Coot Club: Stern Boathouse

On the water’s edge of the Klein River estuary is Coot Club – a dreamy, retro-inspired holiday resort and conservation wonderland just outside of Stanford. It’s the ultimate weekend getaway, where abundant birdlife flits through the fynbos and 400-year-old milkwood thicket surrounds a scattering of stone cottages and the historic Spookhuis. That “ghosthouse” is now the Clubhouse, around which all the action happens. It’s a natural playground perfect for a fun-filled family getaway, with action-packed days of water-play and several accommodation options.

Choose between three boathouses (Starboard and Stern have two bedrooms, while Port has three), four one-bedroom stone cottages (two Leeward Suites and two Leeward Large, with a sleeper couch for a child) and the recently renovated Lawns stone house, which boasts three bedrooms and a four-bed loft ‘dorm’ area.

Good to know
There is a minimum two-night stay and a daily conservation levy of R275 per adult guest. Breakfast is complimentary, and a childminding service is available (extra fee).

THE LODGINGS

The tin-roofed, timber-walled, nautical-themed Boathouses are sure to make your stay extra-special. Stern Boathouse is ideal for two couples, family or friends, with two completely private ensuite master bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, lagoon views and sofa beds for two additional children under the age of 13.

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• 2 master bedrooms, plus two sofa beds
• 2 ensuite bathrooms (one bath, two indoor showers and two outdoor showers)
• Bathroom amenities

Indoor + outdoor living

• Complimentary WiFi in public areas
• Open-plan living area (lounge, dining and kitchen)
• Wood-burning fireplace
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Tea and coffee facilities
• Snug room with two sofa beds
• Verandah/deck and private garden

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Swimming in two pools, the lagoon or ocean
• Paddling on the lagoon (kayaks and SUPs supplied)
• Explore on a fatbike (supplied)
• Lawns for games (boules, volleyball, etc)
• Games room with foosball, table tennis, pool table and board games
• Morning yoga
• Picnics, braais and meals at the Clubhouse
• Daily sundowners on the jetty
• Nature walks, including to Walker Bay Beach
• Whale-watching from the dunes (in season)
• Guided quad-biking
• Sandboarding trips
• Motorised watersports and sailing

In the area

• Explore the village of Stanford, its shops and weekly farmers market
• River cruises on the Klein River
• Wine farms
• Visit Hermanus or Gansbaai