* This article first appeared here in the Saturday Citizen
Strolling along the beach, a gentle mist swirled about us. A flock of resting gulls, the only signs of life as we passed, and later the hopeful silhouettes of two lonely fishermen perched on the shore. Approaching the opposite end of the beach, one by one, the iconic stone castles of Noetzie were slowly revealed. Eventually, from beneath the mist, a fortress of castles comes into dramatic view; an incredulous sight on this remote Garden Route beach in Africa.
Built-in 1930, the first of Noetzie’s castles was certainly not intentional. The then-owner had constructed a stone house, and friends joked that if only he added turrets, he’d have a castle. Although given in jest, the advice was taken and as a result, the first keep appeared on the landscape. Over the decades, subsequent private owners followed suit until several adorned the shoreline – previously voted one of the top three beaches in South Africa.
International hospitality group, Buccara, is now the proud custodian of five of the castles, offering them as unique rentals. After years of seeing pictures, and hearing entertaining stories about their genesis, I had the privilege of visiting four of them on the ultra-secluded beach of Noetzie, minutes outside of Knysna.
Pezula Castle
The drive in takes you through Pezula Golf Estate, where you’re greeted and escorted by Nico Lotter, Buccara’s property manager. The driver ambles down until eventually, through the impressive gates, the castles come into view. Pezula Castle is perhaps the most well-known of these fortresses, and within minutes of arriving, it’s evident why it scooped up CNBC’s coveted ‘Best Property in South Africa’ award. We joined a lineage of legendary guests who have made this breathtaking location home – including Nelson Mandela, who chose to stay in the castle for ten days in 2008.
Constructed on the edge of a dune forest, and ensconced in lush gardens, Pezula Castle exudes old-school charm and understated elegance. The interiors are exceptionally spacious, and all three suites have en suite bathrooms and private verandas which underpin the design. Pezula also boasts a large pool, and where the property greets the ocean, a thatched gazebo for alternative dining options or simply gazing out over the ocean. Behind Pezula is also the one-bedroom Cliff Villa which can be hired along with the castle.
Honeymoon Castle
Adjacent to Pezula Castle is the supremely romantic Honeymoon Castle. This double-story stronghold has a lounge and kitchen downstairs, with a bedroom and bathroom upstairs. Both levels feature fireplaces, and on ground level, the balcony offers alfresco dining and a splash pool.
Then there is the view – perhaps the most beautiful bedroom view I’ve experienced. With vast vistas over the beach, you may not even want to leave the sanctuary of the gently nautical-inspired interiors.
Craighross Castle
Thirdly the impressive Craighross Castle is a generous 14-sleeper, with three levels of spaciousness. The castle features the most modern interiors of all of them; rich fabrics and bright colours illuminate the spaces – along with the natural light flooding in.
The open-plan living area spills over onto the outdoor terrace with a firepit, dining table, loungers, and all with the now hallmark views of Noetzie Beach – which in addition to being right on your front door, is also perfect for swimming.
Lindsay Castle
Lastly, the most remote of the collection. Lindsay Castle is tucked away in its own secluded cove with no other person or building in sight. The dark wooden interiors are most what you’d imagine from a traditional castle. Six en suite bedrooms are arranged around – all with freestanding bathtubs. Surrounding the castle are more tropical gardens with a plethora of outdoor spaces to enjoy – the hero feature for me being the roof terrace with incomparable views over your private beach.
The properties are all within walking distance of each other, and easily combinable for larger groups or gatherings. The setting also provides an enticing location for weddings and pop-up events. Days after our visit a glamorous wedding would be spread over the lawn and beach, and days later the prestigious launch of a well-known luxury car brand.
Bear in mind that catered options are also available for guests. Our fully inclusive stay came with a custom menu drawn up by Nico, and with an abundance of dining spaces, we were able to enjoy our gourmet meals in a different location each time.
On our final evening, we stood on our bedroom terrace watching as the day’s remaining clouds slowly turned from white to candy-floss pink. As if on cue, plates adorned with silver cloches arrived, soon to reveal our beef fillet medallions with broccolini, asparagus and potato dauphinoise. Appropriately toasting the scene with glasses of Cap Classique, I realised with pride that this was surely the closest I would get to being the king of my own castle. buccara.com