In the heart of Camps Bay village, Shell Cottage offers a secluded retreat with four stylish bedrooms and historic charm. Enjoy your own private garden oasis, complete with timber boardwalks, scented flowers and a glass-walled yoga room for ultimate relaxation.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 8250 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Enchanting 4 bed/4bath just one block from the beach, in private secluded garden
Shell Cottage and its secret garden is a truly magical space, a haven of tranquility just off the beachfront. Timber boardwalks meander through the lushest garden imaginable filled with trees, birds and a bouquet of scented flowers and citrus. One of Camps Bay’s original coastal homes, it has been restored into a stylish, secluded retreat with four bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and outdoor area, whilst retaining its historic roots.
It's a historic home that's been restyled, with great attention to detail by a leading designer, into a beach-chic retreat where you can truly relax. Our guests say that they immediately feel at peace in this home filled with beauty, inside and out.You'll be welcomed and cared for with a gentle smile by our housekeeper, Priviledge. Without exception, our guests love both her and this magical place...it's all in the reviews!
Shell Cottage is located in the village, just one road removed from the trendy buzz of the beach promenade, but step through your private gate and you'll find yourself in a secret garden, hidden away from the world and filled with shady trees, hibiscus, bougainvillea and all manner of flowers and scents. Floating timber decks overhung by a giant Persian Lilac tree are surrounded by views of the Twelve Apostles and Lions Head mountains.
Though intimate, this light-filled house with its high ceilings feels spacious and airy, as it enjoys a wonderful flow from outside to inside, from every room. Designed with great attention to detail, the house as been curated with original art and stylish, comfortable furniture, large down-filled cushions, a basket of soft throws, books, boardgames.... There's also a glass walled yoga room in the garden for your practice, which could also be used as a playroom for the little ones or a private home office.
We want to you to relax and restore during your stay here, so beds are dressed with white pure cotton linen and soft blankets, plump pillows, goose down duvets. Each bedroom has somewhere to sit quietly, both inside and outside. In the 'green season' we have heating blankets on every bed, heating in every room and unlimited firewood for the open fireplace. In summer we have aircon in the rooms that get the sun, and fans in all other rooms.
Equipped to to the highest standard, the house offers everything international travellers may need in a self catering property at no extra charge, including unlimited fibre wi-fi, electricity, a large Smart TV with Netflix, pool and garden servicing, discrete private security on call and the daily care (weekends excluded) of the world's most wonderful housekeeper, Privilege. For those loadshedding moments we have an inverter and battery that powers the high speed fibre wifi and TV at all times, lights, and a gas stove so you can always cook or make tea or coffee.
One of the best things about Shell Cottage is its most desirable position - Camps Bay beachfront is very close; less than a 2 minute stroll from the front door down a palm lined walkway. Despite being so close to the buzz, the cottage suffers no noise due to its secluded panhandle location off The Drive, a quiet residential road. The local tennis courts, where you are welcome to play, sports field and kiddies play park are across the road, and within a few minutes’ walk you have access to in excess of 35 restaurants, a number of bars, a library, shops, and all the other amenities that Camps Bay offers. The sports bar at the back of the field is a great place to meet the locals for a drink and watch a game.
We have a record of 100% safety in the two decades that we've owned this home, due to its secluded position surrounded by other properties with a very narrow, protected street frontage, the street security patrol of the nearby 5* hotel and our own alarm system monitored by 24 hour security located two blocks away (good to have but has never been necessary).
It's is a holiday house that appeals to all ages. Its single level layout and enclosed garden suits families with young children or the elderly, but its stylish design and great location, just behind the trendy sunset strip and the beach’s great surf break, make it a dream holiday location for a group of friends who want to have a fun holiday.
We'd love you to come and experience Shell Cottage, where our whole focus is to give our valued guests their best holiday experience ever.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Beach towels
Pool/Spa
Heated pool
Private pool
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car not required
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3.5 private bathrooms
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
Games
Netflix
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Streaming services
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Office
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No lift (single-level property)
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
24-hour front desk
Iron/ironing board
Limited housekeeping
Meal delivery service
Phone
Safe
Unlimited smartphone data usage
Location highlights
In a village
In the mountains
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the sea
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Bicycles
Gym
Heated pool
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Whale watching nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Please enjoy socialising at Shell Cottage but no parties, events, stag or bachelorette groups, and protect the original art and treasures throughout.
Please set the alarm when you go out, always keep the gates closed, and no strangers allowed in - let's keep Shell Cottage secret and secure
Check in is done free of charge on weekdays up to 5pm latest. If your arrival is later than that or weekends there is a call out charge of R500.
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Camps Bay, a neighbourhood in Cape Town, this holiday home is in the mountains and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Camps Bay Beach and Table Mountain. Travelling with kids? Consider Sea Point Swimming Pool and Iziko South African Museum. Discover the area's water adventures with snorkelling and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain climbing. Visit our Cape Town travel guide
Does Enchanting 4 bed/4bath just one block from the beach, in private secluded garden have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is Enchanting 4 bed/4bath just one block from the beach, in private secluded garden pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Enchanting 4 bed/4bath just one block from the beach, in private secluded garden?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Enchanting 4 bed/4bath just one block from the beach, in private secluded garden?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Enchanting 4 bed/4bath just one block from the beach, in private secluded garden?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Enchanting 4 bed/4bath just one block from the beach, in private secluded garden located?
This family-friendly Cape Town holiday home is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Camps Bay Beach and Table Mountain National Park. Maiden's Cove and Clifton Bay Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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Enchanting 4 bed/4bath just one block from the beach, in private secluded garden Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Everything about this stay was superb. From the pre arrival communication with the owner and check in process to the well appointed house and kitchen we felt truly at home the entire time. The house is incredible and the location is unbeatable. We can’t wait to come stay again.
We loved the location. Walking distance to wonderful restaurants and the beach and the bus tour. The place was perfect for our group and we were well taken care of.
This is a perfect location and provides everything we needed for our Cape Town stay. Shell Cottage is a little gem and we recommend it 5* Privilege was helpful and looked after us 1st class.
Shell cottage was a lovely place to stay. It had everything we needed and more. The rooms were all very comfortable and well equipped. The garden was a beautiful place to sit with your morning coffee and listen to the bird song and to relax with a glass in the evening. Housekeeping was excellent and the host was very accommodating
Beautiful cottage, great location near the beach and restaurants. Felt very safe. Two very good supermarkets nearby, 3 min walk. The cottage feels very calm, very relaxing. Privy the housemaid is amazing and very attentive and flexible. Easy process re late check in too. And Alia, thank you for the late check out, making our last day awesome too. J
This is a great find. If you get the chance to stay here it don't hesitate. From the local shops and bars (especially the Codfather) and Woolworths (not as we knew it in the UK, but more like a waitrose) it's perfect! The beach is only a 10 min walk away and Uber's into Capetown cost about £3, so no need to hire a car while you'rehere!
Shell Cottage is a hidden gem - not showy but definitely has all amenities, is authentic to the region and in a fabulous location to enjoy all that Camps Bay, Cape Town and the Peninsula has to offer.Privy, the housekeeper, provides a super service with a big smile wonderful and discreet.The only downside for us was that the pool water was soooo cold but we all still used it.
Shell Cottage is a delightful property within a short walk to beach and many restaurants and shops in Camps Bay. Property is mature with lovely gardens and planting , comfortable furnishings. Alia may be THE best VRBO host we have ever had (3-4 rentals /year) - everything you could possibly need with prompt and helpful responses. Priviledge takes great care of you and her warm smile brightens every day. I highly recommend this location and absolutely wonderful accommodations.
4 of us stayed at the cottage, each with our own room and bathroom. What a great setup. We felt very safe and comfortable. Short walking distance to restaurants, groceries, and the beach. Once you enter the gate to the home, it is like you are in your own private garden oasis with great outdoor sitting areas and a pool. One bedroom had an outdoor shower that we used frequently. The kitchen had everything we needed including filtered water and a coffee maker. The Wi-Fi always worked and battery powered lights were provided for load shedding, which turned out to not be as big a deal as we thought it might be. The manager, Privledge, stopped by each day to clean and make sure we had everything we needed. What a great, kind person. This was our first time to South Africa and we had an absolute 5 star stay! We would recommend to anyone visiting Cape Town/Camps Bay.
We really enjoyed our stay and couldn’t have picked a better location. The beach and Camp’s Bay waterfront were a short walk and it was an easy drive from the airport and to a lot of different sites. It was very nice to have a yard to relax in and the property is surrounded by a lot of vegetation so has a sense of privacy. Trade off for the convenient location is that the surrounding houses are very close. A house down the street had two dogs that barked incessantly and the next door neighbor was doing construction for part of our stay so we had that to listen to. We were out most days so didn’t really matter too much.
The house is cute with kind of a funky beach vibe. We only used two of the bedrooms which were quite nice, the beds were comfortable and everything was very clean. It’s nice that every room has its own bathroom, although the back master bathroom toilet is very cramped, so much so that my boyfriend used a different toilet as he couldn’t shut the door of ours without banging his knees. Again, a trade off because it’s able to accommodate a lot of people in a not huge space.
The host was very nice and communicative, I unfortunately missed in the house rules about a cash payment for late check in. We arrived around 9:30 pm, after 9 it’s a 700ZAR fee. We didn’t have that extra cash so had to hit an ATM, it would have been preferable to just be charged through VRBO, or even PayPal.
Overall, it was lovely and we’d stay again!
Everything was perfect- Property manager, amazing house keeper, beautiful garden, 2 blocks to the ocean. We’d love to come back soon!
Nancy L.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Paul H.
13 Sept 2018
Unique cozy house in a wonderful neighbourhood.
The house was very comfortable for seven adults and had so much character. Great location close to Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Chapman’s Peak. Alia gave us lots of useful information for our stay.
Great communications with host, great care taken to make us all comfortable and welcome. Privilege took good care of us and always with a smile. We had a very comfortable stay in the middle of camps bay within easy reach of other attractions, beach, restaurants and supermarkets.
Spent an amazing four days at the Shell cottage. Alia was so accommodating of our travel timeframe. Priviledge, who cares for the property is an angel!!
Stephen M.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Betsy M.
11 Nov 2013
Beautiful Cottage, Great location
My family of 6 stayed here for a week and it was perfect. Beautiful home with great decor. Each bedroom has its own bath so it felt very private. We loved the outdoor living area and pool. Location is great, just a short walk to the beach and restaurants so our grown kids could go out on their own. Ali is a wonderful host and the house was clearned and spotless every day. We'd love to stay here again!
Amazing location but house itself if a little tired for the price.
I did not find Vrbo a reliable app to use. The payment platform failed for both of my transactions and did not send me payment reminders.
Property host was fine but curt.