Located in the sun soaked village of St James, Rodwell House is a five star, eight suite boutique hotel with a past as colourful as the famous bathing huts nearby. Built by Randlord billionaire JB Taylor in the 1930’s, the elegant manor house is the site of a number of significant political and economic decisions in South Africa’s history. Taylor, who was a pivotal figurehead during the Gold Rush era and the spokesman for the mining houses to President Paul Kruger, left South Africa before the Jameson Raid and the Anglo-Boer War, but returned to the Cape after World War 1. Rodwell House was built by Taylor on his return to South Africa and hosted many influential guests over the years including former deputy Prime Minister, Deneys Reitz who spent many afternoons fishing with Taylor in nearby False Bay. Taylor’s memoirs of a Randlord, entitled “Lucky Jim” were drawn from his manuscripts and notes and provide a personal account of a remarkable period of South African business, social and political history, with much reference to Rodwell House.
Purchased in 2005 by proprietor Robin von Holdt, the manor’s elegant proportions and fine terraced gardens have been sensitively upgraded to meet the highest standards of sophistication, whilst preserving the manor’s inherent grace and charm. Robin’s private collection of 20th Century oil paintings by South African masters, such as Pierneef and Boonsaaier adorn the walls and cherished antiques add an air of intrigue to the rooms, complimenting the rich historical tapestry that makes up Rodwell House.
Spread over 3 floors, guests luxuriate in suites which provide unashamed comfort. In-room spa treatments afford absolute privacy and serene leisure rooms lend themselves to quiet reflection. Spacious terraces spill onto manicured gardens boasting a boulle field and swimming pool fed by a mountain stream. Stunning sea views are enjoyed through sweeping arches and windows or appreciated uninterrupted whilst dining al fresco on the terrace. Period fireplaces and other features abound; a magnificent teak staircase leads guests from the panelled entrance hall to the upper floor of bedroom suites. A formal drawing room, the Cedar House Art Gallery and vibrant Titanium Bistro complete the first floor. The ground floor offers an informal lounge, bar, world class wine cellar (more than 15 000 bottles of imported wine) and tasting room, as well as a well-equipped gymnasium. Executive conference facilities lead onto an outdoor sea-facing entertainment area. Sophisticated technology ensures unobtrusive global communication and fingertip entertainment throughout.
St James is a place of great spiritual relevance. An ancient meridian energy line runs from the mountain behind Rodwell House directly through the property to the Hottentots Mountains and beyond. Well known for whale-watching, warm sea bathing and a sheltered Mediterranean climate, St James offers guest a lively local café lifestyle. Rodwell House is conveniently situated ten minutes from historical Simons Town, some of the Cape’s best vineyards and gold medal restaurants and twenty minutes from Cape Town’s CBD, Cape Point and Stellenbosch, but light-years away from boredom or tour groups. In a quest to redefine elite Cape seaside holidays Robin has successfully combined his love of art and wine with impeccable furnishings in a near perfect setting, to create a refreshingly unique getaway experience. This is a lavish and intimate destination, both revitalising and nurturing, coveted by those who appreciate the finest of life’s luxuries.

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Deposits:
50% deposit payable at time of booking to secure reservation, balance due on departure
For stays longer than 7 days or reserving more than one suite, 70% deposit due to secure reservation, balance due on departure

Refund Policy:
Full refund if notified 30 days from start of stay less 10% to a max of R1000 admin fee
Subject to written confirmation, deposit will be retained if cancelled within 14 days
Refunds for period 22 December to 6 January subject to re-let and written confirmation
Additional refunds may be granted subject to management discretion