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

Visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world surely requires lodgings that add to the sense of place, giving you the chance to live like a local, while inviting rest, relaxation and repose after a busy day exploring. The charming Trevoyan guesthouse is peacefully hidden away 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 vibiest neighbourhoods, best restaurants, shops, galleries and museums in Cape Town. 

Best of both worlds

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, artworks that speak of its place at the southern tip of Africa (and of the owners’ travels further afield), it’s no surprise that Pretty Hôtels added it to their collection of exceptional hidden gems around the world.

Make yourself at home

Itchy Feet

Trevoyan is one of those rare places where you genuinely feel like you can make yourself at home… it’s in the warmth and attention to detail of hands-on owners Dominique and Charles, the immaculate care taken by the small team, and the wagging tails of the delightful resident dogs, Forrest and Professor Peanut. Dominique herself is testimony to the magic spell cast by Cape Town… originally from Switzerland, she bought the guesthouse on a whim in 2012, poured her creative energy into it, and now calls the Mother City home.

An intimate, seven-room affair, spanning the main house and a garden annexe, each room is individually decorated, with extra-length beds, luxury linen and beautiful Moroccan-tiled bathrooms. The Patio Suite gives you a private outdoor nook under a lemon tree; some rooms boast views of Table Mountain to wake up to, others have tranquil garden views, or direct access to the swimming pool.

The flower- and tree-filled garden, presided over by a century-old oak tree, adds another layer of joy to your stay. Soak up gentle morning light over breakfast on the verandah, spend an afternoon on a poolside lounger soaking up some sun, at dusk wander paths lit by candles and lanterns. Sip sundowners on the rooftop terrace with views of Lion’s Head, or on cooler evenings cosy up beside the antique fireplace in the spacious lounge. 

Living local

A wonderful breakfast starts each day. Everything is homemade or locally sourced

from artisan bakers, coffee roasters, fishmongers, cheesemakers, butchers and farmers. There are free-range eggs from a nearby urban farm and organic bacon from a farmer whose pigs feed on acorns from Trevoyan’s oak tree. Even the bathroom products come from a small supplier in the neighbourhood, and the tableware from city ceramicists.

Out and about

Yet another reason to fall in love with this home-from-home… a Fiat 500 convertible available to rent for a day or two during your stay. Order a picnic basket and head off around the Cape Peninsula; to the Winelands; or up the West Coast to see the spring flowers. Dominique and Charles are always happy to share their recommendations of where to go and what to do – whether that’s wining and dining, food markets, sundowner spots, the best beaches, boat cruises, paragliding or skydiving.

The lodgings

• 3 Superior Rooms with king, queen or twin beds
• 1 Garden Room with a four-poster bed
• 3 suites: Bluemoon (with twin showers); Mountain and Patio, with kitchenette and lounge areas
• ensuite bathrooms with a walk-in shower
• tea tray in all rooms
• honesty bar
• breakfast verandah with all-day complimentary tea and coffee
• 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)

Staying at the Trevoyan gives you the keys to living the enviable Cape Town lifestyle like the luckiest of locals. 

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 900 per night
Garden Room: from R5 300 per night
Suites: from R5 700 per night
Where to find it 12 Gilmour Hill Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
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