"Give us the low-down on this place.This former beach house, high above Clifton’s famous beaches, has five suites and two self-contained apartments. What you can see from the entrance does not prepare you for what is tucked neatly into five storys below street level. Original owner Jess Latimer transformed what was a family rental property into a chic lodge with a casual beach house aesthetic. It’s now part of Rare Earth, an exclusive collection of boutique properties throughout South Africa. From the entrance you walk into a sitting room with 180-degree Atlantic Ocean views. Down a flight of stairs you come across a library, shop and small glass-fronted gym with stupendous views of Clifton’s four famous beaches - first beach is directly below the house, with fourth beach furthest away. Another flight of stairs takes you into the main living area and dining room with an open kitchen, leading onto an large deck and infinity lap pool suspended over the edge of the cliff. What are the other guests like?Young, trendy couples, especially honeymooners, who don’t need a full-service five-star hotel but love the proximity to Clifton’s beaches and Camps Bay’s nightlife. Onto the good stuff: Tell us about your room.The guest rooms all have balconies and sea views. Each room has its own configuration and unique character. Interiors are a clever curation of beach house chic: bleached wood, oversized sofas and armchairs in pale linen and cotton, cowrie shell treasure boxes and African beads and tribal sculptures. My deluxe room is more like a suite with a lounge area. It’s luxurious, large and extremely comfortable, decorated in harmony with the sky and ocean in natural fabrics in shades of white, cream and grey with vintage pieces and striking black and white photography and simple line illustrations adding interest to the walls. A king bed dressed in immaculate white linen and a sparkling clean white bathroom with subway tiles up the ante. All rooms have AC but flinging open the doors onto the balcony and allowing the salty air to waft inside is preferable. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks below? Were there any little features you're still raving about?I loved the beach bag stuffed with beach towels, ready for trips down to the sea. There’s a minibar to stock with your own drinks, and in-room tea- and coffee-making kit. How about on-site food and drinks? Worth it?Breakfast is served as a visual feast, buffet style, with dozens of fresh, cold options and hot dishes to order. There is no restaurant per se, but you can order a home-cooked meal in advance if you don’t want to go out. You can also relax on the deck with take-outs, delivered to the door. Crack open a bottle of Cape wine, and you’ll feel like you’re at one of the best restaurants in the world. The bar is operated as a honesty bar, with a lovely selection of boutique labels, craft beers and spirits. The staff: Was there anyone who really impressed you?The chefs who rustle up breakfast in the open kitchen—chatty and informative, all while flipping omelettes or timing a soft-boiled egg to perfection. Any other services or features you want to shout out?The ‘honesty’ pantry, stocked with delicious treats and snacks, and self-serve drinks, from wine and beer to soft drinks. Experienced and knowledgeable managers are quick to give their recommendations on what to do and where to go in a city with overwhelming choice. The entire property is available for rent as an exclusive-use villa Bottom line: worth it, and why?This feels a bit like having your Champagne tastes met on a beer budget—if you can secure a room, don’t hesitate. It’s Clifton, after all." - Jane Broughton
