Once the stately home of Sir John and Lady Ellerman, distinguished shipping magnates and investors, Ellerman House sits perched on the slopes of Lion’s Head in the prestigious Bantry Bay residential area.

This elegant Cape Edwardian mansion is known for having one of the most spectacular ocean views in South Africa. Just ten minutes from the heart of Cape Town, the one-and-a-half acre property features a panorama of Atlantic coastline that includes the infamous Robben Island.

Now privately owned, Ellerman House stands as an iconic showcase of South Africa’s finest lodging, cuisine, wine, and leisure. With shaded verandas, tiered gardens, beautiful interiors, and a celebrated art collection, guests from all over the world love the combination of luxury and service this serene getaway offers.

Ellerman House has eleven rooms, two suites, and two private villas, with no two rooms alike. The property boasts two lounges, a library, two dining rooms, a spa, a main pool, gym, whisky bar, and expansive outdoor space. The property is not open to the public, offering a genuine level of privacy and luxury to guests.

 

Arriving

Arriving at Ellerman House is a treat in itself as you are exposed to some of Cape Town’s best offerings. As you travel along the foot of Table Mountain, which looms over you with all its majesty, you nip around the Lion’s Rump, only to be exposed to the sprawling Atlantic Ocean.

There is a quiet confidence that exudes from the building as you approach the driveway of Ellerman House. Completely unassuming at first, every inch intended, a necessary extreme to keep the flocks at bay. The confidence is explained as you descend into the foyer accompanied by your host, and a collection of national treasures hanging on the walls become apparent. Your first glimpse of the vista as you walk out onto the top terrace is when you are struck with the realisation that you have truly arrived.An almost immediate urge befalls our guests at this stage to sit back on one of the pool loungers atop the immaculate lawn on the lower terrace and sip on a gin and tonic while watching the ships sail in and out of the bay as the shipping magnates of yesteryear would. We strongly encourage this sloth-like behavior.

A more interactive abode, you will struggle to find. Ellerman House Contemporary, a gallery space to challenge your senses with the most contemporary of South African artworks. Ellerman House Spa, a space dedicated to the rejuvenation of your mind, body and soul. A 7,500 bottle strong wine cellar, lovingly nurtured into an award winning collection, a connoisseur’s delight. A kitchen that relishes in the opportunity to create and manipulate local flavours into culinary feasts.

Rely on our experienced concierge team to construct an itinerary suited to your needs, likes and dislikes. At Ellerman House, we are proud of our city and feel it a necessary sin to be boastful of what is on offer. Experience a day dedicated to tasting some of the finest wines in the world or take a leisurely drive along the peninsula. As our guest, you will set the pace of your bespoke tour. For the more adventurous, slip into a wetsuit for some private surfing lessons in Muizenberg, or buckle up to paraglide off Lion’s Head. Once the sun falls, and you have energy left to take on the city, let us recommend a restaurant. We have been keeping an eye on you and we know what you will like.

With all these attributes in its arsenal, what sets Ellerman House apart is the family that hosts you during your stay. Light touches behind the scenes form a ripple effect, resulting in an almost tangible atmosphere for you, our guest. A genuine concern for your wellbeing and a willingness to show you the charm and character that is so very prevalent in the South African as well as Capetonian culture. Hospitality in its most honest form.

Whether spending your well-earned leisure time at Ellerman House or Ellerman House Villa, one thread holds true and that is that time behaves differently when one is truly relaxed.

 

Giving Back

"Visitors to South Africa are charmed by the beauty of our landscape, the warmth of our people, and the depth of our culture. As South Africans, we have much to celebrate, and at Ellerman House, we want our guests to experience the best of what this country has to offer.

To create this experience, we planted an indigenous garden, serve South African wine and cuisine, and have a renowned collection of local art representing the best of past and present. We also employ a diverse staff that provides guests with the warmest in true South African hospitality.

To further our community contribution, we’ve committed ourselves to improving the lives of those less fortunate than us. Ellerman House has created ArtAngels, an annual fundraising art auction, hosted on site. All proceeds are channelled through the Click Foundation, our family foundation established in 2010. Funds raised each year are used by the partners of the Click Foundation to expand the reach of community pilot programs.

Should you wish to be involved in helping us make a difference, the team at Ellerman House will be happy to assist you. Through your involvement and generosity, you will share in the joy, excitement and pride of being part of this exciting country, where we can all make a difference in forging a brighter future for South Africans."

Paul Harris – Owner