Nicol Street Heritage Cottages Sustainability
5-Star Luxury Accommodation in Upper Gardens, Cape Town
The private gardens between Cape Town and the mountains, from which the inhabitants are plentifully supplied with fruit and legumes, are of exquisite beauty; and the garden-houses are the favourite abode of the Cape-Dutch inhabitants.
William Bird, The State of the Cape of Good Hope in 1822
Historic Gravity-Fed Water
The area takes its name from the early days of the town, run by the Dutch VOC, when a track (now Kloof Street) ran up into the mountain. On either side, fruit and vegetables were grown to supply passing ships. What fascinates me is how they managed it – long before irrigation – using a network of gravity-fed channels, sluices, and dykes to guide water down from the mountain. Simple, clever, and utterly effective.
A small stream – part of that same system – still trickles in front of the cottages. We continue the tradition, scooping up the water to tend our street pots. In the mornings, birds drink and splash… and guests stop to watch and comment.
Terraced Garden
Our terraced garden works in the same way. Planted with indigenous, water-wise species and watered by the mountain runoff. We had to use borehole water for only 8 days last year, 4 of which were during a past week’s heatwave. I love the fact that the mountain acts like a sponge during the rainy season, slowly releasing water to us in the hot summer months.
Building Rescue and a Beautiful Street
We’re particularly proud of the street itself. When I took on the cottages 16 years ago, inner-city streets were neglected, broken down, and avoided. Over time, and together with neighbours, it’s been restored it into a peaceful cul-de-sac – large shady trees, geraniums and other flowers in pots, and constant birdlife. Guests often comment on the unexpected quiet – we sit tucked into an old quarry, which naturally shields us from city noise. A guest recently said it reminded her of “a little street in Paris” — our aim is for Nicol Street to become “the most beautiful little street in Cape Town”.
The Small Things
On a more practical level, we do all the small things – recycling, minimising plastics, using recyclable and biodegradable packaging (even down to our breakfast boxes), and always, always sourcing locally.
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Nicol Street Heritage Cottages
in Old Quarter Cape Town, 8001
Accommodation
For amenities, rates, and booking details
+27 87 330 5973