Overberg
Coot Club
Tucked away between a lagoon, mountains and sea, Coot Club offers a family-friendly escape in a naturally magnificent setting.
The stylish and newly refurbished stone cottages and boathouses accommodate groups of varying sizes, while the land and water-based activities will keep both children and adults entertained and burn off excess energy. Wildlife fans will be in their element, too – the nearby beach is one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
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Facilities & Activities
The vast array of facilities and activities cater to adventurers of all ages, with a good spread across all types of terrain. On land, there is much to discover on both self-guided and guided walks – look out for animal tracks as you trek through the fynbos (shrubland) or pedal fat bikes or quad bikes through the sand to Walker Bay beach. This is a prime spot for whale watching, and there are also fantastic birdwatching opportunities nearby. Wildlife enthusiasts can also take part in conservation activities like analysing overnight camera footage capturing visits by wildlife including leopards and wild bush pigs.
For those preferring to hit the water, the lagoon offers kayaking, swimming, sailing and stand-up paddle boarding. Other activities include Klein River trips, quad biking, shark cage diving and wine-tasting tours.
Back at the club, there is a pool to cool off in and a large lawn that is perfect for children to run about on, with games such as volleyball, archery and boules on offer. Indoor pursuits are also available and include yoga, board games and table tennis.
New for 2026 is their fully immersive treehouse play area for kids, with 4 different play zones adding depth to their family offering.
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Dining
From beach cookouts to al fresco dining beneath the branches of a 400-year-old milkwood tree, the variety and quality of food at Coot Club are excellent. The Clubhouse is the main eating zone, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The emphasis is on simplicity and authenticity – think BBQ roast chicken, wood-fired pizzas, homemade burgers and fresh salads.
Children will love the daily ringing of the ship’s bell that takes place before sunset to announce the dinner options – and signal that parent-friendly sundowners are available on the lawn or jetty. The beach is the perfect location to sip an ice-cold beer or glass of local Chenin Blanc after a day of exploring.
Expect fine food and drink at every turn – the village of Stanford is a foodie haven, attracting artisans offering everything from creative ice creams to award-winning cheeses and, of course, superb wines.
Rooms
Chose from five traditional stone cottages and five contemporary boathouses that boast striking views across the lagoon to the Maanschynkop mountains.
The three-bedroom Port boathouses sleep up to six guests, making them a good option for families and groups or friends. The decor is chic with a nod to the nautical – think vaulted ceilings, wood-clad walls and a blue, white and red colour scheme. The furniture is rattan and other nice touches include a wood-burning fireplace and wooden oars hanging on the walls. The boathouses feature an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen. There are also 2 two-bedroom boathouse – Starboard and the brand new Stern (launched October 2024) – with both sleeping up to families of four.
Individually designed, the Lawns and Leeward Suits (formally known as the stone cottages) have a charming feel and are scattered through the milkwood forests with open kitchens and beautiful outdoor seating areas. These are great options for families and have their own outdoor fire pits and braai (BBQ) areas. The Lawns cottage is the largest – it has three bedrooms and a mezzanine dorm area and can sleep up to 6 adults and 4 children. In additional the the Lawns cottage are 2 Leeward Suites and 2 Leeward Large cottages. The Leeward Suites can sleep up to 2 persons with newly added hot tub and the Leeward Large cottages can sleep up to 3 persons!
Family
Coot Club is a brilliant choice for families seeking adventure and freedom. The activities are on tap and offer all ages a chance to burn off energy – from simply running around the beautiful lawned area to sailing lessons on the lagoon, children will be in their element. Another highlight for adrenalin-seeking children is sandboarding on the beach. Youngsters will love spending time in the pool, games room and football and volleyball fields.
Accommodation options are suitable for suit broods of all sizes. For small families, the Leeward Large Cottage can sleeps two adults and one child on a sofa bed and has a fun outdoor shower and hot tub that children will enjoy. The Port boathouse can sleep up to six guests in three bedrooms (two doubles and one twin).
Larger families will be well suited to the Lawns cottage, which can sleep up to six adults and 4 children it has three bedrooms and an additional loft space. With a double-volume living area, large front veranda, and an upper deck boasting mountain and lagoon views, this spot is made for relaxation. Outside, enjoy the built-in BBQ, fire pit, and seating area for sunsets, sunrises, and everything in between!
Sustainability
Coot Club has conservation at its heart – little wonder given its location in the most magnificent natural setting. A percentage of every guest’s stay contributes to the protection of the Klein River estuary, which is home to unique plant diversity and rare birdlife. It’s also one of the world’s most important whale nurseries. Other initiatives include providing local employment and educational programmes for the community.
Location
Coot Club has an enviable location on the edge of the Klein River Lagoon, near the verdant Maanschynkop mountains. It’s super accessible from Cape Town, around 150km south of the city, with a journey of around two hours by car. You’re also within easy reach of the wine farms of Franschhoek (135km away) and the whale-watching spot of Hermanus (30km away).













