Bar Roc at Ellerman House

(Image credit: TBC)

Set on a hillside in Cape Town’s Bantry Bay, is a landmark Edwardian mansion dating back to 1906. Formerly the private residence of the shipping magnate, Sir John Ellerman, the property has since been transformed into an exclusive boutique hotel by its current owner, businessman Paul Harris, who had a vision to provide a destination with ‘the best South Africa has to offer’.

Over the past 25 years, this has meant ongoing updates that today includes an impressive terraced garden, which has been landscaped with indigenous plants from proteas to fynbos; a staggering collection of South African art that has also extended to the opening of an onsite modern art gallery; and a 7,500-strong collection of South African wines.

The hotel’s latest addition – and a good spot to sample those bottles – is Bar Roc. Here, Adam Court of local outfit OKHA Interiors, has embellished raw, exposed stone walls with solid brass details, petrol blue and bottle green velvet furnishings, terrazzo flooring (which extends to the sleek bar) and subtle concealed lighting that highlights the carefully curated artwork.

Bar Roc is the perfect spot to soak up those spectacular sea views with a sundowner, after a day spent languishing in the spa, or perhaps to enjoy a cosy postprandial tipple after dinner at the restaurant. Here, chef Grant Daniels sends out South African-inspired fare including tasty curries, that nod to his Cape Malay roots.

Not open to the public, the 13-room Ellerman House is a quiet bolthole that has retained the intimacy of a private house – not least with thoughtful inclusions such as the guilt-inducing snack pantry that encourages you to literally get your hand caught in the cookie jar.

Interior view of the seating area at Bar Roc at Ellerman House featuring white walls, green plants, multiple ceiling lights, a green corner sofa, two curved blue chairs, grey and bronze coloured round tables and art on the wall of three male characters in hats and suits

Alternative view of the seating area at Bar Roc at Ellerman House featuring blue and green seating, stone and white walls, multiple ceiling lights, grey and bronze coloured round tables, wall art, a small elephant statue on a plinth and green plants in pots. There is also a partial view of the bar area

Interior view of another seating area at Bar Roc at Ellerman House featuring white and stone walls, wall lights, blue and green chairs, grey and bronze coloured round tables and a partial view of outside through the open doors. There is also a partial view of the bar area

ADDRESS

180 Kloof Rd

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Lauren Ho is the Travel Director of Wallpaper*, roaming the globe, writing extensively about luxury travel, architecture and design for both the magazine and the website. Lauren serves as the European Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Hotels.