The Potting Shed Accommodation - Guest House

This British-owned guest house sits in a quiet side-street off the main road, just a short walk from town. The former engineer and nursery nurse owners swapped UK life for South Africa in 2004, transforming this once-rundown property into a charming accommodation with hand-painted interiors that add an artistic touch throughout.

Accommodation Options

• Standard Rooms: Queen-size beds (can be converted to twins), en-suite shower rooms, and essential amenities
• Deluxe Rooms: More spacious than standard rooms with larger en-suites, king-size beds, and private patios with gas braai (BBQ) facilities
• Studio Room: Perfect for couples seeking privacy with an open-plan design including bedroom, lounge, kitchenette with basic cooking facilities, and private deck with mountain views

The Guest Experience

A highlight here is the breakfast experience, where guests rave about homemade specialties—particularly the pancakes, freshly baked bread, granola, jams, and lemon curd. The guest house maintains a small, intimate feel with only six rooms, creating a personal atmosphere that's often missing from larger establishments.

The swimming pool area offers both sun and shade options—ideal for cooling off after exploring town. While the garden is compact, it's beautifully maintained, sometimes hosting visiting birdlife including the local spotted eagle owl.

Location Advantages

Just 5 minutes' walk from the famous cliff path, this guest house is well-positioned for whale watching (June to November), considered the best land-based whale watching in the world. The cliff path runs 12km from New Harbour to Klein River mouth—perfect for spotting whales, dolphins and seals while enjoying the fresh sea air.

Grotto Beach, one of the Western Cape's few Blue Flag beaches, is only a 5-minute drive away. For golfers, Hermanus Golf Course lies just 5km from the property.

Local Insider Tips

The owners can arrange a variety of local activities at discounted rates including whale watching trips, sea kayaking, shark cage diving, wine tours in the Hemel en Aarde Valley (recognized for award-winning wineries), and quad biking adventures. For those preferring to explore independently, they recommend the 90-minute walk to Grotto Beach with lunch at Dutchies, returning by taxi—a perfect half-day outing.

Ficks Pool, located at the end of the road, offers cocktails with sweeping sea views—an excellent stop during cliff path walks. The Wine Hopper can collect guests directly from the guest house, eliminating driving concerns when sampling the region's excellent wines.

Good to Know

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required for direct bookings, with full payment due 21 days prior to arrival. Secure on-site parking is available, though spaces are limited when the guest house is fully booked. The property is within easy walking distance of restaurants and the Old Harbour, with the police station nearby providing additional security.