Present-Day Charm
The
charm of an olde worlde effect relies on a perfect balance between old and new.
While maintaining the architectural integrity and décor style of an historic building,
crisp clean fittings and fabrics help to avoid a musty Miss Haversham feel.
This balancing act is well achieved at Kleinkaap Boutique Hotel in Centurion.
Due homage is paid to the original 1820 manor house, with warm Cape Dutch antique
furniture. Almost Shaker in look, the beauty of the golden and amber wood wardrobes
are finished with oversized smooth round handles. Original patterned tile floors
are offset with glossy bathrooms and the softest white bathrobes. The beds are
inviting with white cotton linen and gentle bedside down-lighting. Freshly
baked biscuits in the room, tea and coffee facilities, airconditioning and flat
screen TV complete the welcome.
Outside
the main building, a shiny red antique car poses in the courtyard next to a
pretty fountain. Although this is a sizeable wedding and conference venue, the
layout of the buildings and the helpful staff achieve a friendly impression.
Accommodation
Experience:
I
am in Pretoria on business and I arrive at the Kleinkaap Boutique Hotel feeling
anxious and overwhelmed by the work I have just agreed to undertake. I pace
restlessly around the room, berating myself. Yet each time I sit on the bed in
my upstairs room, I find myself looking directly out onto enormous old trees.
It is Spring and these massive, solid structures are bursting forth with millions
of tiny, delicate, light green shoots. I cannot help but smile and be filled
with a sense of hope. It becomes my pattern for the afternoon - each time I get
caught up in my stressy thoughts, I remind myself to look up and out at the
hopeful trees. This is the power of a character stay – to draw one’s attention
out of one’s head into the physical, present world, which, more often than not,
is a less scary and more lovely place to dwell.
