FISHERMAN’S COTTAGE, PEARLY BEACH
If life has taken its toll and you’re tired of being tired, nothing beats a relaxing week at the seaside and leaving everything that requires a cellphone signal at home.
In September last year, I was surprised to still find holiday houses for December available online. Fisherman’s Cottage in Pearly Beach near Gansbaai on the Overberg coast was one such house. There are two bedrooms with a double bed each, and a third bedroom with two single beds, sleeping six people in total. All the rooms have en suite bathrooms – two showers and one bath, with a sea view! Bedding and towels aren’t provided so bring your own. Two of the bedrooms are on the ground floor and the third bedroom, an open-plan kitchen and living area are on the top floor.
The kitchen is equipped with a stove, a fridge and most of the basics, but don’t expect crystal glasses and a full dinner set. The cottage doesn’t have a television, but you can survive without Carte Blanche for a week, right?
There’s a braai on the lawn behind the cottage where the kids can kick a ball around. You can also lock your vehicle in the garage for peace of mind.
I was a little sceptical when I read that the cottage was “only a 5-minute walk” from the beach, but it really is. A short walk along a sandy path brings you to the rocks where anglers cast their lines. A swimming beach is to the left, watched over by lifeguards in season.
The view from the balcony is first-class, as is the view from the couch in the living area – the perfect place to read a book and watch the changing colours of the sea. (Pick up a holiday read at the Book Exchange in Gansbaai: 084 778 2810, or search for “Gansbaai Book Exchange” on Facebook.)
Things to do: There are two hiking trails in the area and you can go shark-cage diving, either at Pearly Beach or from nearby Kleinbaai.
Niggles? There are no soap dishes or caddies in the showers.
Where? 9 Arikreukel Street, Pearly Beach
Rates: R1 200 per night for six people.
Contact: Jakobus Snyders 082 777 1262