Ellerman House

Insider’s Review of Ellerman House

The owner of Ellerman House, Paul Harris, has a deep passion for art and art collecting, and there are original South African pieces throughout Ellerman House, even in guests’ rooms. The main house is filled with works by South African masters, while the adjoining full gallery is a mix of classic and contemporary pieces—the history of art in this country is fantastic. The gallery is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week—a supremely peaceful place to wander in and sit at any time. It holds the air of contemplative study and meditation, and it is nigh impossible to not feel relaxed here.

Nestled cozily into Cape Town’s residential Bantry Bay, Ellerman House combines the barefoot ease of home with the flawlessly anticipatory service one expects from a luxury hotel. Lounge by the heated pool—or curl up in a cushy chair on the broad swathe of soft grass—and soak in the view of the sun setting over the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

Accommodations at Ellerman House

Ellerman House boasts 13 spacious rooms and two suites with lounges, while the Ellerman Villas next door are proper luxury homes, complete with separate staff and ideal for families. Every room in both the House and the Villa is distinctively decorated, and each features original South African art in keeping with the theme and colour scheme of that particular room. Soft and cozy furnishings, flat-screen televisions, and private complimentary bars are just a few of the features that make these rooms so delightful. But it is the awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic, and world-famous Robben Island, that take top billing any day.

In the guests-only dining room, international chefs prepare scrumptious meals tailored to your tastes. The sommelier pairs each dish with one of the cellar’s 7,500 South African wines. If guests find themselves still peckish later in the evening, a fully-stocked pantry is available for midnight snacks—just like at home!

A note for families & children

Ellerman House and Villa are happy to host children age 14 and up. Families may wish to rent the exclusive and luxurious Ellerman Villa adjacent to the property, which boasts a private pool, chef, butler and full staff.