Once a sleepy fishing village with Atlantic ocean breezes strong enough to drive wind turbines, Paternoster has long been a favourite of Capetonians.
Until the 1980s the only accommodation available was the Paternoster Hotel - a limestone building erected by locals in 1863, with its famous (or infamous) bar where illegal uncut alluvial diamonds were traded between rough and ready West Coast diamond divers and dodgy diamond cutters, “a pakkie for a bakkie”.
These days Paternoster is a rustic-chic seaside fishing village attracting discerning international visitors. With no big hotels or resorts, the beaches are never overcrowded or spoiled through over-development.
Linhof Boutique Guest House opened its doors two months ago and promises to become one of the most popular destinations here. It is on the unspoilt white sandy beach at Bek Bay with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic ocean, Columbine Nature Reserve’s coastline and the Cape Columbine lighthouse.
The relaxing lounge area.
The architecture and decor are clean, contemporary beach-house and international in style. The six guest rooms overlook the beach and five have private patios.
Although a luxury location, there’s no pretension, simply a celebration of West Coast laid-back life where sipping a glass of wine on a sun-drenched lounger, enjoying a crayfish dinner are everyday pastimes.
The beach view from the wind-sheltered balcony of one of the guest houses at Linhof.
On arrival I was welcomed by hostess Mariana Schoeman, who has over 30 years’ experience managing luxury boutique lodges and guest houses throughout Southern Africa.
My room was perfect - the decor and linen in cool whites and grey echoing the hues of the surrounding beach and ocean. The fresh fragrance of sea salt wafted in through the open doors.
Cool whites and greys echo the hues of the beach and oean.
My wake-up call at 5.30am was a chorus of sea birds and the crashing of waves.
Linhof has direct access to the beach and I walked the full length of the bay in 20 minutes without seeing anyone else.
Views forever from the patio..
Breakfast is served in the dining area overlooking the ocean. For starters, Mariana prepared a buffet with slices of fresh watermelon, papaya and blueberries, a variety of breads, including gluten-free options, a charcuterie and cheese platter and freshly squeezed home-made juices. For the main course she prepared a baked egg, mushroom, bacon and tomato muffin served with crayfish.
Dining area with views over the beach.
If the mermaid’s call of the waves reaches out to you and you need to get away from the hurly-burly and stresses of life, Linhof Boutique Guest House Paternoster is perfect.
www.secretgetaway.co.za is offering a buy one night stay for two voucher offer for only R999 between now and 31 January.