By Anna-Marie Smith
This typical African safari villa is situated close to the coastal village of Langebaan, and is less than an hour from the city of Cape Town. It is the natural habitat for approximately 600 animals – mostly buck and more recently buffalo, plus the spectacular Cape Fynbos kingdom. This reserve also boasts exclusive environmental status as a site rich in fossil deposits and has been excavated and researched by various international academic institutions.
The owner, who has been in the construction business for 12 years, built this lodge himself with the assistance of his architect, Liesl Schoonraad, and says that they remained mindful of the sensitive envronmental and ecological location of the site. They say that guests staying in the graceful Sonqua Manor, notice the absence of light and sound pollution, and comment on the magnificence of bright starry skies in total harmony with the pristine natural environment that they were adamant had to be retained, with no landscaping or gardening intervention of any kind.
The visual image of this lodge, built in natural materials as far as possible, exudes the true character of the West Coast fynbos wilderness, which in the spring flower season comes alive with an abundance of bright colours and fragrances.
The manor boasts four spacious bedroom suites, an interactive kitchen as well as a butler, ranger and chef, several lounges and magnificent swimming pool patio, and entertainment areas.
The stunning interior of the lodge was managed by the owner’s wife who created a sophisticated and tranquil ambience. To be a visitor at this exclusive lodge is a life enhancing experience, filled with absolute beauty and tranquillity.
