Hedge House

Blessed with rainfall and sunshine in almost equal measure, Newlands is arguably the most verdant place you can stay in Cape Town – and at suitably named Hedge House, you’ll get a wonderful feeling of staying in a real home, but with guesthouse standards. The pool sits right at the front of the house and is set off beautifully by two enormous Plane trees which shade it.
When we arrived, Judy had a rather special guest: a now all-grown-up professional sportsman, the son of her now retired housekeeper, who grew up in her home.
We had the feeling that we were just one of several visitors – this is social place that spans the full spectrum of South African society with ease and grace.
The house itself is turn-of-last-century and interestingly, every room has a private access from outside the building: so if you want to avoid that super enervating ‘Did you have a nice day?’ moment every evening, you can do it! However, Judy and staff do live on site and so this is still her home, which is open to you – the kitchen is very much the heart of the home and you’re welcome to come and sit in it, or the terrace complete with a fireplace and folding glass panels for the windier, chillier days.
The house is well set back from the road and is shaded by enormous Yellowood and Camphor trees next to which you’ll find the swimming pool across the deck from the house so you can keep an eye on people bathing.
If you’re after privacy, go for Room 1 which faces North and has its own outside area. There’s a mini kitchenette with bar stools for a light meal and a full bathroom. It’s spacious enough for three people to share. This is the wheelchair accessible room.
Room 3 is located on the west side of the house and doesn’t have much aspect but is very spacious, quiet and cool.
If you’d like to be in the treetops, choose Room 4, which is accessed by a spiral staircase from the west side of the house.
It is the most popular family room as it has 2 bedrooms which share a bathroom and a large deck with mountain views.
Room 5 and 6 are up another spiral staircase on the North side of the house facing the pool. They share a covered verandah with a glimpse of Devils Peak mountain and overlook the pool.
Room 6 is the most recently renovated but doesn’t offer a bath as all the other rooms do.
Newlands has so much to offer; the forest that gives way to Kirstenbosch is just ten minutes away and from there, you can walk the whole of Table Mountain, even getting as far as the Cableway. The Castle brewery, as well as the home of South African rugby, Newlands Stadium, and all the boutiques, cafes and restaurants are just nearby.
Live like a local!
Children: Judy and team accept all children in three of the five rooms. There’s a gorgeous pool right at the front of the property (unfenced), a tree swing and two Pugs which are very fond of children. For letting off steam, there is a large park a 5 minute walk away on quiet roads.
Mobility: Hedge has one wheelchair accessible room- all on the level from the car. The dining room and pool are accessed along the front of the property and then back in on the level.
Ethicality: Judy’s staff have been with her for over thirty years in which time she has personally helped to raise their children, offered on-site accommodation and contributed towards their education.
Sustainability: Hedge recycles all solid waste and food scraps are processed in an onsite worm farm.