Getaway May_2019

Mosttastefulguesthouse

SoulArch

NotratedoNtripadvisor

Thereareplentyofgrander,biggerand‘blingier’self-cateringhouses

alongRobberg’ssought-afterbeachfront,butformeSoulArchhits

thesweetspot:a low-key,beautifullydetailed,designerhome,

uber-stylishyetcomfortable,a shortstrollfromthebeachbutwithits

ownpool.Givenitslocationin‘richRobberg’,it’sa veryfairpricetoo.

Francesand WotjekOrzechowskimovedto Plett to live in an off-grid

cottage 15 yearsago.Theyopeneda clothingshop(Indalo)and

startedcollectingdoors,windowsandwood.In 2008 theyfoundthe

ideal spot: a hillsideoverlookingthe bird-filledvlei, a block back from

SolarBeach.InspiredbyNewZealandbach-stylebeachhouses–

‘Simplelivingusinga combinationofproducts,’asFrancesdescribes

it – they designedSolar Arch (namedafter a surf move by 70s surfing

legendGerryLopez),incorporatingtheirrecycledwoodandfound

doorsandwindows,andthenfurnishedit intheirtrademark

boho-chicstyle.

ROOMTIPThehousehasthreebedrooms– twowithdoublebeds,

theotheronewiththreebunkbeds.If you’relookingfora bigger

houseinthesamearea,checkout‘SolarBeachHouse’onAirbnb–

not as stylish,but it sleeps15 in seven bedrooms(R3 500 a night).

COSTFrom R4 200 a night (sleepsfour adultsand six children).

CONTACT021-790 - 0972,perfecthideaways.co.za

Best self-catering house

Christiana Lodge

tripadvisorNo. 12 of 101 specialitylodgiNgs

What appears to be four separate residential homes, clustered
on a block set back one road from Solar Beach, have been
cleverly linked together to create a cohesive boutique hotel
from the inside. It’s a lovely warren-like experience exploring
these interlinked houses. Corridors and courtyards lead to
a variety of B&B rooms in Christiana Lodge (11 rooms), House
Philip (three rooms) and Brakvlei (three rooms; also available
as a self-catering unit). Brakkloof is a stunning little self-catering
apartment for two – the kind of place you want to move into for
a month. Rooms throughout are finished to a high standard,
with classy, contemporary decor: wicker and wood in a neutral
white-and-cream palette, with plenty of white-painted American
shutters. It’s immaculately maintained too – I left super
impressed, despite the whirlwind nature of my visit.
ROOM TIP Views vary and rooms are priced accordingly. For
a longer holiday, book Brakkloof and you have all the joys of
self-catering along with the benefits of a staffed property.
COST From R950 pp sharing B&B. Self-catering apartment
from R1 190 pp sharing.
Supplied CONTACT 0 4 4 -533 - 6212, christianalodge.com

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