Hotel Review: Stonecrest Room with a View, Joburg
This luxury suite in a 1902 Westcliff home lets you roll like a Randlord, writes Janine Stephen
LOCATION
This is an expansive suite tucked in the upper echelons of a 1902 home in Westcliff, Joburg.
STYLE
The house itself is a beauty. Like many on this ridge, it's a Randlord house, many-levelled and bristling with chimneys; there are 11 fireplaces.
It was almost definitely renovated by Herbert Baker in 1911 - some rooms have his characteristic stained-glass detail, bay windows and there's a carved stone fireplace.
Owner Annabelle Desfontaines also owns Wizards Vintage, a women's clothing store in Johannesburg. Her love of things with history spills into the look and feel of her home.THE SERVICE
It's a self-contained, self-catering suite in a family home, so you don't have to encounter anyone if you don't want to. If you do breakfast, the staff will look after you and Annabelle is full of warmth and energy.
THE EATING
Snacks, fruit and nibbles are provided for arrivals - otherwise, it's self-catering, or you can pop out to local haunts, like the nearby Westcliff Hotel. Breakfast (R150) is best taken at leisure on the stoep.
THE 'DO' LIST
I left the eyrie early one morning to explore the surrounding streets. The air was crisp and dappled light fell on the historic homes. Two Great Danes took a man for a walk past Glenshiel, built for mining magnate William Dalrymple in 1908, also by Sir Herbert, and now HQ of the Order of St John.
I pattered up a section of the 210 Westcliff Stairs, built as part of a poverty-relief programme during the Great Depression. At the top, views stretched out like yogis doing sun salutes. Inner-city living doesn't get more bucolic than this.BEST TIME TO GO
Summer and winter have their charms (swimming vs fireplaces) but in spring, there's a sea of lilac to see thanks to Westcliff's jacarandas.
FACILITIES
The lounge has a flat-screen TV, fireplace and books. There is a sunroom alongside, with a day bed. The bedroom contains an enormous carved dark-wood Jacobean bed topped with beautifully textured linens.
Every stick of furniture is unusual, from the Victorian monk's bench to the Flemish kussingkas or courting cupboard. Guests can wander the expansive gardens, play petanque or bob in Jade Pool.
RATES
Room with a View is R2,500 a night. The smaller Westside Suite is also available for R1,800. Both cost R4,000 a night.
BOOKING
Call 021-790-0972 or see perfecthideaways.co.za.
• Stephen was a guest of Room with a View...
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