There’s something very special about living close to a lighthouse. A symbol of safety and security, protecting mariners from harm…. a reminder of how precious life is. The beams are like an ever steady heartbeat. They bred life into this place nearly one hundred and fifty years ago. To this day they still flash across the sky, ever consisitent …. never missing a beat …. It’s almost mystical.
Sadly for decades the lighthouse precinct here in Cape St Francis has slowly been rotting away. Many of the buildings had been abandoned and fallen into complete disrepair. The area surrounding the iconic tower had been neglected for decades. As one walked passed it looked almost like a minature ghost town ….. but not for much longer …..
I’m sure many of you are aware of the hive of activity that’s been happening recently in the lighthouse precinct. I had a wander around with Paul who passionately shared his vision. I also met Wesley who’s going to be skippering the ship. It seems they are just weeks away from opening and both were super amped!
A major draw card for the locals is going to be the restaurant. “Nevermind” stands on the footprint of the old penguin sanctuary. Seeing the pictures of that dilapidated cesspit it was, it is hard believe the transformation. It looks truly amazing.
The idea behind the restaurant is that it will offer quality as well as value, primarily serving the greater St Francis community. Most of the produce is going to be sourced locally. Fresh organic greens, free range grass fed beef, locally caught fish and bread baked right there are going to be the order of the day.
The design of the restaurant is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Open fire cooking with high tables, sweeping wind protected decks with utterly spectacular views. There’s going to be a barista banging out coffee all day with fresh pastries from the bakery. Inside a wine bar and plentiful informal yet contemporary seating. At first glance it’s really impressive.
But wait, there’s more …. Adjacent buildings too are being renovated, as accommodation. The crème de la crème of which are the two cottages at the foot of the tower itself. Basically people are going to be able to stay in the same house that all the lighthouse keepers stayed in throughout the years gone by. As I understand, it’s the only lighthouse in the country where one will be able to have this experience.
On weekends, there will also be opportunity to make a donation towards a local worthy cause and climb the tower itself. Spiralling up numerous flights of stairs then finally scaling a near vertical ladder may lead to a few sweaty palms, but it’s worth it. Standing up there on the viewing deck in a busting westerly one can really sense the danger. I felt something unfathomable. It was almost as if the souls of lost mariners were whipping around in the gusts trying to blow me off! And the views … 360 degrees of epic!
The lighthouse precinct is indeed a very special place, soon to be entering a different era. People are again going to be welcomed into the fold. The scene has been set. The beam keeps on turning. I for one am looking forward to hanging out there. After a dawnie for a coffee in the sun or an evening meal perhaps. And maybe one day, an overnight stay …. just to be a lighthouse keeper for a night
Article by Stephen Praetorious
Hi.
Please forgive this humble proofreader – absolutely no disrespect or disparagement intended to either the editor or Stephen (lovely article!) but I had share the vision that jumped into my head when I read about the “barrister banging out coffee” – it was of an august and distinguished gentleman in a wig and black gown aggressively attacking an espresso machine! :)
The word is “barista”
Thanks Frank it seems the Ed was not doing his job so thanks for picking it up. Must say it does add some humour thinking of an Barrister dressed in robes and wig serving coffee, to tee shirt clad locals.
Hi Collo
I roared with laughter – not at the error, but at the image it brought to mind. Regarding the lighthouse, I have for years also wondered why there was nothing more on offer at this, as Stephen calls it, iconic landmark. The lighthouse at Cape Agulhas has a thriving restaurant and gift shop at its base (or had when when I was last there). I look forward to “Coffee at the Lighthouse”
Can you imagine being served a cup of coffe by a man in robes with a wig ! You never know, one of the other partners is in that game ….Thanks for feedback ….
Ironies genoeg gaan die geocachet “Coffee at the lighthouse” weer sy naam gestand doen. Jare gelede voor die pikkewyne daar was het die geocachet sy naam gekry van die klein kafeetjie op dieselfde plek waar mens koffie kon drink. Ek kry steeds die notas wanneer mense die geocachet opgespoor het en sommige wou weet waar die koffie dan is. https://www.geocaching.com
So pleased to hear about the renovations and plans at the Lighthouse! For years I thought that what’s now planned, would be ideal for the Lighthouse, but for a long time nothing was happening. I wish you all great success with this venture!
Great article thanks. I would just like to add for future communications, that whilst the lighthouse precinct is being renovated and will be a great asset to our community, it is situated in the middle of the Seal Point Nature Reserve which is managed by FOSTER and adds to the overall appeal of the area. Many of the paths are degrading due to heavy use, and we just do not have the funds anything but basic maintenance..
Great story, enjoyable article, barrister and all. The idea of being near this historical lighthouse is awesome already – usually they are so remote, inaccessible. Possibly even be able to stay right there even moreso. Although people like me surely won’t afford it, however, a cuppa good coffee at this spot will be certainly such an attraction. Trust the peaceful neighbourhood the locals enjoy will not be too put out!