The Tintswalo Collection has opened Tintswalo Summer House in the seaside village of Glencairn. This exciting new boutique hotel joins sister properties in Cape Town, Tintswalo Atlantic and Tintswalo Boulders, to mark another milestone in Tintswalo’s ongoing commitment to distinctive, warm and character-rich hospitality.
Following meticulous renovation and design, the historical hotel has been reimagined as a luxurious seaside retreat that honours its heritage and embraces contemporary sophistication. Originally established in 1904 as the iconic Glencairn Southern Right Hotel, the property was a celebrated landmark of coastal elegance and a meeting place for dignitaries and notable public figures. Over the decades, the hotel fell into disrepair and lost its former grandeur. In 2014 Tintswalo acquired the historic building, initially operating it as a restaurant only, while researching and planning the full restoration.
Today, overlooking sweeping views of False Bay, Tintswalo Summer House is dressed in eye-catching ‘Tintswalo pink’. Offering 12 individually styled guest suites, the vibrant and colourful interiors of the meticulously restored heritage villawere designed by Camlyn Johnston, further growing the third-generation family business as head of Tintswalo Interiors, alongside her gran Gaye Corbett, and mom, Tintswalo CEO Lisa Goosen. Tintswalo Summer House has already earned industry recognition, receiving the prestigious Scape Gold Key Award, which celebrates design excellence in luxury hospitality and guest experiences.
Tintswalo Summer House is designed as a haven for travellers, featuring suites of character and charm – inviting one to step inside and leave the world behind. Honouring the classic features of the original hotel, no two guest rooms are alike, each whimsically named in a nod to its distinctive personality and colour palette. From Marigold’s golden glow, Verdant’s lush greens, Rosie’s pink blush, and Bit of Blue’s tranquil charm, to Citron, Robin, Azure, Noir, Elsie, Thistle, Papillon, and Charlotte – each name a hint of the story waiting inside.
Accommodation is categorized into four room categories, each offering a personalised backdrop for rest and relaxation, some with sea views, while others gaze out over the inviting poolside deck. Low season rates from the 1st of May range from R2800 to R4800 per room per night and include full breakfast, as well as complimentary sunset cocktail and canapés to celebrate every beautiful day spent at Tintswalo Summer House.
The journey through time continues in the hotel’s public spaces with a blend of contemporary design, maximalist spirit, and antique charm. Special features include a spectacular swimming pool and sundeck; the quirky Tini Martini Bar; a sunny breakfast room set around a bubbling water feature; and comfy lounge areas with deep sofas and quiet corners for reading or enjoying High Tea for two.
The restaurant, Summer House Eatery serves lunches and dinners in an elegant, but relaxed seaside setting. Inspired by the charm of classic French bistros, it is a space where European history and elegance is celebrated alongside South African spirit and soul. Restaurant interiors blend sea views on one side opposite a feature wall of antique dinner plates, each one whispering a story of meals long savoured.
The menu is a celebration of the Cape Peninsula’s rich cultural tapestry, brought together through a Mediterranean lens. The open-fire dining concept is at the heart of the space, inviting diners to feast as the chefs turn flame into flavour. Coastal-inspired cuisine is brought to the table by Head Chef Thando Jaxa and his team, including steaks, prawns, fresh salads and vegetable dishes. Made for sharing, the cuisine champions the bounty of the Western Cape and its passionate farmers, artisans, and the coastal waters. Restaurant bookings are available via Dineplan.
Sommelier and Joint General Manager Jabu Ngwenya takes pride in a curated cocktail and wine list that features an extensive variety of wine cultivars and regions, alongside a range of quality house wines produced by Lomond Wine Estate in the cool climate Cape Agulhas region.
Adjacent to the restaurant the Sports Bar remains a much-loved feature, retaining its vintage charm with black-and-white checkered floors, an antique fireplace, weathered textures, and a beautifully crafted timber bar counter. Opening onto the terrace with sea views, it’s where the locals meet for a drink, watch a game, and enjoy relaxed fare such as classic fish and chips, a pressed beef burger, or the signature prawn roll.
An exciting and luxurious new destination on Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula, Tintswalo Summer House promises a serene escape that celebrates the stunning natural beauty of the area. From beaches and tidal pools to scenic coastal paths and other attractions on route to iconic Cape Point, it offers a seamless blend of relaxation and unforgettable experiences.
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