Trevoyan Guesthouse: A Boutique Hotel on the Slopes of Lion’s Head

Trevoyan Guesthouse

A tranquil oasis, a heartbeat from the city.

Visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world surely requires lodgings that add to the myriad of attractions, but which also provides rest, relaxation and repose after a busy day of sightseeing. The Trevoyan is hidden in tranquil Tamboerskloof on the slopes of Lion’s Head, but it’s also on the doorstep of the city, putting you a hop, skip and a jump away from some of the best restaurants, shops, galleries and museums in Cape Town.

Best of both worlds

Trevoyan Guesthouse Interior

The Victorian-era house (built in 1894) is spacious and light-filled, with high ceilings, original Oregon-wood floors and plantation shutters, creating an atmosphere of timeless gentility. Modern splashes of colour on the walls, a mix of old and new furnishings, with artworks and decor that speak of this place at the southern tip of Africa (and of the owners’ travels further afield), it’s no surprise it’s one of the properties around the world hand-picked by the Pretty Hôtels collection.

Trevoyan Guesthouse bathroom and bedroom

The Trevoyan is a grand, seven-room, affair spanning a main house and garden annexe. Each room is individually decorated, with extra-length beds, luxury linen and beautiful Moroccan-tiled bathrooms. Book the Patio Suite and you’ll have your own private outdoor nook under a lemon tree; or wake up to a view of Table Mountain from a superior room or Mountain Suite.
On cooler evenings,cosy up to the antique fireplace in the spacious lounge.

The flower- and tree-filled garden, presided over by a century-old oak tree, is a beautiful space that will add another layer of joy to your stay – whether viewed in gentle morning light over breakfast on the verandah, or from a poolside lounger soaking up some sun, or in the evenings when it’s lit by candles and lanterns. Enjoy a sundowner on the rooftop terrace and watch the hikers heading up Lion’s Head for a view of the full moon.

You’re welcome

Trevoyan Guesthouse Garden

Finding a place where you can make yourself at home while on holiday is rare, but at The Trevoyan, this comes from the warmth and attention to detail of hands-on owners Dominique and Charles, and the small team who take immaculate care of this special place. Resident dogs Forrest and Professor Peanut are a delight and love making guests feel at home.

Trevoyan Guesthouse platter

You’ll start your days with a wonderful breakfast. Everything is homemade or locally sourced (Ben’s granola and Dodo’s jams). Bakers, coffee roasters, fishmongers, cheesemakers, butchers and farmers – whether just around the corner or in the Winelands – supply the ingredients: free-range eggs from a nearby urban farm; organic bacon from a farmer who feeds his pigs on acorns from Trevoyan’s oak tree. (The bathroom products come from a small supplier in the Overberg; the tableware from city ceramicists.)

Out and about

Trevoyan Guesthouse Travel

There’s one more offering that gives this guesthouse the upper hand – access to a Fiat 500 convertible to rent for a day or two. Order a picnic basket from the kitchen, then do a self-drive around the Cape Peninsula: to Cape Point via the False Bay Coast and Chapman’s Peak Drive; to the Winelands; or up the West Coast to see the spring flowers.

Dominique and Charles will share their recommendations of where to go and what to do – whether that’s wining and dining, food markets, sundowner spots, the best beaches, snorkelling with seals, boat cruises or paragliding.

Trevoyan Guesthouse Owners
Itchy Feet

Staying at the Trevoyan gives you the keys to unlocking a true experience of the enviable Cape Town lifestyle. It’ll make you start planning your next visit immediately – or, like Dominique, who originally hails from Switzerland and bought the guesthouse on a whim in 2012, your permanent move here, to the fairest Cape.

Trevoyan Guesthouse Rooms

The lodgings

  • 3 Superior Rooms with king, queen or twin beds
  • 1 Garden Room with a four-poster bed
  • 3 suites: Mountain, Patio and Bluemoon, with lounge
  • 2 suites have a kitchenette and lounge area
  • ensuite bathrooms with a walk-in shower
  • tea tray in all rooms
  • communal sitting room with honesty bar
  • breakfast verandah with all-day complimentary barista bar
  • outdoor patio
  • roof terrace with seating
  • pool and deck with loungers

Things to do

  • short walk to restaurants, cafés and bars
  • beaches on Atlantic Seaboard (less than 10 minutes’ drive)
  • V&A Waterfront (2.5km)
  • Table Mountain (5km away)
  • day drives with pre-ordered picnic basket
  • paragliding (from Signal Hill)

Good to know Private airport transfers are available. The guesthouse closes for June and July.
Child friendly? Yes, from 12 years old
Pet friendly? No (service dogs gladly accepted)
Wifi? Yes, plus USB plug points in all rooms
Sleeps 2 per room
Cost Superior Room: from R4 200 per night
Garden Room: from R4 600 per night
Suites: from R4 800 per night
Where to find it 12 Gilmour Hill Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
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Disclaimer:

The Inside Guide has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 19 March 2024