I wasn't sure what we'd find when we pulled off the main road and up to the gates of Hawksmoor House. Yet from the moment we arrived--we felt welcomed and cared for. Like staying with long-time friends who want to do everything possible to make sure you enjoy your stay. Maike, the manager, is that friend. She is the soul of Hawksmoor and makes Hawksmoor amongst the most special places I've ever stayed in the world.
First, the interior of the house is so distinctive and elegant. It's a blend of vintage Cape Dutch style and modern design. Truly beautiful and looks out of a magazine...which it is! Hawksmoor has been the unique set for high fashion photos shoots. There's just something so old world about the place--yet with all the right modern touches. The bathroom was so spacious that I would wake up each morning, curl up on the big chair to read while waiting for the tub to fill for a bath.
In the mornings, breakfast is served in the main dining room--looking out at the beautiful backyard with lavender bushes and a reflecting pool. Bodum press coffees, teas, warm croissants, muselis, and an array of fresh exotic fruits that you can serve yourself. Plus, a cooked breakfast made individually by the ladies.
On the night we arrived, the house held a traditional candlelight dinner (Wednesdays and Saturdays). Since it was a cold evening, we sat around the white marble top table in the intimate kitchen to enjoy a cape malay meal cooked by Esmeralda right in front of us. The relaxed meal was a highlight of our trip, and accompanied by wine from Hawksmoor's own vineyard. Truly, we felt transported back in time.
Even before we'd arrived, Maike had made reservations for us at her favorite (and some of the top) restaurants in the area. She'd even called restaurants beforehand to find out which ones could accommodate our food requests. (La Petite Ferme and 96 Winery Road were our favorites and offered extraordinary values for their meals.) We really felt cared for and impressed by all the thoughtful touches during our stay here.
Hawksmoor House probably isn't to everyone's tastes. There are no in-room TVs or telephones. No late night room service. There might even be some small leaks during heavy rains. Afterall, the house is a grand dame surviving from the Winelands historical past, holding on to her vintage furnishings while being updated with beautiful designs from the Wineland's present. This is all part of Hawksmoor House's elegant charm.
With lots of common open spaces, Hawksmoor would be ideal for friends gathering together for a weekend, a small family gathering (though not recommended for young children), or people who enjoy a stay in a quiet country house--but still want to check their email on the provided computer. It's also just an easy 35 minute drive to Cape Town and 20 minutes into Stellenbosch town centre. There's also plenty of parking onsite. I would absolutely stay here instead of in Stellenbosch town centre if visiting the Winelands.
We stayed at Hawksmoor for 3 nights and some days when it rained outside, we really wanted to do nothing more than stay in by the fire to read for the day. This place envelops you to relax in its comforts. The ladies on staff here are like a family and they treat you with care. Each morning at breakfast, I could hear them chatting and laughing with each other, enjoying the start to the day.
Some places, you pay through your nose for luxury and pampering in nice environs, but...they have no soul. Hawksmoor House overbrims with soul that is genuine and affordable. I can't wait to return!
