Named as one of the best houses to rent by the sea in South Africa by Conde Nast Traveller, November 2009

South Africa -
The best houses to rent by the sea

LA GRATITUDE

HERMANUS

House Style: No-frills traditional

La Gratitude began life a century ago as a simple summer holiday home for the farming Pickstone family, associates of Cecil John Rhodes. A recent restoration by Wendy Pickstone, a descendant of the original owner, has brought the Cape Dutch vernacular of its architect, Herbert Baker, back to life. The walls are built of solid stone, the roof is thatched, the shutters are teak and there are uninterrupted 180-degree views of Walker Bay, the haunt of the mating Southern Right whales, in August.

La Gratitude has possibly the best location in Hermanus: it was the first house to be built on this stretch of coast and it is still the closest to Grotto Beach. Set in large private grounds, thick with indigenous Fynbos, this is a no-frills beach house that is as unpretentious despite being a landmark on the Walker Bay coastline. It sleeps 10 in five uncluttered, light-filled bedrooms , in the sitting room are comfortable sofas and good, solid, period furniture, including a gleaming 10-seater dining-room table.

T here’s a large swimming pool with loungers overlooking the bay, a terrace dining area with a barbeque and a huge lawn that is great for young children

• SLEEPS: 10
• GREAT FOR: Family and party holidays.
• WHY: Lots of space inside and out
• WHY NOT: All those whale watchers in August
• COST: From R4000 (about £315) per night
• 00 27 21 874 1122www.lagratitude.com