Penguin House

A heritage home by the sea, with penguins for neighbours
Perched above the turquoise waters of Boulders Beach, this historic Herbert Baker-designed home was built in the 1890s for the Admiral of the British Navy. Today, Penguin House has been lovingly restored into a grand yet welcoming retreat for up to 14 guests.

The house carries its history with dignity: wide verandahs, high ceilings, and long corridors that flow into seven generous bedrooms and five bathrooms, each layered with character and charm. At the same time, thoughtful updates — from modern bathrooms to fibre internet, solar power, and a sparkling pool or the wood-fired hot tub — ensure a stay that’s as effortless as it is enchanting.

Mornings begin with coffee on the stoep or a swim with penguins in the calm waters below. Days stretch into hikes along the Cape Peninsula, lazy games on the lawn, or simple pleasures in the sunny conservatory with its fireplace. Evenings invite seafood braais, stargazing from the terrace, or long conversations around the dining table, where the house seems to wrap you in its history.

Whether you’re reclining in a free-standing bath, watching the naval ships cross the bay, or gathering around the fire after a day in the sun, life at Boulders House moves to the rhythm of the ocean. Both elegant and familiar, grand yet intimate — this is a home designed for creating memories.

Relaxing

• Pool and terrace with incredible views
• Wood-fired hot tub
• Conservatory & sea-view terraces
• Direct access to Boulders Beach penguin colony
• Conservatory with fireplace
• Central heating throughout
• Fireplace in the lounge
• Fibre internet & Bluetooth speaker
• Smart TVs with DSTV & Netflix
• Beach towels & umbrellas provided

Sleeping

• Emperor – King extra-length, en suite with separate bath & shower, Smart TV, space for a camper cot
• Jack Ass – Queen extra-length, shares bathroom with Humbolt & Fiordland (bath & shower)
• Humbolt – King, shares bathroom with Jack Ass & Fiordland
• Fiordland – Queen, shares bathroom with Jack Ass & Humbolt
• Royal – King extra-length, en suite with shower, Smart TV, space for camper cot
• Adelie – Two extra-length three-quarter beds, shares bathroom with Rockhopper (bath)
• Rockhopper – Two single beds, shares bathroom with Adelie
• All linen & bath towels provided

Living

• Fully equipped Country house kitchen with gas stove, electric oven & microwave
• American double-door fridge/freezer
• Utility room with Dishwasher, washing machine & tumble dryer
• Nespresso & espresso machines, coffee plunger, toaster
• Dining space for 14 guests
• Weekend servicing available at extra cost
• Private Chef available with prior notice
• Babysitting available with prior notice

Rates: 2025

• Low: 1 May to 30 Sept 2025 [min 2 nights*] R20,000 per night
• Shoulder: 1 Oct to 14 Dec 2025 [min 2 nights*] R30,000 per night
• High: 15 Dec 2025 to 8 Jan 2026 [min 7 nights] R40,000 per night
• *Except Easter – min 4 nights, public holiday weekends – min 2 nights

Rates: 2026

• Shoulder: 9 Jan to 30 Apr 2026 [min 2 nights*] R30,000 per night
• Low: 1 May to 30 Sept 2026 [min 2 nights*] R22,500 per night
• Shoulder: 1 Oct to 14 Dec 2026 [min 2 nights*] R33,000 per night
• High: 15 Dec 2026 to 8 Jan 2027 [min 7 nights] R42,500 per night
• *Except Easter – min 4 nights, public holiday weekends – min 2 nights