Take a leisurely two hour drive from Cape Town, over the magnificent Sir Lowry’s Pass, through the apple orchards of Elgin to Caledon. Pass through the patchwork of Bredasdorp wheat lands to Arniston.
Here endless white beaches on either side of a 200-year-old fishing village border a deep blue sea. Fishermen living in Kassiesbaai still make a living from the sea and there is always excitement at the harbour when the boats come in.
The town has two official names. Arniston refers to a British ship that sank here in 1815. Of the 378 passengers on board, only six survived. The other name is Waenhuiskrans and this refers to a cave that can be accessed at low tide. According to legend, the cave was used to house oxen and wagons by early settlers.
Enter the front door and experience a house filled with old world charm. The house has some very unique features, including a copper stair case railing, old copper and porcelain light switches, wash basins from ships and trains as well as window and door frames that is more than 150 years old. The double volume thatch roof with its wooden beams gives a sense of space not easily find in modern homes.
Arniston Guest House offers warm hospitality, good food, traditional and modern comforts in a homely atmosphere of tranquility. Wake up to the smell of freshly made coffee, toast and crispy bacon. Breakfast consists of a freshly prepared fruit salad with yogurt as well as a cooked breakfast with a choice of eggs. Breakfast is included in the price.
Arniston Guest House is the perfect place to stop over on your journey between Cape Town, Hermanus and the Garden Route. Stay a few nights more and explore the Overberg from here. Travelling for 40 – 90 minutes in a different direction will take you to a new place every day.