Sofia's House, Scarborough

Sofia's House is a rustic beach bungalow perfect for families with water-safe kids, and furry friends. Situated in the village of Scarborough our L-shaped house is cleverly designed on one level, centred around a covered deck and the beautiful eco-friendly natural pool. Spend hours lounging by the pool on a comfy daybed or head to the beach, just a 3 minute stroll from the house. This house is our family's special hideaway. We hope you will love it as much as we do.

Sofia's house is a light and bright beach house situated in Scarborough's Seagull Road, just one road back from the beachfront. The simple white bungalow, surrounded by aloes and other indigenous plants, sits behind a wooden fence in a gravel street. Parking is right in front of the house. From our house you can hear the waves and smell the sea, but we are quietly tucked away from the world. Once you enter you may find it harder to move from the deck than you imagined!

Our house is simply furnished and full of light. There is an entrance hall, perfect for surf boards, buckets and spades. The living space has an open plan kitchen, dining table and lounge area. The kitchen has a gas hob and electric oven and fridge. There is a washing machine and dishwasher. Make yourself comfortable in the lounge on one of our squashy couches. There are books to read, board games to play and a fire for chilly winter nights.

There are three bedrooms, two with queen-sized beds and one with twin beds. The main bedroom has an en-suite bathroom (with shower) and doors which open onto the deck. The other bathroom has a bath and shower - or make use of our outside shower with hot and cold running water.

The outside space is an L-shaped deck built around the natural pool. The pool is safe for swimming and contains no chemicals. A daybed, outside eating area and Weber braai (barbecue) complete the picture!

Our approach is to leave our guests to enjoy themselves, but we are available by phone if needed. Lettie is our housekeeper who will be on hand to welcome guests. She is also available, by arrangement and additional cost, for daily housekeeping if needed. Scarborough has its own bakery and deli, and three restaurants within easy walking distance.

Other things to note:

Our pool is unfenced and the house is designed around it with three sets of doors opening onto the pool area. For this reason the house will not be suitable for families with young children who have not yet learned to swim. The pool does not have steps and it may be difficult for elderly guests to climb in and out of the water. Well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Please also be mindful if your dog cannot swim and is likely to fall into the pool.

Swimming in a natural pool is more like swimming in a dam or lake than a traditional pool with chlorine. The water is tea-coloured (or like a dark ale, if you prefer) and animals such as frogs, dragonflies and water boatmen are attracted to it.

Please do not smoke inside the house and be mindful that Scarborough is a conservation village where peace and quiet are valued and respect for nature is vital.