Relaxing at Leopardstone Hill, Noordhoek

Natasha visited Leopardstone Hill and fell in love with this house built from stone in Noordhoek and the personalized attention she received during her stay. Read her account of this gorgeous hideaway just 40 minutes from central Cape Town. Bookings can be directly or through Cape Point Route.

We arrived rather late, at about 19h00 and found the place easily, thanks to the website directions. My son, boyfriend and I were greeted warmly and promptly by Alison on arrival. She immediately showed us to our cottage, taking us around the house showing every little detail that we would need to know in order to have a convenient and comfortable stay. The Stone Cottage which sleeps 6 people comfortably was truly beautiful, the minute we stepped out of the car all we heard was silence, peacefulness and a frequent cry from a peacock in the distance, which was such a beautiful sound. Stepping into the house the atmosphere was so cozy and there was a beautiful vase of Fresh proteas to welcome us!

The entire house is built from mountain rocks, warm large rugs warmed up the house and all the wooden frames and features were just a few of the reasons why I loved the feel of this cottage. The owners had picked up the rocks at a site on the mountain and decided to build a cottage with them! Alison, the owner of Leopardstone Hill was kind enough to explain to us as to how she came up with name Leopardstone Hill, and she is actually one of the volunteers of an organization that helps the protection and survival of the Western Leopard Toads that are endangered. Thus her establishment being in the habitat of the Leopard Toads is named after this amazing reptile.

Stepping into the house the first thing that caught my eye was the lounge area straight ahead and its warm cozy feel. Comfy couches with a fire place and a huge window looking out onto the beautiful Noordhoek horizon as the sun set. The fully equipped kitchen was directly on my right with microwave, four plate stove and oven, kettle, all utensils and crockery. The kitchen included pots, pans, bowls, plunger coffee, sugar and even salt and pepper. The plunger and plunger coffee was a very nice addition. A reasonable jug of milk had been left in the fridge for us and firewood and coals were offered to us as well.

The two bedrooms each consisted of two single beds with furry water bottles on each bed as well as a mirror. The beds were covered in crisp white sheets and warm white duvet covers. A child safety gate is also provided in one of the rooms. Each room has extra throws and pillows; there is enough cupboard space in each room to accommodate guests luggage. The bathroom has a big deep oval bath and toilet, including two toilet rolls, hand wash, body lotion and cotton wool. We decided to Braai for supper and while my son had been relaxing watching satellite TV we were out on the back porch sipping wine and relaxing to the gentle sounds of the nightlife insects and peacocks somewhere in the distance. Supper at the huge wooden table together was stunning and the fire warming up the rest of the house was snug and inviting. We sat up till late, playing monopoly and Liam reading story books that were there for his pleasure. We had a late romantic bath using all the candles scattered around the house - such a nice thing to have around for ambience!

There is an amazing garden space below the barbeque deck where guinea fowls run and fynbos grows freely. An outside Tree swing for the kids is found along the path way to the rock pool. The pool area is surrounded by stylish wooden fames and flooring. The pool is not very big which made it so nice for relaxing and cooling off in the water. I loved the fact that it was small enough for my little one to swim with me. The pool does have a deep end though, so kids should be supervised. To add to the perfect peacefulness of the pool area was a hammock – just perfect for a chill out session with a good book!

Just outside the Stone Cottage is a marvelous touch - the outside shower. The weather was good so having the option of either a hot or cold water shower outside was incredible. Candles are placed around the shower too and it is enclosed with large wooden frames so privacy is offered and it felt truly romantic to have the option of showering with the stars shining clearly above our heads.

An inspirational feature was Alison’s veggie garden filled with cabbages, cauliflower, pumpkin and even carrots, so many greens for that perfect salad or meal – and what’s more it wasn’t just a temptation – we were encouraged to help ourselves to whatever we needed! What a treat to have home grown produce to pick straight from the ground. Just past the veggie garden there is a chicken coop for fresh eggs. There is a full play area for the kids including a trampoline, which kept my son entertained for most of the day.

Thanks Alison and your team at Leopardstone Hill in Noordhoek for a warm welcome and relaxing stay. I just loved the child friendliness of your place – great for a parent to have a holiday here where we get to relax as well! Your attention to detail with little touches make Leopardstone Hill a very special getaway! Thank You.

Accommodation at Leopardstone Hill can be made booked through Cape Point Route as well as numerous other delightful holiday accommodation in Noordhoek and in the surrounding villages of the Cape Point Route.

IMAGES:
1. The main living area of Stone Cottage at Leopardstone Hill, courtesy of LeopardStone Hill
2. The Main bedroom at Leopardstone Hill, Noordhoek, courtesy of Leopardstone Hill
3. Liam on the trampoline, with playground at Leopardsone Hill - courtesy of Natasha Marco
4. Cauliflower in the veggie garden at Leopardstone Hill - courtesy of Natasha Marco
5. Stone swimming pool area - courtesy of Natasha Marco