Ellerman House
Cape Town

The dramatic backdrop of Lion’s Bay is the setting for the privately-owned Ellerman House. Formerly the Bantry Bay mansion of philanthropist Sir John Ellerman, this boutique hotel exudes effortless style, combining historic charm with contemporary design - think modern English country home with a strong Capetonian flair. Thirteen beautifully decorated suites and rooms (no two are alike) plus two uber lux and private villas, offer guests a glamorous haven from which to explore Cape Town’s delights. Shaded verandas and terraced gardens overlook spectacular ocean views with Clifton’s famed beaches within walking distance. Local attractions such as Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are a ten-minute drive away. 

Art lovers will enjoy the distinguished and eclectic art collection housed within the hotel, seamlessly complementing the exquisite interiors and it is considered one of the most important collections in South Africa. Wandering through the hotel feels like a cultural outing in itself. Ellerman House has an on-sight art expert available to give guests thorough guided tours of the hotel’s exquisite collection. Private art tours of the city and the Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek with the in-house guide are also available and are highly recommended.

Ellerman House have recently launched their Sleep Room programme so guests can opt to have their room transformed into a Sleep Room and follow a set of activities designed to enhance the quantity and quality of sleep. They have also created the Ellerman House Wellness Retreats which involve sunrise activities, active meditation and a consultation with Wellness expert Harry Jameson.

Dining at Ellerman House is an experience not to be missed – dress up for cocktails on the terrace as the sun sinks into the ocean before sitting down to a sumptuous feast of local ingredients. An afternoon at Ellerman can certainly be wiled away in the impressive wine and whiskey cellar. Red wines are stored in 8-ft carbon-fibre free-standing corkscrew whilst one wall is made entirely of the soils from the different wine growing regions in South Africa. The whiskey ‘corner’ has a display showing the stages of fermentation that the liquor goes through. Art and frivolity are closely intertwined at Ellerman. 

The hotel’s ethos of generous hospitality, reminiscent of a grand country house, includes guest perks such as complimentary transfers and in-room mini bars. There is no back of house, so wander through to the kitchen, catch up with the chef and delve into the open snack cupboard (delicious wraps and sandwiches appear at tea-time) on your way back to the pool. Sundowners at the in-house Bar Roc are also included. Ellerman House is luxurious, chilled and feels like the dream version of your own home. Prepare to fall in love!

The ideal is to feel at home anywhere, everywhere.
Geoff Dyer