Every now and again, one chances upon something really amazing – something that impresses and leaves a lasting memory. Such was my stay at 185 on Beach in Gordon’s Bay.
I have watched the sun set from lofty Lion’s Head and watched Table Mountain change from grey to pink to black as the sun ends its day over Cape Town, but this was the first time I had watched the sun silhouette Table Mountain.
I had spent most of the afternoon on the veranda of my magnificent room at 185 on Beach enjoying the winter sun. This north facing, ocean side guesthouse has been designed to soak up every last ray of sunshine.
Despite snow being on the Hottentots Holland Mountains behind the guesthouse, my balcony was delightfully warm.
The best part of the day was the sunset. Table Mountain is some 50km to the west and I watched, mesmerised, as the sun dipped into the groove between Devils Peak and Table Mountain.
Explore what 185 on Beach has to offer
Jeanette Loring, the owner, took me on a guided tour of this magnificent guesthouse. The attention to detail, creative use of space and a beautifully decorated interior makes 185 on Beach a wonderful place to visit.
What is unusual about 185 on Beach is that it is located on a small intrusion of land into False Bay. Beach Road in Gordon’s Bay is thus one of the few places in the region that can be north facing, on the beach and with a view across False Bay.
The pool deck is designed for sun worshippers. Deck chairs abound and there is a fridge near the pool deck; guests are encouraged to bring their own ‘refreshments’ often bought on their adventures in the Helderberg Wine Route – Vergelegen, Lourensford, Morgenster, Waterkloof and Idiom being some. It’s strong encouragement to enjoy cool pleasures around the pool rather than go to the beach though the ocean is one very narrow and quiet street away.
My room, the Starlight Premier Suite, was huge, comfortable, bright, airy and lovingly decorated. The adjacent bathroom was marginally smaller and enjoyed much the same attractive view.
I met some of the other guests and we soon found ourselves discussing the wonders of 185 on Beach. Some of the guests were staying on a self-catering basis as almost every room in the guest house is equipped with fridges, cutlery and crockery and a microwave.
Try the menu at 185 on Beach
Breakfast was served next to the pool deck. Large fruit, yoghurt and muesli parfaits were followed by bacon and eggs to your liking, fresh hot coffee and toast and preserves.
Gordon’s Bay offers more than Cape Town in some respects. The sea water, for one, is much warmer and Bikini Beach, a hop skip and a jump away, offers great surfing too. The drive from Gordon’s Bay to Rooi Els, beneath the towering Hottentot’s Holland Mountains, is claimed by many to be more beautiful than Chapman’s Peak.
Great restaurants, quaint shops and scenic nature trails are all within walking distance. The cosmopolitan Strand and the wine-growing Helderberg are just a short drive away.
But, in all seriousness, my advice is to stay at 185 on Beach for as long as possible and spend as little as possible away from the sundeck! I will never forget the Table Mountain sunset or my warm afternoon on the veranda. Can’t wait to return!
For more information, visit www.185onbeach.co.za or call 021 856 0518.
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