Following a stand-out stay In Prince Albert at Bidhuisie, we were invited to review another South of Africa property. The umbrella body markets properties, all luxurious, in Limpopo Province and in the Western Cape. The Ballinrobe in Sea Point and Bidhuisie joined the group in October 2012.
The two-bedroomed apartment, Number 5 The Ballinrobe, has two bathrooms, one en suite with a loo, bath and shower and the other with a loo and shower. It is furnished to a high standard and, as a corner unit with a large balcony, has commanding views from Calais Road. Situated above High Level Road in Sea Point, just 10-minutes from the city centre and a few moments to the beaches it is a convenient location from which to explore.
Although it was miserable weather when we visited, we were treated to the most spectacular sunsets - the sort you see in old-fashioned illustrated children's bibles that show God speaking to his people. It did mean, however, that we didn't use the spa pool on the balcony but I can imagine it a fabulously romantic spot for sun-downers or to watch the twinkling lights over Sea Point.
Sea Point is one of the best locations to stay in when visiting Cape Town as it is very near to the V&A Waterfront but is also situated just far enough out of the city to avoid being stuck in traffic in or out of town. Unless you're happy walking up a steep hill, you'll need a car when staying at The Ballinrobe. Parking is included at no extra fee. Once on Main and Beach Roads reliable public transport is easily available.
The apartment is serviced and has a dishwasher, oven and electric hob as well as a microwave. There is a TV in the sitting room, DVD player, CD player with space for an iPod and limited satellite channels. The decoration, a homage to Nguni cattle, will especially appeal to foreigners and there's a telescope for the Peeping Toms amongst us. In a media statement, Johan Jansen van Vuuren, owner of South of Africa portfolio said: "We are extremely proud of having The Ballinrobe join our portfolio.
We have offerings in the smaller tourist destinations from the West Coast to the Great North, so to get a property in the Mother City to join our group is a fantastic chance to branch out and reach a wider audience. What makes The Ballinrobe, alongside our other properties, even more unique, is that visitors can venture on an entire journey through South Africa: start in Paternoster, visit Cape Town, stop- over in Prince Albert and then end their holiday in the Limpopo Province - all of these destinations have a South of Africa property or two! You can see the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, and the Big 5 all in one go with South of Africa".
I liked the feeling of quality - from the furnishings and excellent bed to the bathroom fittings and kitchen utensils although I missed having a coffee plunger. On some on-line photographs of The Ballinrobe there's an automated espresso machine pictured in the kitchen which, even though it isn't included on the kitchen inventory, I was secretly hoping for. Such is the impact of a coffee addiction!
We had friends over to the apartment for dinner and they were as impressed by it as we were. The one, a former Estate Agent, thought to purchase such an apartment would cost over two-and-a-half million rands, which makes the rate at R2,500 per night reasonable especially when there are four of you staying. For this August only the apartment is available at R999 per night.
To book or for more information email az.oc.acirfafohtuos@sgnikoob, telephone +27 (0) 87 820 5974 or see www.southofafrica.co.za and www.facebook.com/southofafrica.
