A unique property that melds French and Indonesian elements with the African concept of a ‘kraal’ or traditional village, Maison Noir in Hout Bay manages to reflect at once both the past and the future. Harnessing inspiration from the four elements of earth, air, fire and water, it consists of several small buildings that are connected by glass passageways, which give glimpses of the surrounding forest and mountain views.

With four en suite bedrooms to sleep up to 12 family and friends, a professional kitchen that is the realm of your private chef, koi ponds, a heated swimming pool, a hot tub and a cool screening room with plenty of space to stretch out, Maison Noir is the ultimate holiday pad.

It is also an easy drive from major destinations like the Constantia Winelands, Cape Town city centre, the V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, Table Mountain, and the sandy beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay.

Highlights

• Private cinema & hot tub
• Wine cellar & heated swimming pool
• Private chef & professional kitchen
• Views of Table Mountain National Park
• Original South African art
• Unique design with connecting Koi ponds

Activities

• DAY TOURS
• RESTAURANTS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
• SHOPPING

Fact File

Style & Decor

As the name suggests, the exterior of Maison Noir is a striking black with several smaller rooms interconnected on the interior by a glass-fronted gallery, and on the exterior by tranquil Koi ponds. There are plenty of plate glass accents to make the most of the indigenous landscaping and mountain views, and the finishes are sleek, contemporary and understated.

The décor is Afro-Asian-eclectic: classic mirrors and crisp white linen are found in the bedrooms, while the living spaces have tribal objects juxtaposed with contemporary original South African paintings and sculptures. Expect serene Buddhas and bright African prints; mid-century inspiration and restrained cosiness.

All the spaces are designed to be truly ‘lived in’. Four fireplaces in different areas of the house allow you to warm up in winter while the heated swimming pool and Koi ponds will draw you outside in summer.

Neighbourhood

Hout Bay is one of the most dramatic inlets in Cape Town, with a soaring peak known as The Sentinel to one side and the folds of the Table Mountain range and Chapman’s Peak to the other. Originally a small fishing harbour (which still operates today), the village has grown to include good restaurants, several small malls and a collection of galleries, markets and boutiques. The beach is a magnet for children, horse riders and dog lovers, and a cruise along scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive – which has sheer cliff faces to the Atlantic Ocean – is a must-do for any visitor to Cape Town.

Suitability

Although arrangements - such as babysitting services, a cot and a high chair - can be made to accept children, Maison Noir is best suited to adult travellers who can make the most of the unfenced swimming pool, wine cellar, hot tub and cinema.

The best time to visit

Cape Town’s hot, dry summer falls between November and March, with Christmas and New Year being particularly popular times in the city. Many visitors coordinate a trip to Cape Town with a Southern Africa peak-season safari, which occurs in winter from about June to August. Although Cape Town can be wet in winter, it is a great time to hit the region’s excellent restaurants, galleries and wine estates.

Special Notes

• A full breakfast, canapes and sundowners are included in the rate while lunch, dinner, picnic baskets and seafood barbeques prepared by the in-house chef are available at an additional charge. You can also opt to cook for your family in a professional kitchen.
• A permanent estate manager and housekeeping service will cater to all your needs, and the transfer to and from Cape Town International Airport is included in the rate.
• Optional extras that can be booked as part of your stay include; a laundry service, private yoga or Pilates lessons, childminding services and a private driver and vehicle (a 12-seater Mercedes Benz Sprinter or similar).

Please note that Maison Noir is a non-smoking property and that smoking is only permitted outdoors. Secure off-street parking is available.

Rooms

Kitchen

The beautifully decorated and fully equipped professional kitchen has a walk-in fridge, two massive ranges and a separate scullery. You can opt for the private chef to prepare all or some of your meals, or choose to cook yourself.

Main Bedroom

The spacious main bedroom’s central features are its views of Table Mountain National Park and fireplace. It is fitted with a king-sized bed, an en suite bathroom and a living area housing a television set with a satellite connection.

Guest Bedrooms

The three guest bedrooms all have king-sized beds, en suite bathrooms and television sets. They each have a loft space where extra beds (singles or doubles) can be added to create even more sleeping space.

Bathrooms

There are four full en suite bathrooms and a guest bathroom. Robes, thick towels, hairdryers and local Africology products are supplied. Three of the bathrooms have secluded outdoor showers.

Living & Dining Area

There are several living and dining areas – including a full screening room – so that members of a large group can each have their own space. In addition to the TVs in each bedroom, there is also a flat-screen television in the family lounge. The main sitting room, dining room and TV lounge all have fireplaces.

Outside Area

Flowing from the house onto wooden decking, the outdoor areas are bordered by the large heated swimming pool and the peaceful Koi ponds. There is a covered terrace with a large dining room table and a protected barbeque area.

Other rooms available

There is a private cinema and a wine cellar on the Maison Noir property.