Hawksmoor House

Location An 18th-century Cape Dutch house on a 544-acre farm with expansive views of Table Mountain, 18 miles from La Residence. First Impressions: The arrival’s a bit dusty, but style abounds: gallery-quality antiques, an Aga range in the shabby-chic kitchen, and excellent wines in the honor bar. Rooms Eight in all, many with original moldings, deep-set windows, and retro prints. Pedigree Hawksmoor is the first hotel venture from four friends: a decorator, a property developer, a businessman, and a former travel consultant. Drawbacks Don’t expect 24-hour room service, an obsequious staff or, in summer, to go without seeing the occasional baboon spider. Hey, it’s a farm, and you’re in Africa. Don’t Miss A chat with manager Maike Harms, who has contacts at all the top restaurants, wineries, and tour companies from Cape Town to the Karoo. Value Factor You get free run of a historic property and access to the best of everything in the region, all for less than the cost of a dinner for two. What’s a little dust on the shoes?