Overview

Built over 100 years ago, St James Manor is a five-star stately seaside retreat overlooking the trendy and vibrant fishing village of Kalk Bay with majestic views across False Bay and the Indian Ocean.

Built as a single-storey thatch residence by a Mr Philip Morgenrood in 1874, the house appears to have changed ownership every 10 to 15 years, passing through the hands of a number of illustrious old Cape families such as the Findlays, Mossops, Moltenos and Bissets. In 1912, John William Jagger took ownership of the house and carried out major extensions and additions converting it into one of the more sumptuous homes in St James. It has had several owners since then and was acquired by Rovos Rail in 2009.

The Manor has an aura of grandeur and old-world charm with a magnificent wood-panelled staircase leading up to the five large suites and a standard twin, each of which bears the name of historic, local characters of St James. The individually decorated rooms reflect the opulent times of a bygone era with gorgeous floral fabrics and calm colours, Persian carpets and early English and South African antiques.

The house has a number of attractive reception rooms for meetings and social gatherings, a library, a bar and a breakfast room as well as an elegant dining room where, on request, dinners can be hosted. Breakfasts are a speciality offering a wide choice of interesting fare and are inclusive, as are all beverages.

Carved into the mountain is a private and wind-protected swimming pool and tanning deck where those reluctant to leave the exclusive environment of the house will no doubt happily while away the warm summer days or contemplate the magnificent views of the False Bay coastline.