The Deep Blue Beach House

Lovely family beach house on the water and next to the historic harbour of Still Bay. A wonderful seaside town with lots to do for all ages: the sea, harbour and river for swimming, surfing, fishing, boogie boarding, walking, strolling, running or just relaxing with an incredible view Please note: the scenic old harbour road is between the house and the sea, usually not very busy and we have speed bumps along the road Seaside home with gorgeous uninterrupted views of the ocean, beach and harbour Exclusive use of the whole house Nicolene is available should there be any issues or concern, alternatively contact me directly Nicolene: + (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) Stilbaai is a quiet seaside holiday town with a wonderful local community: made up of residents - who have lived here for generations in town, the surrounding villages or on the farms along the Stilbaai river- and retirees, commuters, holiday makers, fisherman, artists and families seeking the beautiful quiet life. The other charm of this town is it’s beautiful location on the South East Coast of South Africa, both sides of the Stilbaai River, Stilbaai East and West. It’s a great attraction for holiday makers, beach bums, surfers, fisherman and lovers of the outdoor. We have many coastal pathways to explore and dirt roads to run or cycle along. Whales can usually be spotted in the bay between August and November with the occasional pod of dolphins crossing. During the summer school holiday the population explodes around Xmas, the big annual Touch Rugby festival on the 26th and New Year’s. Our home is situated on the coast, with a gorgeous view, behind the old harbour road, a quiet dead end. And protected by the hill behind us from the strong southeaster wind that can blow during the summer months. Sea safety: Directly in front of the house are very few currents as the bay is protected by the harbour wall but be aware of rocks & the riptide on the other side of the Steentjie, (out on the left,always visible) especially at mid to low tide when swimming. It’s not very wide but can be strong - we have had to save many people here who try and swim in against the rip. Please alert your guests to the riptide and to always swim parallel to the shore if caught. River: Swimming in and crossing the river is lots of fun- especially drifting down with the tide on floaties but beware the current direction when crossing and the current strength changes dramatically from day to day Occasional blue bottles/ jelly fish after strong on-shore winds but this is not a regular hinderance Safety and security: Stilbaai is generally very safe with little crime. But be wise and lockup if house is left unattended & don’t leave valuables lying around inside or outside. The quad can be secured at night by closing the wooden sliding gates- The alarm is only for the outside perimeter- and can be activated at night should you wish, the remote is on the main key Wind: we are located in the most secluded corner of Stilbaai but please ensure that on the rooftop the umbrella is always left lying down Stilbaai tourism: Beware everything - including restaurants- are closed after 5pm on a Sunday except for small shop at the fuel station Groceries: OK & Spar centre Both have liquor stores attached Stilbaai Vismark & Deli - they also run the fresh fish shack on the harbour: great selection of fish, pasta, cheese etc and oysters Shoppies and stuff in town: - Allegaartjie (between Spar centre and big Hardware Shop Steyns) - also lovely place for cake/ coffee/ lunch & brunch- try their pumpkin pancakes as reward after a looooong ride/walk/ run - Coffee & Cream (with a small bakery and deli) - Matchbox - Surf shop in Spar centre or in the garage in adjoining property - sports shop in Spar centre - Bali trading - Namo Health (this is a good health shop and Henk is a fantastic masseuse - an actual miracle worker for any aches and pains) - - Skin Zone: for pampering, mani/pedis and facials Best fish&chips: 3pikkewyne in Jongensfontein- newly revamped/ good for big gatherings and watching sports etc Or Lap Skuit : the little shack by play area on the river, best to book ahead They also have a small shop for ice creams and treats Takeaways available out of season (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) The spot at the harbor -Vikings- a bit hit&miss but new owners so give them a chance Coffee truck operates on the harbour wall over school holidays For pizza and nice setting in the olive groves make the trip out to Olyfenhout : The Press Room: Also great for breakfasts and long lazy lunches with a small play area for kids Or Stables- on the river just before entering stilbaai fromN2 Pizza takeaways from Nardos at Spar Centre is also not frowned on Don’t miss the Gin tasting at Inverroche: our local but now world famous Gin Distillery! They are apparently now also doing picnics Other nice restaurants: Coffee and cream : really good lunch/breakfast Best liquor store is just past Pep Stores ( Die Kelders) or the Spar has a Tops at the back Brilliant butchery in Industrial area on the Eastern side but great meat available from Spar or Die Vismark The local winery is Baleia: give them enough warning and they will deliver direct to the house: (Website hidden by Airbnb) To do: Swim infront of house ⁃ use the steps infront of Izapa- you’ll see at low tide if you walk straight out from the steps there is a clear ‘path’ ⁃ or on the beach infront of homes on the beach- watch for rip next to steentjie (stone tower) at low tide ⁃ Walk to the river- nice to swim and drift down/up with the stream ⁃ Main swim beach is on the otherside Walking : To the left walk in front of colorful beach houses and join the path up along the river at the outdoor gym to the boat jetty- about 2.5km one-way from our house Or when crossing the little wooden bridge along this path, turn left and follow the stream up to Palinggat- they feed the palings everyday at 11am- a small coffee shop and a fossil museum and the old original school building is situated next door to Palinggat/ Stilbaai Tourism is also here Cycle up next to river - on western side of river - follow the road from the main bridge- at about 2km from bridge is Kleinbergskloof : coffee shop/ breakfast or lunch/ small menu but good coffee/ scones/brunch- you can also keep running or cycling for about 15km on this dirt road along the river before it turns away from the river Great function venue To the right: Walk through harbor- past the Point(surf spot) to the next bay (Skulpiesbaai) Fishing from coast allowed from The Point up till the next parking area below Bosbokduin Good snorkeling for kids at low tide below this development in the Visvywers (Strandloper built rock pools) - you can also drive to this parking lot from the parking lot onwards it’s a marine reserve: Here also starts the coastal path to Jongensfontein- about 10km from our house oneway to Jongens (only walk- not with bicycles )- just follow the coastal path and cross any big beaches- best todo at low tide only Another walk: When you get to the Point - park at the public toilets- you can head into the dunes on your right- follow and discover all the little trails- we call this the Feetjie Bos- a couple of pathways criss cross the dunes and will lead you through the milkwood forest- picnic tables scattered around I’ll recommend a bike for exploring further and shopping And bicycle for lovely local rides Bedding, towels and beach towels are provided Ample fridge / freezer space and a wine fridge Please bring your own Nespresso pods for the coffee machine Nicolene is available for extra cleaning if needed, please arrange directly with her at an extra cost Nicolene is the housemanager and housekeeper and is a wonderful lady with deep local roots.