Slow down in Stanford

Just over two hours’ drive from Cape Town and close to the quaint Overberg town of Stanford, Coot Club is set in a private nature reserve on the banks of the Klein River Lagoon, an area rich in birdlife and with a variety of endemic plants. Framed against a dramatic mountain backdrop, sandy paths meander between Milkwood trees and through the fynbos onto the shore of the lagoon.

With an ethos of slowing down, this one-of-a-kind retreat, offers families and couples, the opportunity to rediscover that simple pleasure of play in the most pristine, natural setting. Carefully restored, the Clubhouse dates back to 1892, and is the centre of Coot Club, housing a bar, restaurant and a games room kitted out for both older teens (with table tennis and foosball) and younger ones (a variety of toys, books and more).

Offering a mix of traditional stone cottages and newly built, architecturally designed boathouses, inspired by the old-style boatsheds found on the edge of the Klein River Lagoon, the accommodation is designed to suit couples, families and multi-generational groups. Unpretentious, with a look that is both weathered and exquisitely simple, you are invited you to sink into comfort, while admiring the scenic views onto the lawn and lagoon.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients are sourced locally, and meals are served from the Clubhouse where you are encouraged to linger and savour – braais (barbeques) on open fires, pizzas cooked in the wood-fire oven and al fresco dining under the canopy of a 400-year-old Milkwood tree.

This adventure playground is filled with a wide selection of activities – sailing boats, test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard, kayak on the lagoon, explore the sandy pathways and dirt tracks on a fat bike, wild bracing swims, walking in the fynbos, ice-cold drinks and a crackling campfire…

Details

In keeping with its lagoon setting, a calming nautical theme prevails in both the Clubhouse and in the Boathouse rooms. The light blue walls of the Clubhouse are adorned with neatly framed sailing flags, coastal maps and images of sea creatures while red and white striped cushions create an overall mood of relaxed nautical style.

  • In a private nature reserve on the south bank of the Klein River Lagoon
  • An eclectic mix of 5 traditional stone cottages and 5 contemporary boathouses
  • Stylish décor in keeping with the natural surrounds
  • Stand Up Paddling, kayaking & swimming in the lagoon
  • Dine at the Clubhouse or al fresco under the branches of a 400-year-old Milkwood Tree

Trips featuring Overberg

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Alternative stays in Overberg

Discover our other world-class accommodation options.

The Thatch House
The Thatch House
Grootbos
Grootbos
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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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