Welgelegen is an absolute jewel of a Guest House: a gem set in a tranquil, leafy cul-de-sac at the foot of Table Mountain, in the cosmopolitan city bowl neighbourhood of Gardens. Secluded and serene, it is still only just around the corner from both Long and Kloof Street, two of Cape Town’s trendiest restaurant and design destinations...Hence the name Welgelegen...the Dutch translation for "well-situated". Welgelegen comprises two beautiful turn of the century houses, lovingly renovated and decorated to reflect the uncompromising commitment to style and comfort. Welgelegen is 15km from the airport. The closest attractions are between two and five kilometres away.

The Guest House comprises two Victorian houses joined by a wonderful cobbled patio and gurnite plunge pool , enclosed by terraces of iceberg roses and fragrant star jasmine. You can begin your day here breakfasting in the morning sun, or end your evening under the stars with a chilled Cape sauvignonwith and fairylights flickering amongst the surrounding foliage.

All rooms are individually furnished with neutral tones and splashes of both African chic and classic bohemia. There is comfort evident everywhere…from the candles, the natural Rooibos bath products and the towelling dressing gowns in each bathroom, to the home-made biscuits, complimentary port and huge inviting armchairs in each room. The beds which all convert to King size, are supremely comfortable with crisp white linen, duck down duvets and soft silky cushions. Every room has it’s own charm and most have balconies offering views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill or the patio below. One room has a travertine surround bath in the room complete with open fire-place, another has it’s own private garden and lily pond!

There is great attention to detail and this is reflected down from the choice of artwork on the walls, to the sumptiousness of Welgelegen’s living room sofas. There is an abundant feeling of luxury and spaciousness everywhere… in the modernized dining room complete with leather chairs, enormous ornate mirror and lime mosaic’d fireplace… in the huge beaded chandelier in the hallway…and in the tall windows and high ceilinged cornices of the living rooms… Intimacy, charm and atmosphere are everywhere.

Fiona, the owner, has recently updated a few of the older bedrooms with style and a wonderful eye for colour and calm. Of the thirteen bedrooms , the last three to need upgrading have had the bathrooms redesigned to provide separate bath and shower tiled with beautiful glass mosaics, a contrast to the concrete screed floors and classic tap fittings. The still fairly new in-house treatment room provides even further pampering for the soul with holistic and polarity based massages, reflexology and "tapping techniques". Alternative therapies as well as manicures and pedicures are also catered for.

Welgelegen retains the ambience of a well-preserved and treasured home whilst simultaneously sharing it’s warmth and sophistication with all those who venture past the front garden’s lush hydrangea and lavender. Above all, this guest house offers a commitment to comfort, and a personalized (and efficient) service. In the words of a recent visitor…" Welgelegen is excellent value and in a different league… it offers a personal vibe in a naturally blessed destination."

For those in search of physical activities (and for whom our treatment room is too relaxing) I would recommend climbing up or along Table Mountain....one of the 6 floral kingdoms of the world, it is a nature lover and hiker's delight, a 5 minute drive from here. You could also consider the following: Walking, hiking, picnicing in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (10 mins drive), swimming in Camp's Bay or on Clifton Beach in Atlantic waters (5 mins drive), penguin watching on Boulder's Beach and then swimming there or in the Indian waters of St.James ( 40 mins drive), Horse-riding on Noordhoek Beach (45 mins drive) or in Hout Bay (25 mins drive).

Directions
Directions from Cape Town International Airport to Welgelegen:
Take N2 City/Cape Town. When you approach the mountain take M3 (N2) City. When you start going downhill into the city take M3 De Waal Drive Cape Town. Take left off-ramp into M3 Mill Street (Cable Way). At 2nd set of traffic lights turn left into Upper Orange Street Turn 1st right into Camp Street. Cross over traffic lights and turn 1st left into Welgemeend Street. Turn 1st right into Stephen Street. Welgelegen is the last house on the left, no. 6.