Beau Cap House

Large house in central historical Bo-Kaap. All modern amenities. 2 large bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms. Suitable for up to 2 couples, or family of 4 with accompanied children 16 years and older. Please note, the extra fees are for cleaning, "concierge service" and Cape Town drought tax - consecutive years of drought has prompted a high municipal water tax. Please see important note below on WATER USAGE & ELECTRICITY. The space My home is a 240 square metre house in the "Bo-Kaap" that has two large bedrooms, each with a double bed and their own bathroom, a living and dining space, fully equipped kitchen, a study with cable TV, and a large courtyard (that also serves for parking) with a water feature and olive tree – an ideal quiet space during Cape Town’s balmy summer nights. The house is fitted with full WIFI internet connectivity. The front stoop with views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Devil’s peak is a wonderful spot to have a morning coffee and greet the neighbours. The house is only a 5 minute walk from fabled Long Street, Cape Town's main strip full of curious shops, bars, restaurants that bustle day and night. It is also a few steps from up-and-coming Bree Street where you’ll also find restaurants and galleries. In short, not only is the house in the middle of a quiet historic heritage neighbourhood to be discovered on its own merits and unique culture, you are a stone’s throw away from the all the hubbub that Cape Town has to offer. The traditional Cape Malay culture of the Bo-Kaap is open, accepting and respectful and neighbours are always keen to make new friends – where mutual respect is paramount. The neighbourhood is predominantly Muslim, and the culture is steeped in history, and I encourage you to learn more about the Bo Kaap and the intricate fabric of its traditions. Being a traditional community, you will witness the New Year's eve festivities marked by the Minstrels, which are jovial yet rival marching musical bands that run from 31st December to 04th January (I always hesitate receiving guests during this period that may find the festivities very buoyant for a quiet evening home). Alcohol in the streets of Bo Kaap or loud music parties are not part of the culture, and guests are kindly requested to drink inside the house or courtyard. There is a great coffee shop a few steps down from the house with great coffee and voluptuous breakfasts. You’ll find a traditional Cape Malay restaurant, “Bismillah” a block away on Waal Street, and another, the “Bo-Kaap Kombuis” a little further up the hill with great Cape Malay food and magnificent views of the city. On Rose and Waal Streets is a corner-shop selling basics every day until 22:00, and on Waal Street you’ll find the renowned and famous traditional Atlas Spice Shop spice market. On Rose Street there is a scooter rental place. The house itself is always kept clean by Naomi that comes every Wednesday at 09:00 to 15:00 for a thorough house cleaning for your comfort at my expense. The house is secure and equipped with all that is necessary for your safety and comfort (alarm, shutters, fire extinguisher, smoke, fire and carbon-monoxide detector). The garage door accessing parking in the courtyard is on Chiappini Street. Please note, latest check-in time is 9pm and earliest is 8am, the latter provided there are no guests. Guest access Guests have access to all areas of the house and use of all its facilities, except on “cleaning day” when the cleaner, Naomi, will arrive at 09:00 and remain to 15:00 during which time you are encouraged to get an early start to your day outside exploring Cape Town. Naomi will then have the place to herself to ensure a spotless house on your return. Help yourself to the use of the fully equipped kitchen, enjoy the courtyard dining table under the chandelier, or just enjoy a cup of tea on the stoop. Relax in the lounge and make use of the desk when you want to work. Bedrooms are strictly private to my guests; and in the event that you share the house, please kindly keep it tidy for everyone’s sake. Other things to note Cleaner comes once a week on Tuesdays – part of deal and non-negotiable – and at guest's expense. Reservations of a minimum of 4 nights during high season (December - March) otherwise 3 nights, and maximum of 20 nights only are accepted. My home is not for long term stays beyond 20 nights, and if you wish to book less or additional time, please contact me to discuss. IMPORTANT NOTICE WATER Please note, Cape Town faces water shortages, especially in Summer months. The City and Provincial governments implement punitive measures to homes that consume water beyond rationed amounts of 350 litres per day, at which point water is automatically switched off and returns after 24 hours. To avoid punitive measures I’m reaching out to appeal to you and party to be mindful to keep water consumption during your stay for your convenience, notably by the following measures: 1. Short showers only, no baths 2. Dishwasher used only when full and at most only once a daily 3. Fast wash only for laundry washing machine ELECTRICITY South Africa is working hard on upgrading its aging electricity infrastructure. Regrettably, there are shortages throughout the country and the whole of Cape Town is no exception. Consequently, the supply company rations electricity by district and neighbourhoods, and none are spared especially in season with high demand. To modernize the infrastructure, electricity is very expensive. You will notice on arrival that there is an electricity meter that some guest have seen in their country in "the old days." The meter tells you how many units are available and they go very quickly with consumption. As mentioned in another section on Beau Cap House, I provide ZAR 300.- (less than US $20) worth of electricity prior to your arrival; and I bring to your attention all consumption beyond the units I provide are at the guest's expense. Thaakira, who will meet you at check in, will explain how to purchase electricity. As a reference, ZAR 300.- is enough for me to live very comfortably for approximately a month. To be upfront, the electricity system is very unique and has surprised many guests; however, I cannot gauge how much you consume and would rather you purchase as much as you feel you need to fully enjoy the house. Your understanding - and help - would be greatly appreciated. Until soon, kind regards, = Dimitri