Recharge and unwind in this former artist’s home in Tulbagh
It’s calm but curated, a series of tranquil, beautifully designed rooms and outdoor spaces set up for sublime weekend getaways. Dar-el-Qamar translates as Monastery of the Moon, inspired by this Tulbagh heritage building’s previous incarnation as a place of spiritual learning and mission school in the 1800s. In the late 20th century it was home to renowned South African artist Christo Coetzee, whose art takes its rightful place in beautiful interiors.
Rooms to explore
A weekend starts with a warm welcome from housekeeper Boston Munthali, the fridge in the stone-flagged kitchen stocked with crisp vegetables from the Tulbagh community garden. An exploratory wander through the enticing spaces, fragrant with herbs and flowers, reveals an inspiring sanctuary with a world of possibilities. The former artist’s studio is now a serene yoga studio often used for retreats with adjoining treatment room, a sunny deck holds a plunge pool and sauna, a shaded courtyard the braai area, the 70s-style pool room is funky with vintage finds, and the lounge has a turntable for chilling out to the vinyl collection.
The lodgings
- 3 bedrooms (one is a loft room) with king or queen beds
- 3 en-suite bathrooms (one with bathtub and shower, two with showers)
- fully equipped kitchen plus extra kitchenette
- lounge with fireplace, books and vinyl record player
- dining room plus outdoor dining area
- two courtyards
- braai area and firepit
- deck with plunge pool
- sauna and yoga room
- treatment room for massages
- house manager to help guests with anything they need
Village living
The house is perfectly placed on historic Church Street, a quiet tree and garden-lined road full of Cape Dutch, Victorian and Edwardian gems, so it’s easy to stroll out and explore the village on foot.
Things to do
- in-house spa treatments
- explore Tulbagh’s museums and historic buildings
- restaurants, coffee shops and shops nearby
- Tulbagh wine valley
- hiking trails
- horse-riding
Set your tempo to slow with a Dar-el-Qamar mini-break that recharges body and soul.
Distance from Cape Town 1.5 hours
Child friendly? Yes, from 6 years
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6
Cost October 2022 – 30 November 2022: From R4 800 per night
1 December 2022 – February 2023: From R5 500 per night
Where to find it 26 Church Street, Tulbagh
MAKE A RESERVATION
Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
