocean.

Returning to the villa, you’ll likely find the housekeeper, Harris Kamwendo, has discreetly whipped the home back into shape and lit a fire in the conservatory-styled lounge. All that’s left for you to do is soak it all in.

A covered veranda looks out over the tidal pool and rocky shoreline below. (Jared Ruttenberg)

GETAWAY AT A GLANCE:

WHERE IT IS: Kalk Bay is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, 30 from the airport.

SLEEPING: The seven en-suite bedrooms are spread across three distinct sections.

EATING: Fully self-catering, with some basics provided, including coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper and oil. Wood and firelighters are also supplied.

FACILITIES: Braai, ice machine, washing machine, dryer and dishwasher, Wi-Fi and Smart TVs in the lounges.

MORE TO DO: Cape Point offers hikes and the Two Oceans Restaurant; Simon's Town has the Boulders penguins and two museums.

VILLA DEL FARO

Villa Del Faro similarly exemplifies the extraordinary, with the “champagne air” of the Overstrand. Perched on the Hermanus coastline, it overlooks the living landscape before it, where whales glide through the ocean below and sunsets paint the sky.

“The Lighthouse” in Spanish, it takes its name from the view of Danger Point Lighthouse in the distance. Owners Drico and Melanie Holscher have poured love and considerable work into it. When renovations started in 2023, it became evident that the original house had major structural issues, necessitating a complete demolition. “The architect named it the Polyfilla Villa,” Drico laughs.

Now, walking into the villa feels akin to floating on the ocean — it’s that close. Stone cladding and glass stacking doors unveil the wild, allowing the breeze to flow through and creating an ethereal, spa-like atmosphere alongside the continuous sound of the ocean crashing on the rocks below.

Glass stacking doors unveil the wild, allowing the breeze to flow through and creating an ethereal, spa-like atmosphere. (Jared Ruttenberg)

Villa Del Faro is palatial without being ostentatious. The clever design allows all four en-suite bedrooms to overlook the ocean from their balconies, while the large outdoor deck and pool enhance the opportunity to soak in the views. On a visit with friends, the two lounges, dining spaces, indoor braai and spacious kitchen serve as the hub for our indoor social times.

The villa also functions as a semi-gallery, with pieces by Grégoire Boonzaier, Frans Claerhout, Amos Langdown, Christian Nice and other celebrated local and international artists.

Our in-house massages and tasting of some exquisite wines from Creation in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, arranged by Kirsten Nienaber, the villa’s helpful host, were just two of many experiences that can be arranged.

The fully stocked kitchen is a dream to cook in. (Jared Ruttenberg)

The dining table is just one of several spaces perfect for gathering. (Jared Ruttenberg)

All four en-suite bedrooms overlook the ocean from their balconies. (Jared Ruttenberg)

GETAWAY AT A GLANCE:

WHERE IT IS: Hermanus is a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, and the villa itself is a 5-minute drive from the village centre.

SLEEPING: Four suites sleep two people each, with an additional room downstairs available on request.

EATING: Coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper and oil are provided, and for your self-catering needs, the fully stocked kitchen is a dream to cook in.

FACILITIES: Indoor and outdoor braai; pool with loungers; washing machine; dryer; dishwasher; uncapped Wi-Fi; and Smart TVs.

MORE TO DO: Hermanus offers a range of eateries and shopping, a string of wine estates line the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and for the brave, shark cage diving launches from Gansbaai, 30 minutes away.

RATES: From R16,000 per night for up to eight guests. Includes daily housekeeping and welcome drinks

MORE INFO: Visit villadelfaro.co.za or email bookings@villadelfaro.co.za.

• Ruttenberg was a guest of both properties.