Ellerman House
About this hotel
Perched on the wind-sheltered cliffs of Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is less of a hotel and more of a private gallery-residence. This 13-room boutique property offers a secluded sanctuary for travellers who prize privacy, aesthetic depth, and an intimate, club-like atmosphere over the anonymity of larger hotels. The personality of the house is defined by its curation; it houses one of the most significant private collections of South African art, which flows seamlessly from the quiet drawing rooms into the terraced gardens. The ambience is one of residential elegance—think hushed, curated spaces, grand Atlantic views, and a dedicated team who maintain a local, personalised service standard. It is best suited to art enthusiasts, discerning couples seeking a romantic coastal escape, and those who prefer their Cape Town base to feel like a private home. Signature experiences here are unhurried: spending an afternoon in the terraced gardens, enjoying a tasting in the exceptionally stocked wine cellar, or cooling off in the infinity pool while watching the waves break against the Bantry Bay coastline. With options ranging from the intimate Deluxe and Superior Rooms to the ultra-private Garden and Ellerman Villas, the property offers a bespoke stay that feels removed from the city bustle whilst remaining within easy distance of Cape Town’s primary attractions. It is a refined, quiet address for those who value exclusivity and high-level attention to detail above all else.
Why we love it
Curation as Standard
The house boasts one of South Africa’s finest private art collections, integrated throughout the property. Guests are encouraged to explore the rotating displays that span historic to contemporary works, turning the corridors and communal spaces into an immersive, ever-evolving gallery experience that feels personal and unhurried.
World-Class Wine Cellar
The wine cellar is a standout feature, housing a vast, meticulously selected collection of South African wines. Guests can participate in expert-led tastings within the cellar or have the house sommeliers suggest pairings for dinner at OneEighty, ensuring the national viticultural heritage is at the heart of the guest experience.
Iconic Atlantic Views
The infinity pool is positioned to offer some of the most striking uninterrupted views across the Atlantic Ocean. It serves as the focal point of the property’s terrace, providing a calm, sun-drenched space to relax while taking in the dramatic Bantry Bay scenery that defines this iconic coastline.
Exclusive Boutique Privacy
With only 13 rooms and a selection of private villas, the property maintains an intimate, quiet atmosphere. This low room count ensures that the service remains focused and personal, catering to a clientele that values privacy and a residential feel over the activity levels of a larger luxury resort.
Exceptional Culinary Venues
Dining at the property is a multi-faceted experience, encompassing the elegant Curate at Ellerman House, the seasonal focus of OneEighty, and the sophisticated atmosphere of Bar Roc. Each space is designed to complement the house’s refined character, offering guests thoughtful menus that reflect local flavours and the setting.
Tranquil Terraced Gardens
The hotel is set within beautifully maintained, cascading terraced gardens that separate it from the bustle below. These green spaces offer a tranquil retreat for quiet contemplation or afternoon drinks, providing a soft contrast to the stark, rugged coastline of Bantry Bay visible from the property’s edge.
Rooms & suites
- • Deluxe Room
- • Superior Room
- • Garden Villa
- • Ellerman Villa
Dining
- • Curate at Ellerman House
- • OneEighty
- • Bar Roc
Gallery
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