Jakkalsfontein, Western Cape, South Africa
The Bowens have landed on their feet once again. This beautiful seafront house is set in the Nature Reserve of Jakkalsfontein on the West Coast of South Africa. A wild Atlantic sea sends huge breakers onto the white sands directly in front of us and we are surrounded by dunes, rich in flora and fauna. Ostriches roam the sandy hillocks and bush. It is the home of Victor Hulme, a South African who has lent us his home whilst touring America.
We left George early on Friday morning and flew to Cape Town where we picked up a hire car. It was a relatively simple journey made easy by the son-in-law of our hosts in George who drove us to the airport and, as he was also flying to Cape Town for a meeting, knew his way around.
Mike then drove me to the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town where my cousin, Carol, was celebrating her 80th birthday. I joined fifty-seven of Carol's lovely lady friends for a delicious lunch at this fabulous hotel. Linda Hudson, the wife of my late cousin Tim, had flown over from the UK for the occasion and it was so good to see her again and catch up on the last ten years.
Whilst I was lapping up the luxury of a lady's lunch, poor Mike was despatched to shop for our weekend supplies and beverages! He did a wonderful job and we set off for Jakkalsfontein mid-afternoon. About an hour-and-a-half's drive from Cape Town, we followed the West Coast Road to this gated nature reserve. We couldn't believe our luck when we discovered the house nestling in the sand dunes above the sea. All the houses on this reserve are on the sea front and have been cleverly designed to blend in with the scenery. There is a club house with a beautiful pool and tennis courts, also overlooking the ocean.
Our nearest town is Yzerfontein, a very upmarket seaside resort with good shops, twenty minutes away. We visited it yesterday for further supplies and in the evening, we went for a shell-seeking walk along the beach, the roaring sea tickling our toes. It is much too rough to swim here, but we are told there is a warm water lagoon for safe swimming nearby which we intend to find.
Power shedding is the same problem here as it was in George. The electricity is cut off several times a day, but the house is equipped with emergency lamps and a gas hob, so it is therefore not much of a hardship for us. It must be difficult for busy families to cope with their day-to-day lives when the timing of the cuts change daily.
Thank you so much for all your lovely comments. We do enjoy hearing from you, especially in such an isolated spot as this. We have two weeks here to get away from it all; oh dear, I don't know how we will manage...
Suzette
2023-02-05
It looks lovely and peaceful. There are so many towns, with beautiful scenery, along the West Coast. Enjoy every second of your stay in SA.
Denise
2023-02-05
Gosh you’re so lucky, what a spot! Look at that blue, blue sky… see you soon. xx
Dana
2023-02-05
How fantastic! You're Having a great trip.
Peter & Wendy
2023-02-05
Should you make it to the Fairview wine estate you will find that one of their wines is called Jakkalsfontein!
jcb
2023-02-05
Brilliant setting!!! Lucky Bowens!!!. Looks a bit wild to go swimming though.........
Jennifer
2023-02-05
You certainly do 'pick em' that looks lovely. Just make sure you stock up on essential supplies 🍾🍾🍾& a lovely pool.x
Karyn
2023-02-06
Read it all with a smile on my face. “ Good on you!” It all looks very special. Meanwhile, our Girls are giving me time-out and I am spending 6 days in Bright.
Peter & wendy
2023-02-06
While you are there: Langebaan is interesting - plenty of eateries down by the beach. Paternoster is quaint but very touristy. Head north to Veldriff - Russells on the Port in Port Owen is good for lunch/dinner. R315 to Darling and Malmesbury then R 45 to Paarl will get you to wineries. Is the SE wind blowing??
Victoria
2023-02-06
I think you should have a go swimming in that sea Mum - Im sure you would encourage me to :)
Anabel
2023-03-11
It all looks absolutely gorgeous! I hope you’re both fed revived and refreshed after such a wonderful trip xx