Sitting on the corner of Main and Hill Street in Plettenberg Bay (a byword throughout the Western Cape for breathtaking beaches and end of year festivities) the newly renovated The Ivory Haus Boutique Hotel stands as a thoughtful architectural transformation. Once known as The Grand, this iconic establishment has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis under the guide of new ownership, who enlisted the expertise of Westhaus to breathe new life into the former ‘pink hotel’.
When the Teubes family acquired the hotel, they sought to infuse new life into its storied walls, retaining the charm of its past while elevating its presence to meet contemporary expectations of this beloved holiday destination. The result is a resplendent blend of past and present that honours the hotel’s original character while welcoming a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic.
Preserving character, enhancing experience
At the heart of this renovation was a desire to enhance both the hotel’s street presence and its internal vibrancy. Leon van der Westhuizen and the team at Westhaus spent a weekend with the new owners, immersing themselves in the space to fully grasp its potential. The design concept emerged from a deep appreciation for the building’s inherent qualities — its arches, old doors, and spacious interiors — integrating these elements with a modern flourish.
A key objective was to solidify its position as a landmark within Plettenberg Bay’s bustling precinct. The dull pink exterior has been transformed with an eggshell white finish, reflecting the new brand identity and establishing the hotel as a beacon on Main Street.
An exercise in activating space
The renovation concept focussed on increasing activity across all levels of the hotel. A newly defined grand entrance and strategically placed landscaping draw visitors in from the street. The addition of a Street Café creates a welcoming interface between the hotel and the town life, offering a sheltered pause space for beachgoers and passersby alike.
Moving inward, guests are guided to the middle level, where they discover The Palms — a new restaurant and bar that spills out onto enhanced courtyards. A striking black spiral staircase serves as both a visual centrepiece and a functional element, activating new circulation routes within the building.
An exciting and noteworthy addition is the rooftop terrace, a previously underutilised space now transformed into a crown jewel of the build and overall experience. Here, guests can revel in panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and witness breathtaking sunrises. Timber arches frame the vistas, while glass balustrades and planters complete the thoughtful ambience.
Room revelations
The Ivory Haus boasts 11 spacious rooms, each offering a unique guest experience. Some rooms provide sprawling vistas, while others grant direct access to the main pool deck. The renovation simplified and brightened the interiors with a crisp white palette, allowing natural light to filter through new arched windows and doors.
In a nod to sustainability and character, existing furniture pieces were thoughtfully upcycled, creating distinctive moments in each room. The juxtaposition of these restored elements against the refreshed backdrop speaks to the hotel’s commitment to simultaneously respecting heritage and modernity. Embracing contemporary concerns, the renovation included impressive upgrades to the hotel’s infrastructure. A new solar and water system allows for an off the-grid solution, aligning The Ivory Haus with eco-conscious traveller expectations without compromising on luxury.
The transformation of The Ivory Haus stands as proof in the power of collaborative vision between client and architect. From the enhanced street appeal and maximised views to the thoughtful preservation of historical elements, every aspect of the renovation was carefully considered. As Plettenberg Bay continues to evolve as a sought-after stop on the Garden Route, The Ivory Haus now stands ready to welcome guests with open arms, offering a luxurious retreat that honours its roots while embracing a future of renewed possibilities. This seaside revival not only enhances the town’s architectural façade but also provides visitors with an unforgettable stay, where every detail tells a story of thoughtful design and warm hospitality.
This article is an extract from our October issue. Read the full issue here.
