PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

Built -- like so many of the gracious mansions on this seaboard -- by a Randlord millionaire in the 1930s, Rodwell House is luxury on a grand scale. A classically proportioned manor house, with stone terraces and fine gardens, it is in the village of St James, with the Kalk Bay mountains looming above and the sweep of False Bay below. With only eight rooms -- all stylishly furnished, and with sea or mountain views -- this guesthouse offers peace and privacy, but not at the expense of the facilities: There are several "leisure rooms" filled with art and collectables, wide terraces for evening sundowners, a gym, a DVD library, a boule field, and a seriously stocked 15,000-bottle cellar. And you'll hardly need a car, since you're only a minute's walk from the beach and village. Take an energizing mountain stroll or a refreshing dip in the tidal pool, and then feast on a platter of freshly grilled seafood -- informal wine and meal pairings can be arranged, or try one of the numerous restaurants in Kalk Bay (walking distance) or Simons Town (10 min. by car). Cape Point is 20 minutes south; the city is 30 minutes north. The Constantia wine route is about 15 minutes away.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's South Africa, 5th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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