Maison Noir

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.

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 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 objet 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.

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 co-ordinate 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 the 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.