Swanky Somerset West

Hestelle Robinson

The picturesque little town of Somerset West in the Western Cape is increasingly shedding its image as a retirement village or step-out-of-the-rat-race-artist retreat and repositioning itself as a swanky décor district.

Several very interesting, quirky and inspiring décor and gift shops have popped up in this Boland town.

 

 

We visited two of these in St James Street, The Really Special Interior Company and Coco-Bella.

Anne and Johann Stebert heads up The Really Special Interior company, a vibrant and quirky shop you will not be able to miss.  You cannot help but want to enter this cheerfully painted building with its inviting flag bunting.

 

The interior does not disappoint, like Aladdin’s cave it continues and continues and it is a festival for the eye. In store you will find handmade cards, forgotten handcraft products, beautifully upholstered and upcycled furniture, quirky artwork and loads more.  A warning though, this is not the type of shop you visit only once!

 

 

Our second in St James Street is the wonderfully serene Coco-Bella.  Take a vintage step towards relaxation as you set foot in this patisserie, chocolaterie and eaterie.

 

Allow owner Mariette Coetzee’s succulently delectable creations to seduce you to spend the rest of the afternoon in the tranquil tea garden.  

 

 

 

 

The feast is not only palatable but there is also some classic eye candy in the vintage décor and clothing stores. These stores offer some great finds and the opportunity to step back in time and for a few brief moments dream of an era gone by.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So the next time your spirit needs a lift be sure to take the rural route and make your way to swanky Somerset West.