Escape to Cape Town’s new Tintswalo Summer House

It needs to be said from the outset – the newly opened Tintswalo Summer House was not inspired by auteur Wes Anderson. Many a comparison has already been made, and it’s easy to see why: yes, there’s the symmetry (not uncommon in a hotel room), the distinct colour palettes and stylised spaces. There’s also no lack of curated quirk.

But where Anderson’s interiors suggest an untouchable perfection, interior designer Camlyn Johnston’s debut project feels far less like a set piece. By her own account, the easygoing interiors came together organically, with the occasional impromptu decision leading to serendipitous results (that exterior pink – it’s more Gen Z than millennial, a bespoke hue that combines five existing shades, and now aptly named Tintswalo Pink).

The overall effect is a hotel that feels playful and relaxed – ideal for a seaside stay.

The vibe

The south peninsula pocket that’s Glencairn has never been a Cape Town hotspot – rather, a quiet suburb passed en route to Simon’s Town and “the penguins”. And that’s what its residents love about it. But this may be about to change as Tintswalo Summer House – plus its eatery and pretty-in-pink pool deck – replace the area’s stretch of beach as a calling card. Occupying a renovated landmark originally designed in 1904 by John Parker, the hotel follows a long line of former establishments, including Just Nuisance Hotel, Glen Adinda and, more recently, Deep South Eatery.

Many of its original fixtures – from floorboards and cornices to stained-glass windows and the stairwell – have been retained and restored, their heritage lending authenticity and instant charm to the 12-room hotel. In place of wall-mounted charging ports and automated in-room lighting, expect personalised touches like bespoke basins and hand-beaded coasters that nod to the landmark’s past and make being here feel rather like a visit to the seaside home of an imaginary eccentric aunt.

Your stay

Heritage restrictions mean the rooms remain true to their original proportions, resulting in a chocolate-box assortment of configurations with varying combinations of ocean views, bathtubs, poolside patios and balconies. United by their individuality, no two rooms are alike, and each is named and defined by its colour palette – think Amalfi Coast yellow in the Citron Room, Breton navy in Azure, boudoir reds in Robin, and candyfloss pink in Rosie.

Pattern play in wallpapers, headboards and scatters, plus custom artworks, add to each room’s character, while whimsical touches (including a hand-painted mural that asks “Are we all living in a yellow submarine?”) and thrifted chandeliers underscore Johnston’s maximalist, tongue-in-cheek approach.

Guests can expect complimentary canapés, cocktails and a bottle of wine on arrival, and there’s also an assortment of bottled offerings in each in-room Smeg minibar, plus various teas (rivalling those in the hotel’s afternoon tea ritual) and a coffee machine.

Drink and dine

With a conservatory-style breakfast room, martini bar and sports bar (the latter is home to the hotel’s only television) there’s no shortage of places to eat or drink at Tintswalo Summer House. Rounding out the offering is Summer House Eatery, a bistro-style restaurant open to both guests and the public, with interiors lined by 650 vintage plates and a menu by chef Thando Jaxa.

Jaxa’s dishes embrace both fire-cooking and a shared-plate style of dining, with notable showstoppers including a bistecca alla Fiorentina-style dry-aged T-bone steak and a whole yellowtail with capers, dill and lemon butter, each designed for the table. Finish up with his winning dark chocolate mousse, or head downstairs to Notos, Johnston’s Greek fro-yo bar, where she flexes more than just her decorating skills.

We really like

The seventh Tintswalo property (and third along Cape Town’s broader coastline) is a boutique environment that’s equal parts irreverence and playfulness. The hotel’s bold interiors reflect Johnston’s refreshing disregard for the tried-and-tested tropes of coastal decorating that, too easily, could have answered the brief.

Her Gen Z design instincts pair high-street finds with the individuality of vintage treasures, but not at the expense of comfort. In need of a personality-packed escape that’s located a short drive from the best of the south peninsula, like Kalk Bay’s Olympia Bakery and the world-famous Boulders Beach? Tintswalo Summer House is your spot.

Read our recent review of another classic, the Victoria Falls Hotel, here.

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