Mooibaai B&B: A Tranquil Sojourn in Hout Bay

In one of his musings, Nick Carroway, The Great Gatsby’s narrator writes: “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” Prohibition-era introspection aside, “within and without” is exactly how I’d describe Mooibaai: you’re less than five minutes from the hub of Hout Bay, and yet the little gravel road that takes you to this hideaway makes you feel like you’ve travelled far out of town.

Owned by Valerie Simons, a former banker from Belgium, Mooibaai is a passion project that took flight in early 2017 and has since become a favourite spot for international and local travellers alike. Perfect for those looking to stay close to the Cape Town scene without being in it, these guest cottages are an ideal choice for a holiday in the Mother City.

The setting

Mooibaai was originally a farm and is one of the few remaining properties in Hout Bay that has retained its Cape Dutch style. Surrounded by trees and planted with local fauna, the property feels entirely secluded. Enhancing its natural feel, Mooibaai’s backyard neighbour is World of Birds (although you can only hear them, not see them) and the large pool has fantastic mountain views.

The lodgings

Extremely spacious and minimalist in style, the five rooms at Mooibaai sleep two people each (with two slightly bigger rooms to accommodate children). Apart from the extremely comfortable bed, the bathrooms are a highlight: exquisitely decorated with pops of blue and green, they all have large walk-in showers and the Elephant suite has a huge bath.

Room features

• five double rooms (Hippo, Ostrich, Penguin, Elephant and Rhino)
• king-size bed
• en-suite bathroom with spacious walk-in shower
• private terrace with direct access to the pool deck
• tea-and coffee-making facilities
• complimentary wifi
• fully equipped (communal) kitchen in the main house
• communal lounge area with a TV in the main house (there is no DStv, but the wifi is good for streaming)

Finishing touches

Lana Lou Style

Enjoy a delicious continental-style breakfast served in the sunny courtyard, or inside on colder days. The homely breakfast features freshly baked bread and homemade jams (the persimmon jam is worth a trip to Hout Bay in itself) served with a variety of cheeses, cold meats, juices and coffee from the local Hout Bay Coffee Roastery.

If my stay had been longer, the Provençal-style courtyard, with its avocado-green chairs positioned under the lemon trees, is where I would imagine spending an entire afternoon, sipping coffee and rereading F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic.

Distance from CT 20 minutes
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Where to find it Mooibaai Cottages, Horseshoe Farm, Stirrup Lane, Hout Bay

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