Penguin HouseA 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, Boulders 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.