frequent questions & awnsers
Information about the Villa
- Keys will be left at the security gate, unless other arrangements have been made.
- Please use the remote to enter the villa via the garage.
- Please drop the keys and remote off at the security gate when you leave.
- The switch is in the courtyard opposite the entrance to the fire pit at shin level.
- The switch is the furthest to the left of the three boxes if you are facing them.
- Turn the switch on and leave it, it can take up to 10 full minutes to light.
- To turn off fire pit simply turn the switch off.
- If still not working check that gas in utility area outside the kitchen is on.
Should the gas fireplaces in the main lounge and bedroom not work off the remote control you need to do the following:
- In main lounge flip up the glass panel below the fireplace and you will see a control unit. Change the batteries in that control unit. (There are batteries in the tall cabinet in the scullery next to the washing machine.) Close the glass panel. Press the on button on the remote and wait 5 minutes. The fireplace should light.
- In main bedroom you need to unscrew the glass panel below the fireplace with your hands (very easy) and you will see a control unit. Change the batteries in that control unit. Close the glass panel. Press the on button on the remote and wait 5 minutes. The fireplace should light.
If it still doesn't work please check that the gas is on.
If there is no hot water in the showers or baths please check the following:
- Always turn the mixer to the hot side first and allow temperature to build up then move mixer back to required temperature.
- If this still doesn't work in main bedroom or bedroom two or three's bathrooms then there are 2 cupboards in the courtyard that need to be left open while you shower or bath.
If it still doesn't work please check that the gas is on.
- There is a remote on the wall in the pool room that opens and closes the cover.
- Push button once to open and once again to close.
- Please do not push or touch cover while it opens and closes.
- Pool stays warmer longer if cover is closed.
- Due to the windy conditions often experienced in Hermanus all outside furniture is weighed down by cinder blocks.
- Please don't move this furniture.
- Cushions are available for outside furniture in the white store boxes and the dressing room in the main bedroom.
- Elemia is compensated by the owners of the villa, but a tip paid directly to him would be highly appreciated if he has made your stay a better one.
- The main lounge:
- The soundbar and TV are controlled by one remote. Turn both on if you want to watch.
- There is a DSTV remote, which controls the shared DSTV channel in the lounge and the main bedroom.
- The kids playroom, 'map room' and bedroom 3 share a DSTV remote (and channel).
- The remotes are on the relevant walls. Simply press 'up' to open and 'down' to close.
- They also do tours to wine farms.
- You will see 2 sets of 6 gas bottles.
- We usually turn on one set of 3 bottles at a time.
- To turn the gas on, the yellow lever above the selected gas set of bottles should be horizontal.
- If you still have no gas switch both sets yellow levers to horizontal
RESTAURANTS AND THINGS TO DO
- Our favourite restaurant is Harbour Rock. Great food and view to die for. 028 3122920.
- Fusion is lovely for kids as there is a great play area opposite the restaurant and the views are phenomenal. +27 (0)28 31 24277
- Also see http://www.hermanusrestaurants.co.za/restaurants.php?view=default.php
- The Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) wine route is exquisite. See http://hermanuswineroute.com/
- Creation is our favourite wine farm. +27 28 212 1107. The restaurant offers wonderful pairing and is very child friendly. It also offers tea pairings for the designated driver and kids surprise pairings for young ones. There is a small play room. La Vierge is also great and Heaven at Newton Johnson has been rated as one of the top ten in SA.
- For wonderful activities see http://hermanusthingstodo.com
DIRECTIONS
170 BENGUELA COVE LAGOON WINE ESTATE R43, BOTRIVIER LAGOON, HERMANUS,
From Cape Town
There are two main routes to Hermanus from Cape Town. The first and quicker route is via Sir Lowry's Pass and the second, the coastal route via Gordon's Bay. Via Sir Lowry's Pass From Cape Town take the N2 highway toward Cape Town International Airport and Somerset West. Go past the airport and continue through Somerset West, staying on the N2. As you reach the end of Somerset West you will begin the long climb up Sir Lowry's Pass. At the top of the pass you can turn right into a lay-bye and enjoy spectacular views over Somerset West, Strand and False Bay all the way back to Table Mountain. Continue on the N2 passing the Steenbras Dam on you right, the town of Grabouw on your left and miles of apple orchards as you head toward Caledon. At Grabouw there is a pleasant stopping point at the Peregrine Farm Stall on your right. Continue past the Apple Packing Plants on your left and into the Houw Hoek Pass. There is another roadside restaurant at Houw Hoek (on your right) and the Famous Houw Hoek Hotel on your left. Go over the Houw Hoek Pass and down to the small village of Bot Rivier, where you take the exit to Hermanus (R43). Follow the R43 all the way to Hermanus. You will pass the turnoff to Wildekrans Wine Estate on your left, Barton Wines and Olives on your right. A little further on is a Shell service station, roadside restaurant and a Pot manufacturer as well as a Bali Furniture outlet. A little further on is the junction with the R44 from Gordons Bay and Kleinmond. Continue straight to Hermanus. You cross the Bot River and Benguela Cove Wine and Housing Estate on your right, then Fisherhaven, Hawston, Vermont, Onrus and Finally Hermanus. At a steady legal speed it takes just over an hour from the Airport dependant on traffic.