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Cliff Top Houses - The Bee's Knees
Meaning 'to be excellent or of an extremely high standard', The Bee's Knees is a luxurious 2 bedroomed villa set directly on the cliff edge with magnificent views that go on forever. From the sea facing deck, watch pods of hundreds of dolphin pass by and whales so close you can hear them breathe. Blending into indigenous flowers and plants, the fynbos deck is perfect for bird watching, and soaking up the sun - and for spotting a foraging mongoose or small antelope.
Designed by multi-award winning architect Henry Paine, this stylish timber villa blends exquisitely into the surrounding nature in a combination of light, glass, wood and open spaces. Beautifully furnished with fine natural fabrics, the finest cotton linen and excellent kitchen appliances, th...Cliff Top Houses - The Bee's Knees
Meaning 'to be excellent or of an extremely high standard', The Bee's Knees is a luxurious 2 bedroomed villa set directly on the cliff edge with magnificent views that go on forever. From the sea facing deck, watch pods of hundreds of dolphin pass by and whales so close you can hear them breathe. Blending into indigenous flowers and plants, the fynbos deck is perfect for bird watching, and soaking up the sun - and for spotting a foraging mongoose or small antelope.
Designed by multi-award winning architect Henry Paine, this stylish timber villa blends exquisitely into the surrounding nature in a combination of light, glass, wood and open spaces. Beautifully furnished with fine natural fabrics, the finest cotton linen and excellent kitchen appliances, this house is for the discerning few who love the wildness of the African coast but with a twist of sophistication.
Situated in a protected nature reserve perched high on the cliffs and surrounded by forest, fynbos and ocean, Cliff Top Houses are ideal hideaways for those seeking peace, tranquility and that special magic.
House Rules
Pets not allowedKid friendlyNo smoking
Bedrooms
2 Kings
Bathrooms
2 Attached (ensuite)
Meet the host
Sally K
Hosting since March 2012
Languages spoken: English
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests: We the owners, Sally and Henry, live on the nature reserve and will be there to welcome you and talk about the hiking trails, game viewing, local restaurants and Garden Route sights. The people who find us are the kind of people who we makes friends with and most come back time and time again. Many an evening has been spent drinking wine with our guests, chatting about our beautiful paradise. We leave you in peace, but should you want info, help or advice, we are always available.
Where do I even start? This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature. The house is amazing, there is a view from every room in the house. We could not decide where to sit to enjoy the best view. It feels like you are floating.
The house is design makes optimal use of the position on the cliff and is very comfortable. All the rooms (even the entrance hallway) have sliding doors that can open all the way to create the feeling of being outside. Kitchen has all the amenities for a comfortable stay, and you can watch dolphins or whales swim by as you prepare meals.
Open the bathroom windows and room doors and you can listen to the ocean and birds outside as you shower. Both decks are nice to sit on and enjoy the views.
The area is also so tranquil and stunning. Plenty of nature trails to explore, we chose a different one every day. You may even find some of the wildlife roaming around. We were truly sad to leave the area and arranged to stay in another house for a few more days as both the hosts houses were booked.
Visited November 2020
Written 8 December 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jean-christophe S
Marseille, France7 contributions
Une maison construite avec un goût parfait. L’isolement total sur une falaise devant la mer. Des hôtes raffinés et bienv
Nous cherchions la maison sur la falaise dont beaucoup ont rêvé.
Les rêves nous y sommes addicts et nous avons voyagé dans le monde entier pour les réaliser, toujours à la recherche de sites rares et hors du commun.
L’endroit est tellement incroyable que tout superlatif est inapproprié. L’accès par la forêt est un parcours initiatique en forme de teasing qui permet de découvrir doucement surprise après surprise. La décoration est parfaite. Tout a été pensé pour rendre le séjour Inoubliable. La baignoire devant la mer, la cheminée, les terrasses panoramiques pour observer les dauphins. Les ballades au bord de la mer, dans la forêt, les oiseaux et le silence de la nature sur rumeurs de vagues venus d’un océan lointain.
La gentillesse de Sally et Henri, leur vie cosmopolite et leur expérience de marins.
La jolie ville de Wilderness tout à côté pour reprendre contact avec la civilisation.
Ce fut une magnifique expérience en Afrique du Sud, dans un endroit où nous serions bien restés quelques mois. C’était juste avant le confinement, dès que le virus ne sera plus qu’un souvenir, nous y retournerons.
Jean-Christophe et Tatiana
Visited March 2020
Written 10 May 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sabine&Daniel
1 contribution
Wonderful place with an amazing seaview
We have been in The Bee‘s Knees in October 2018 and enjoyed our stay really much. When we woke up in the morning, it was such impressive to listen to the sound of waves and to see the vastness of the ocean by looking out of the windows. The whole architecture of the house is fantastic and you feel like being on a ship. Sally and Henry were lovely hosts. They gave us helpful information about the area and even about the best way for our further travel. We will always remember the wonderful sundowner and definitely come back one day.
Visited October 2018
Written 24 November 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrea
1 contribution
A house with a view
What a magnificent house in an incredible part of South Africa. Set in Ballots Bay this house is an absolute gem. It’s an architectural master piece with every window offering you a different perspective. It is close enough to great restaurants and markets but also positioned with absolute privacy in mind. The booking process is simple and your hosts are incredibly welcoming. This is a must visit!
Visited July 2019
Written 21 August 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Buggsi
Teignmouth, United Kingdom130 contributions
Ideal “edge of the world” retreat
No 8 is perched high above the cliffs with a birds eye view of endless ocean. The local bird life is ever present, sea birds dancing on the wind all around and the fynbos alive with busy jewel-like visitors. The house is truly breathtaking and provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The accommodation is spacious and well equipped, but it is the location that will stay with you long after you have followed the winding road back to the real world.
Visited April 2019
Written 27 April 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sally K
We are delighted you loved the house and beautiful view Suzi - we just wish the weather had been kinder to you but hopefully the wood burning stove kept you warm.
Written 9 May 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rsbr0wn
Devon, United Kingdom4 contributions
Stunning
The photographs really don't do this house justice! The most beautiful place we stayed all holiday - a wonderful house to get away from it all, in an incredibly peaceful location. We couldn't recommend it more highly!
Visited August 2018
Written 1 September 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bronwynr1
Pretoria, South Africa11 contributions
Just perfect!
An incredibly peaceful two week stay at Clifftop Houses over the December holidays has prepared us for a wonderful year ahead. From perfect views, to trail walks, dolphin and whale spotting and even a seal or two playing in the waves. Decor and use of space in No 8 is something else. The sunsets from every angle of the house were amazing. Also thanks to Sally and Henry for being superb hosts. Will definitely visit again!
Visited December 2017
Written 22 January 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katja966
Maastricht, The Netherlands1 contribution
Stunningly close to nature's wonders
We stayed at the Bee`s Knees for 3 nights - too short, actually, but well. The house is beautiful, absolutely great! And right on the cliff top, so you can see whales and dolphins and various birds from the balcony. It's on a hillside where there are other houses, too. The owners, who are extremely friendly and helpful live nearby. There is no beach nearby and you need to drive a bit to get to the next shop but the house and views you get, the wonderful walks you can take to watch wildlife very close to the house made us not miss anything.
Visited October 2017
Written 19 November 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
markmurrayza
Tampa, FL2 contributions
Awesome!!!
We visited here for our honeymoon from New York City. This place is exceptionally fantastic!! The house is very well designed with views of the ocean from every corner. The elevation atop the cliffs provide a very unique experience. The road to the house is also a very unique drive. Sally was a superb host & we were quite sad to leave this wonderful spot. I would definitely recommend this listing, especially if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle. Certainly one of the best places I have stayed at!
Visited December 2016
Written 16 October 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sally K
Thanks Mark. The unique drive you talk sometimes makes people nervous when they book - it shouldn't! It is part of the charm of the property and takes you from the real world into a magical world! And if you take it slowly, it is not difficult and perfectly manageable in an ordinary vehicle, not a 4x4.
Written 18 October 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarel S
Pretoria, South Africa18 contributions
Tranquility and pure luxury
For once we stayed over at a place we regretted leaving. From the time Sally and hubby made us feel totally at home to the time we regrettably said goodbye. This house is a gem set high on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Shower time is awesome as you have a total clear view of the ocean with seagulls gliding in the wind right in front of you.
We had our sister and brother in law from Belgium with us over Christmas and they could not believe such places exist in Africa.
Well appointed with absolutely all the amenities that you could wish for. Ocean views to die for. Bliss pure luxury !!
We will definitely be back ! Well priced for a great holiday.
Visited December 2016
Written 21 September 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ballots is a protected nature reserve with a combination of indigenous forest and flower species seen nowhere else in the world. Walk on trails along the coast to watch whale and dolphin, through magical forests, to small rocky bays and along cliffs where zebra, antelope and ostrich roam. Ballots Bay where the river flows into the sea is a fisherman's paradise and the pebbly beach is perfect for foraging and exploring or paddling in the bay.
The Wilderness region has it all - beautiful white beaches, ancient forests, superb golf courses, excellent restaurants, farmers markets, canoeing, parasailing, hiking, surfing, swimming, horse riding.
Getting around
A car is essential but an SUV is not necessary. The access road to Ballots Nature Reserve is steep and winding but in good condition.
Cliff Top Houses are situated in Ballots Heights, 12 km from the small town of Wilderness, 12km from George, 8 km from Victoria Bay.
Access
Car required
How to get there
Fly to Johannesburg, connect via budget airlines Kulula or 1Time or national airline SAA to George. Fly to Cape Town, connect via SAA to George or hire a car and drive 5 hours.
Ballots Nature Reserve is 25 minutes from George airport along the N2 towards Wilderness. Take the Victoria Bay turn off from the N2 and we are on the cliffs to the right. The road is steep and winding, but accessible in an ordinary vehicle. An SUV is not necessary.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Golf course (within 15 min walk)Horse riding facilitiesWatersports
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 2 pm • Check out by 10 am
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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