De Hoop - Opstal Manor House

Opstal Manor House is the ultimate old-school Cape home. Cosy up in the lounge with its wooden floors, lovely rugs and comfy antique furnishings, or stretch out in front of the fire with your book. The kitchen is large, although non-functioning (apart from coffee-making facilities), and is a great place to gather over mid-morning coffee or to swap stories and check your photos over late-night hot chocolate. The Fig Tree Restaurant's delicious menu makes the most of local ingredients.

With two large suites and one smaller room, Opstal Manor House gives guests a choice: one group booking with the run of the whole house, or three individual rooms for a more cordoned-off stay. Either way, the rooms are dreamy, with airy king-sized, four-poster beds for the bigger rooms, and a twin set for the smaller. Old-fashioned trunks and elegant bathrooms, with either a freestanding bath and shower, or single shower, provide antique luxury.

Visit De Hoop for the scenery, the hikes, the birdlife and that interminable coastline. Come between the end of May and November for the best whale sightings, take early-morning birdwatching walks (alone or with a guide), look out for Cape mountain zebra, eland and ostrich. Book a marine walk or a boat trip, go stargazing or venture out on a mountain bike. The Fig Tree Restaurant is open all day – its delicious dishes will satisfy your fresh air-fuelled appetite.