Our family of eight recently spent a week at the beautiful Maison Noir. Nestled in seclusion below Table Mountain in Hout Bay, it provided a perfect home base for our day trips in the Cape Town region. It was only 20 minutes from Cape Town yet was a beautiful respite after all the activities we pursued during the day.

The property itself is stunning. Entering along a wooden boardwalk over koi ponds you arrive at the front door with a view across the hall to the pool and mountains. There are so many places just indoors to hang out....from the bright living room near the kitchen and dining room, to the cosy family room down the hall, to the cool lounge area outside the bedrooms, to the movie theatre or wine cellar in the basement. There were three beautiful bedrooms with loft areas for extra sleeping plus a huge master suite with fireplace and sitting area. Outside, there was another dining area, seating on a covered patio and by the pool, and a sweet meditation area. Everything was so well laid out, with fastidious attention to every detail..outdoor showers, open fireplaces, Africology bath products, fine linens, candles and fresh flowers everywhere, a little shop selling locally made products, a pre-stocked fridge and bar, and a fabulous coffee maker.

Albie and his staff were fantastic. No request was too small and he was a joy to communicate with about our needs, even before our arrival. The staff knew how to balance taking care of us, with leaving us to feel like we had the house to ourselves. The house and property were spotless.

We used Maison Noir's 12 passenger Mercedes Sprinter and driver for excursions. This made planning much easier. It was a very comfortable ride and Yves was an excellent driver. Maison Noir will kindly make arrangements for activities if you like.

We chose to hire Charisse, the most fabulous chef, to make five dinners for us. After a busy day out touring, it was such a treat to come back to beautiful Maison Noir and unwind while smelling the aromas of Charisse's cooking. She worked with us beforehand to plan each three course meal. She did not disappoint at all! Her passion about food is tasted in every bite.

In Hout Bay itself there are amenities like restaurants and shops. We particularly enjoyed the Friday night market where you could purchase delicious local food from assorted booths, sit at communal tables and then shop for locally made handicrafts!

We highly recommend Maison Noir and cannot wait to return!