A Boat House

From the dizzyingly high slopes of Simons Kloof, a six-bedroom BnB sits with enviable views of False Bay. You can spot a decommissioned ship as well as the submarine involved in the tragic naval exercise of 2023 from the breakfast area – ask Amanda or Lance about it and they’ll give you all the details.

Funnily enough, if you book your trip on their off month, you might find that the two managers (who are expats from Great Britain) are in George where they now live. You see, they are veterans of the industry. Not only have they owned their own Bed and Breakfast in the past, but they have managed lodges in KwaZulu Natal as well as Botswana to name a few. Now, they rotate management of A Boat House with the current owners who come down every second month to relieve them.

With both teams of managers having such a deep connection with the BnB, added to the cosy size of the house, you really get the sense that you are staying in a home away from home.

There is an undeniable nautical theme. From the names of the rooms to the decorations themselves – every decision has been made to remind you that you are in fact staying on the coast. As you enter the house, you immediately cross a brow with a wooden surfboard covered in resin to your left. To your left, on the lower level, there is a heated pool. Scattered around the entire house are portholes, wicker chairs, sea shells and other maritime references.

As the name suggests The Captain’s Cabin is the flagship room, ideal for honeymoons and special occasions. A king-sized bed is included in the spacious room that opens out onto a balcony that has a bistro table, loungers and chairs. A soak in the tub also affords you sweeping views of the harbour.

The Quarter Deck comes complete with a queen bed as well as a bathroom that only has a shower – smallest of all the rooms, it is a guest favourite simply because it is so cosy.

Lending itself to a group of travellers or small family, the Upper Deck can host 3 guests on the king-size bed (which can be split into two single beds) and sleeper couch. This room has its own private entrance that arrives via the balcony.

The Lower Deck is the biggest room on the property, and can sleep 2 on a king bed or two single beds. There is a large couch in the room, double shower, his and hers sinks and a small fireplace to keep you toasty on colder nights. It is worth noting that this room is unavailable when the owners are in town and managing the property on site – though when Amanda and Lance are working all rooms are available as a separate house within walking distance is rented for them by the owners.

The Chart Deck and The Cabin are similarly sized rooms that have their own private entrance via the balcony and can accommodate two on the queen size bed.

While Simon’s Town is roughly 40 km from Cape Town, there is a thriving community with a lot to do. Fans of watersports can kayak or SUP in False Bay. Boulders Beach remains a favourite for those visiting from near and far – with the adorable African Penguin colony flourishing. The Jubilee Square Jetty. South African Naval Museum and Simon’s Town Ghost walk also provide unique entertainment.

Children: There is one dedicated family room at the BnB, though the larger rooms can accommodate a baby cot on request.
Sustainability: A Boat House is fully solar-powered which also provides contingencies against scheduled blackouts (loadshedding).

Ethicality: The staff, some of whom have worked with at the BnB for over a decade, were retained from the previous owners of A Boat House. Additionally, all the furniture that the current owners inherited was donated to the staff (TVs, bar fridges etc).
Mobility: Unfortunately, the BnB has no lifts or ramps for those in wheelchairs. Multiple floors can only be accessed via several stairs.