Art Imitates Ellerman House

 “This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Stepping into Ellerman House is a little bit like going through a wardrobe and into Narnia. Except that instead of lions and witches, you’ll find walls lined with spectacular artwork from South Africa’s most prominent artists. You’ll also find the most breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from the 1.8 acre plot in Cape Town‘s Bantry Bay, a pantry stocked with almond cake and regal white and purple orchids on every surface.

Expensive and exclusive, and unfailingly elegant, it’s no wonder that the hotel attracts the likes of Oprah Winfrey and other A-list celebs.

It’s the kind of place where the air feels lighter and the sky looks bluer. A place where you could happily spend the rest of your life frolicking on the lawns while dolphins swim playfully by…

Ellerman House is the brainchild of South African born Paul Harris, whom Forbes magazine recognised as one part of the finance triumvirate known as the ‘three musketeers’ of Rand Merchant Bank. The property, built in 1906, was bought by Harris in 1988 and converted into a hotel in 1992. But to call Ellerman House just a hotel is like calling Picasso just a painter.

The hotel aims to be luxurious, yet exclusive, intimate and comfortable. With no set meal times, no dress code and no annoying admin, Ellerman House has somehow achieved that elusive balance. Even the kitchen is at your disposal. This is a place for gourmands and fussy-eaters alike. Guests are encouraged to talk to the chefs in their workspace, to engage in the cooking process and to request specific meals, whether it be a perfectly grilled sirloin or a PB&J sandwich.

The design of Ellerman House is a refreshing fusion of classic, traditional architecture and clean, modern decor. Rooms are light and airy, with ten of the eleven boasting a clear sea view. And while the hotel has a fairly grand feel, it never  seems haughty and instead invites guests to be as comfortable as possible.

I was reminded of a classic country club feel as I walked outside onto the terrace – sprawling green lawns, candy striped lazy-chairs and a pool so blue and sparkling, you’ll want to be wearing your shades before you take a dip.

It’s like a home away from home – just a much nicer home.

Gimme some sugar…

Opposite the kitchen area is a pantry, also known as The Sugar Shack, open 24hrs, with shelves and shelves of treats and snacks for those sweet-toothed midnight munchies or a pic-nic on the beach. It’s a delight! The fudge, coconut ice, liquorice and colourful candies were straight out of Willy Wonka’s factory.

There are 11 rooms in the main hotel, and a five-bedroomed, exclusive-use villa, which includes two rooms by the spa on the lower level. The villa is just a few steps (on perfectly manicured lawn by the fish ponds, complete with koi and lily-pads) away from the hotel.

As if I wasn’t sold on it already, I was introduced to the cellar – all 9,000 bottles of it. It’s a oenophile’s fantasy with a list thicker than the Holy Bible brimful of South Africa’s finest estates and vintages.

Life should never imitate art. It should be art.

Ellerman House is all about art. It’s one of the things that make it so unique in comparison to other luxury hotels in Cape Town.

From the early paintings of Thomas Bowler, to works by quintessential South African artists such as William Kentridge and Irma Stern, the gallery is the creation of a true art connoisseur. Paul Harris’ private gallery is Ellerman House. Paintings from the early 19^th century line the walls of the corridors, bedrooms and every nook and cranny you can imagine. The Ellerman Contemporary Gallery currently hosts work from some of SA’s most prominent artists, as well as a few new names that are sure to take the art world by storm. The spectacular gallery is located in an underground alcove beneath the pool. It feels like Blofeld’s lair replete with automated blinds that reveal a glass cubicle which peeks out at the ocean. It was a real privilege to see this private gallery where admission is normally reserved for hotel guests only. Did I mention that Harris is a shareholder in Everard Read? One of South Africa’s largest Art Dealers.

Between the wine, fine-dining, the art, the spa treatments and the gym you might begin to feel under pressure to take advantage of all that Ellerman House has to offer, but my absolute favourite thing about Ellerman House is the distinctly calm and peaceful atmosphere. There are so many private spaces in which to relax – ornate rooms such as the library or the Irma Stern room are the perfect spaces in which to finish off your novel. There’s also the bar – all wood and barstools, charmingly reminiscent of an old English pub. I can only imagine how rejuvenating a three day stay must be. The whizzes at Ellerman House have even paired spa treatments with smoothies and health meals. And there’s also a small, well equipped gym – all part of oh-so-very zen ‘healthy lifestyle’ policy.

In the famous words of 30 Rock’s Liz Lemon, Ellerman House is best summed up with “I want to go to there.”

Everything about the hotel is inviting, welcoming, rejuvenating – my list of adjectives is endless.  And yet, there are no words to adequately describe the specific kind of joy I experienced while standing on the balcony overlooking the somnolent seas and crisp blue skies.