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The tiled bar was custom-made by Michael Chandler. The bespoke carved bar stools are by Guideline. -
The Robertson Small, which was built in the early 1900s, is the only five star hotel in town. -
The pendant installation in the lounge, which was made using baskets from Binky Newman, is by Design Afrika. The sofa by Guideline is upholstered in Alexis Barrell fabric, created especially for the hotel. On the walls are artworks by Claire Johnson. The brass cube coffee table is by Studio No 19. The sheep sculptures are by Ronel Jordaan, the hand-made rug is from Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs and the floor lamp is by Dokter and Misses. -
The patio, sandwiched between the Stable Suites and the restaurant, is the perfect spot to relax with a refreshing drink and a good read. -
The masks are by Clementina Ceramics, the sofa was custom-made by Guideline, and the wall-mounted lights and brass table are from Studio No 19. -
Cool and contemporary in feel, all the rooms feature neutral tones, accented with textures and pops of colour. The bespoke bench is by Guideline, upholstered in Alexis Barrell fabrics. The jute rugs and brass coffee table are by Studio No. 19, and the bedside lights and tapestry chair are by Bofred. -
The hand-crafted pendant lights in the restaurant are by Lisa Firer and the artwork is "After Ingres, After a Weekend Away" by Dale Lawrence. -
Bespoke fabrics by Alexis Barrell were used to make the cushions, bedspread and bolster on the bench. -
Spacious en-suite bathrooms have under floor heating, heated towel rails and a range of eco-friendly bath- and body-care products. -
Each room has all the comforts of home. The wall light is by Studio No. 19 and the tapestry chairs are by Bofred. -
The Stable Suites all have private patios that face an equally private swimming pool adjacent to the hotel’s Wellness Room, which offers a selection of therapeutic treatments. -
In the hallway, the hats on the wall and the art installation are by Pichulik. The rug beneath the antique haberdashery unit is from Gonsenhausers.
WORDS Tracy Greenwood PHOTOS Micky Hoyle
The Robertson Small Hotel recently had a facelift. The result is a celebration of local creativity while respecting its Victorian aesthetic.
One October day towards the end of last year, a handsome black cat wandered onto the grounds of the newly revamped The Robertson Small Hotel. A glossy little creature with a sleek coat, fluffy tail and arresting green eyes, the young cat was soon dining on foie gras and other treats procured for him at the kitchen door.
The arrival of the cat is something of a metaphor for the experience of staying at The Robertson Small. Owner Abigail Rands says that “travelling freely, taking risks, finding yourself outside often and being open to new experiences” are some of the senses she hopes guests will experience here. And once you have been exposed to any of the 10 beautifully appointed rooms set in abundant gardens it becomes clear that Abigail’s vision has been realised. Keen to retain the intimate nature of the establishment, Abigail asked her friend Sophie Ashby, an interior designer based in London, to work with local designers in the creation of bespoke items for a brand-new look.
“I wanted to do this project 100% locally,” says Sophie, who collaborated with makers such as Michael Chandler, Alexis Barrell, Dokter and Misses, Renée Rossouw, Bofred Furniture, Katherine-Mary Pichulik and Lisa Firer to add fresh elements to the design. The artworks on display, all of which are for sale, are from Cape Town gallery Smith Studio.
“The hotel is light, colourful and whimsical. I didn’t want the decor to intimidate – it’s a place full of art, warmth and soul,” Sophie says. The black cat, which has never left, clearly concurs.
For more information about the hotel, visit therobertsonsmallhotel.com.
