If you have ever driven the coastal road through Glencairn, you likely recognize the iconic, large pink building overlooking the sea. After sitting faded and forgotten for decades, it has officially reopened as Tintswalo Summer House.
This project was a true labor of love, taking 10 years to complete the heritage restoration. While it shares the same family-owned warmth as its famous sibling, Tintswalo Atlantic, the Summer House offers a more relaxed seaside-holiday feel rather than formal, special-occasion glamour.
The History: From Grand Hotel to Glory
Built in 1904 as the Glencairn Southern Right Hotel, this landmark once hosted dignitaries and local gatherings before falling into disrepair. Tintswalo purchased the building in 2014, operating only the restaurant while spending years researching how to restore the 120-year-old beauty properly. Their efforts have already been recognized with a Scape Gold Key Award for design excellence.
The Rooms: 12 Suites, 12 Personalities
Designed by the Tintswalo family across three generations, no two rooms are alike. The interiors are “anti-beige,” utilizing a maximalist and colorful palette where each suite is named for its specific mood and color:
- Marigold: Golden warmth.
- Verdant: Lush green.
- Bit of Blue: Calm coastal blue.
- Rosie: Soft pink.
Rates for the low season (starting 1 May) range from R2800 to R4800 per room per night, which includes a full breakfast plus a complimentary sunset cocktail and canapés daily.
The Food: Fire, Wine & Local Stories
The Summer House Eatery serves lunch and dinner inspired by French bistros but with a South African heart. Head Chef Thando Jaxa utilizes an open-fire cooking concept, preparing Mediterranean-style sharing plates like steaks, prawns, and fresh salads.
Don’t miss the feature wall of antique dinner plates, each telling its own story, or the wine selection curated by Sommelier Jabu Ngwenya, which highlights cool-climate wines from Lomond Wine Estate.
Green Family Guide Verdict
We love that Tintswalo is a South African family-owned business that prioritizes restoring heritage buildings over modern demolition. Tintswalo Summer House adds a much-needed character-filled option to the Southern Peninsula, away from city crowds but close to Cape Town’s best nature.
- Best for: Couples, multigenerational trips with teens, or weekend getaways with friends.
- Consider: It is an intimate boutique stay, not a massive resort; book early for holidays.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 12 unique suites |
| Rates | R2800 – R4800 per night (Low Season) |
| Includes | Breakfast, sunset cocktail + canapés |
| Dining | Eatery (bookings via Dineplan) & Sports Bar (walk-in) |
| Contact | +27 21 773 0900 / reservations@tintswalo.com |
