Staying at the New Tintswalo Summer House in South Africa’s Cape Peninsula
Last Updated on March 3, 2026
Join me for a sneak peek of the Tintswalo Summer House, a century-old Cape Town icon beautifully reborn into a vibrant and whimsical seaside retreat.
Since moving to Cape Town, we’ve explored the Cape Peninsula several times and it has quickly become our absolute favorite area to escape to. At just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this rugged, mountainous finger of land stretches southward from the city all the way to the Cape of Good Hope. There is something intensely magnetic about the way the mountains crash directly into the sea here, with sleepy seaside villages tucked into the coves and the wind whipping through the wild fynbos.
Recently, I found myself back on this beautiful area for a very special reason. I was invited for an exclusive sneak peek of the newly reimagined Tintswalo Summer House before it opened its doors to the world. Set against the sweeping backdrop of False Bay, Tintswalo Summer House is bursting with character and unapologetically vibrant. It is a loving nod to history, but also a bold leap into the future of hip, modern boutique travel.
Here is an exclusive look at my sneak peek experience and why Tintswalo Summer House needs to be at the very top of your Cape Town travel itinerary.
Table of Contents
The Rebirth of a Coastal Icon
To truly understand the magic of what Tintswalo Summer House is today, you have to rewind the clock back to the early 20th century. The hotel is located in what was once the iconic Glencairn Southern Right Hotel. Established in 1904, the building is a cornerstone of the seaside village of Glencairn, a sleepy but beautiful seaside village tucked between the bustling bohemian streets of Kalk Bay and the naval heritage of Simon’s Town.
Over a century ago, the Glencairn Southern Right Hotel was the epitome of coastal elegance. In its heyday, it was a place where dignitaries, notable public figures, and high-society travelers would converge. But as the decades slipped by, the hotel saw the tides of fortune ebb and flow. While the building maintained its commanding presence and sweeping ocean views, it eventually fell into despair.
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Enter the Tintswalo Collection. Known for their fiercely independent and luxurious properties across South Africa, the Tintswalo team acquired the historic building with a vision to breathe life back into its 120-year-old bones. But they weren’t just looking to restore it – they wanted to completely reinvent it. The result is a jaw-dropping transformation from a forgotten relic into a hip, modern boutique hotel that defies every expectation.
The Visionary Behind the Whimsy
When restoring a building that carries the weight of 1904 heritage, the easiest and safest route for a designer is to lean into the past. Many would have chosen sepia tones, dark mahogany wood, and conservative nautical themes to honor the history of the Glencairn Southern Right Hotel. But Tintswalo Summer House is anything but safe.
The interior design of the entire hotel is the brainchild of Camlyn Johnston, the daughter of Tintswalo’s current CEO Lisa Goosen. Young, bright, and bursting with ideas, Camlyn has brought a palpable sense of ambition and fearless creativity to this project. She represents the next generation of hospitality, one that understands that modern travelers crave joy, personality, and spaces that are visually arresting.
Walking through the property during my sneak peek, it became immediately clear that Camlyn poured her heart into redesigning the hotel. She gave it an interior that is so joyful and wildly imaginative that it stops you in your tracks. By putting a younger designer at the helm, Tintswalo has successfully bridged the gap between old-world heritage and new-world hipness. Camlyn’s ambition shines through in every carefully curated corner, proving that she is a massive talent to watch in the world of boutique hotel design.
A Modern-day Wonderland
Let’s talk about the design, because it is, without a doubt, the star of the show. If you are tired of the endless sea of beige, white, and grey that has dominated luxury hotels over the last decade, Tintswalo Summer House will be your ultimate antidote.
The moment I stepped through the grand historic entryway, I was greeted by a veritable explosion of color. It is whimsical, it is cute, and it is endlessly fun. “Alice in Wonderland on a coastal holiday” was the phrase that kept looping in my mind. Every room offers a splash of colors everywhere you look, blending seemingly disparate shades into a cohesive, enchanting palette.
During my stay, I got to visit all of the 12 individually styled suites designed around its own colour theme. My favorite space featured breathtaking ‘Tintswalo pink” walls — a confident, radiant pink that seemed to glow in the natural sunlight pouring in from the sea-facing windows.
I stayed in the Papillon room, featuring plush velvet headboard adorned with vivid blooms in shades of magenta, emerald green, and mustard yellow. My glass doors open up to the outdoor garden and swimming pool, decked out in pink sun lounges and a massive mural splashed with pink floral patterns.
A Feast by the Sea
After taking a tour of the hotel, I sat down for dinner at the on-site restaurant, the Summer House Eatery, (which is already open to the public!) and it was nothing short of a spectacular feast. Boasting those same sweeping views of Glencairn beach, the Eatery focuses on communal dining and open-fire cooking, brilliantly marrying local Cape ingredients with Mediterranean influences.
We shared a massive, family-style spread that included perfectly charred steaks, succulent coastal prawns, smoky aubergine, and the most incredible caramelized honey-roasted carrots. Every single bite was elevated by a glass of their bespoke house wine, which was crafted exclusively to match the menu by the renowned Lomond Wine Estate.
If you are just popping by after a beach day and want something a bit more laid-back, they also have a fantastic Sports Bar right next door. Complete with a cozy antique fireplace and an ocean-facing terrace, it serves up elevated seaside classics like a signature prawn roll, pressed beef burgers, and crispy fish and chips. Trust me, sipping a stellar martini in a beautifully designed space while looking out over the crashing waves of False Bay is the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring the Deep South.
The Contrast of Eras
One of my favorite things about Tintswalo Summer House is the contrast between the 1904 architecture and the 2024 interior. The original bones of the Glencairn Southern Right Hotel are still there. You can feel the history in the high ceilings, the sweeping archways, and the grand, heavy wooden doors.
But instead of letting that history dictate a somber mood, the bright energy of the design uses the history as a canvas. This is the essence of what makes a boutique hotel hip and modern. It’s not just about having fast Wi-Fi and trendy toiletries (though I have no doubt Tintswalo Summer House will excel at both).
I love that they’ve taken a historic space and redefined its purpose for the traveler of today. The modern traveler wants aesthetics that are unique to their destination but reflective of a global, eclectic mindset. Tintswalo Summer House nails this balance with effortless charm.
The Setting: Glencairn’s Quiet Magic
A hotel is only as good as the community it belongs to, and the village of Glencairn is the perfect backdrop for this whimsical escape. Despite being located close to the famous Cape of Good Hope, Glencairn is a coastal village that feels wonderfully untouched by the frantic pace of mass tourism. The ocean here is slightly warmer, and the mountains seem to plunge directly into the sea.
Just steps from the front doors of the Tintswalo Summer House is the Glencairn beach and a spectacular tidal pool, perfect for an early morning dip before breakfast. You are mere minutes away from the vibrant harbor of Kalk Bay, famous for its antique shops, bohemian boutiques, and bustling fish markets. Head a few minutes in the opposite direction, and you find yourself in Simon’s Town, home to the world-famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach. And the stunning city of Cape Town is just an hour’s drive away, via the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive.
And, true to the original namesake of the Glencairn Southern Right Hotel, this stretch of coastline remains one of the best places in the world for land-based whale watching. Between June and November, the bay becomes a nursery for the majestic Southern Right whales. Knowing that guests will soon be able to sit in one of those gorgeous pink rooms, surrounded by bright floral fabrics, watching whales breach in the bay just as dignitaries did in 1904, adds an almost cinematic quality to the upcoming opening.
A Seaside Wonderland near Cape Town
When the doors finally open to the public in April 2026, I have no doubt that Tintswalo Summer House will quickly become one of the most talked-about and photographed boutique hotels in Cape Town. It is a reminder that travel should be fun, that history is meant to be engaged with, and that sometimes, a bold splash of pink is exactly what the soul needs.
If you are planning a trip to South Africa, do yourself a favor: venture beyond Cape Town, head down the coast to the seaside charm of Glencairn, and immerse yourself in the whimsical wonderland that is the Tintswalo Summer House. Just be warned: once you settle into those floral velvet chairs with the ocean breeze in your hair, you may find it difficult to ever leave.
Practical Information: How to Get There
Where is it?
Tintswalo Summer House is located in the village of Glencairn, on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. It’s just 1 hour’s drive from Cape Town.
Getting There:
I highly recommend renting a car, as having your own vehicle gives you the absolute freedom to explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Chapman’s Peak, and the surrounding coastal villages at your own pace. From Cape Town International Airport, it is approximately a 50-minute drive. If you prefer not to drive, Uber is widely available and reliable in Cape Town and the Deep South. Search for car rentals in Cape Town here!
Best Time to Visit:
Cape Town is a year-round destination, but it depends on what you want to see. For hot beach days and long, glorious sunsets, visit during the South African summer (December to March). If you are coming specifically to sit on your balcony and watch the Southern Right whales breach, book your stay between July and October.
Who is it For?
This property is perfect for couples looking for a romantic but quirky getaway, solo travelers seeking design inspiration and peace, or friends wanting a stylish, comfortable base to explore the wider Cape Peninsula. Because of its boutique size and curated design, it offers a highly personalized, intimate experience.
Here’s a map showing how to get from Cape Town to Tintswalo Summer House. Click to view it on Google Maps.
Further Reading on South Africa
Thank you for reading this far! I hope my review of Tintswalo Summer House has given you a good sense of what to expect, and maybe even inspired you to add it to your Cape Town itinerary. It’s truly a special spot and well worth the visit.
If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town (or exploring more of South Africa), be sure to check out my other articles as well. I’ve shared plenty of practical tips, personal experiences, and destination guides that I hope you’ll find helpful as you plan your travels:
- Living in Cape Town as a Digital Nomad Family
- Morukuru Family De Hoop
- 2-Week South Africa Itinerary
- A Family Safari in South Africa
- Our Self-Drive Safari in South Africa
- Driving the Cape Peninsula of South Africa
- Best National Parks in South Africa to Visit
- Cage Shark Diving South Africa
- Our 2-Week Garden Route Itinerary
- Best Safari Parks in Africa
- African Safari with Kids
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!
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