Kokos Huis: A Serene Oasis in Riebeek-Kasteel

On the outskirts of the Swartland town of Riebeek-Kasteel, Kokos Huis is a gem of a hideaway – and the perfect complement to the arty, quirky spirit of the town. It may look like a typical 200-year-old Cape farmhouse, but inside you’re transported – with a suggestion of rural Spain, or a Mediterranean island. It’s serene and dreamily evocative: muted, earthy colours; natural fabrics and lots of wood; stacks of gorgeous coffee-table books; woven lampshades that cast shadow patterns on walls…

At the heart of the main house is a lounge with a fireplace, a dining room and cocktail bar. The verandah overlooks the palm-lined pool courtyard with a lovely terracotta-hued cabana – the site of many an impromptu lunch or sundowner session – and the garden has a firepit, making Kokos Huis a wonderful space to just chill. The bonus? Owner Prisca Llagostera, wife of a Swartland winemaker, can open doors to authentic local experiences and wine farms not available to the public. 

Sweet dreams

Each guest room has its own character, but the overriding feeling is one of serenity and pared-down luxury – there’s everything you need and nothing more. The three upstairs rooms have a chic loft vibe; the other three open straight into the garden and pool area. 

The Old Farm Room is spacious, with a bigger bathroom, and has a wood-burning fireplace and desk. The Corner Room has an earthy, rustic vibe, complete with a ceiling fan. The Little Room is full of charm, with its wooden shutters to close out the world. 

Upstairs, the spacious Room with Lots of Light has a sloping attic window with views over the treetops. The Cosy Room is also loft-style, smaller and more intimate, with mountain views. The Family Room has a private room for the parents, two single beds for children, a larger bathroom (with a bath) and a small living room area with a TV under the sloping attic roof.

For travellers who want more privacy and to make their own meals, there are also three studio-style cottages, spaced a few metres from the main house. Each has its own kitchen, equipped with Smeg appliances and a Nespresso machine, and a private patio with a dining table.

Studio 3 is spacious, minimalist and light-filled, while Studio 2 is smaller, with a more rustic country vibe. The Family Studio is the largest, with two bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, lounge and indoor dining area, as well as a patio with a braai and table. 

The lodgings

• 6 bedrooms in the main house (one sleeps four)
• 3 studio cottages (one sleeps four)  
• kingsize beds with organic cotton sheets
• ensuite with bath and/or walk-in shower 
• Mungo towels, The Scent amenities and yoga mats
• air-conditioning
• room service and evening turndown
• complimentary bottle of wine
• breakfast included; plus all-day menu of small plates and platters
• cottages with private furnished patio (with braai in family cottage)
• kitchen in cottages
• welcome basket in cottages (bread, milk, butter, tea, coffee and eggs)

Things to do

• swimming in the heated pool
• private visits to Paardeberg winemakers
• winefarmers’ dawn braai experience
• pizza night at Kalmoesfontein (Thursday)
• artisan shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants in town
• tastings at Kloovenburg wine and olive estate
• G&Ts on the Royal Hotel verandah
• hiking trails

Child friendly? Yes, in a family room or family cottage
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 4 per unit
Cost Rooms from R1 995 per night
Studio Cottages from R2 500 per night
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