The John Bauer Pottery Studio

What do you get when you happen upon a passionate artist who has filled his home with original pieces, so much so there’s little space for anything else? Said artist moves into the house next door and enlists the help of three dedicated personnel to curate a living art gallery for tourists to enjoy.
John Bauer Pottery Studio and BnB is not just for artists and art lovers alike, it provides a personable experience for visiting guests. The BnB is always buzzing with the excited anticipation that John might pop in to have a cuppa with guests or from the pottery wheel just off the kitchen and dining area. The prolific ceramicist offers guests an opportunity to book studio time with him; together they create unique holiday keepsakes that include fond memories and wonderful art. Similarly, it is one of the only BnB’s in the country that offers dedicated art residences for creatives who want to live and work in proximity to their craft.
All five rooms have access to the well equipped communual kitchen. Each room pays homage to an artist John is inspired and impressed by, namely Biddy Lee, Hyme Rabinowitz, Luce Rie and Esias Bosch, which has a kitchnette. Though artworks by these artists don’t feature in the rooms, local art has been sourced to (fit the style of the artists) I think maybe it would be better just to say Works by John and local locla artists adorns the walls. Additionally, thresholds, bathroom- and kitchen splashbacks are all tiled with John Bauer’s original pieces – delicate, intricate mulit-coloured tiles that tell a story.
The gestalt shouldn’t discourage those who aren’t necessarily artistic. John, who often pops into the guesthouse to grab one of his ceramics or catch up with his manager Gail Brown, has been known to host dinner parties at the BnB. This makes it easy to get to know other guests, and local friends John has amassed over the years. Spontaneous get-togethers like this are part of the reason John had the idea to open a guesthouse. He is a generous man in spirit, with his ideas. According to Gail, he doesn’t understand why people are happy to live in silos when humans are creatures of community. He is impassioned by connecting people to learn from one another and see how we can help each other.
Located in the suburban south of Cape Town with family-friendly excursion options all within close proximity. Twitchers and horticulturalists alike have Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to play in – with a selection of self-guided and group tours running daily (weather permitting). Newlands Forest offers a range of trails suited to all hiking preferences. Wine lovers have the Constantia Wine Route to discover and the Steenberg Golf Estate sits pretty, waiting for guests to tee off. For those interested in more of John’s ceramics – and seeing some of his bigger tile collages, which he calls “human museums,” Montabello Design Centre houses John’s dedicated studio.
John Bauers Pottery Studio and BnB provides a home-away-from-home base from which you can make all your vacation desires come true. Your limits are simply your imagination.
Children: Guests of all ages are welcome at John Bauer’s Pottery Studio and BnB. Camper cots can be made available for families travelling with smaller children
Sustainability: The guesthouse utilises energy-saving fittings where possible and has bins for recycling and composting materials and use vinegar for floor and window washing instead of chemical products. The garden makes use of the kitchen compost and you can find herbs and fruit trees abuzzing with birds, butterflies and a squirrel or two.
Ethicality:John Bauer runs learnerships for local and international artists wanting to learn about the industry and hone their craft. Some of the art that decorates the guesthouse is also made from recycled materials John collects during regular beach cleanups.
Mobility: The establishment is not wheelchair accessible.