Feeling The Vibe @ The Harbour Master’s House

Ripe in history and rich in experience, The Harbour Master’s House anchors you right on the front line of Port Elizabeth’s past. The house looks directly onto the famous port from its two levels of wrap-around balconies.

Built back in 1884; you are invited into a space of leisure under a roof of heritage, which lays rest on walls strong with tales.

The high ceiling, open aired rooms flow seamlessly into one another. As you begin to wander, the house takes your hand, a gentle tugging at your sweater sleeve. She offers up her favourite memories; framed and hung for viewing pleasure. Each common room offering another bite of Port Elizabeth’s historical richness.

The sun is a dear friend of the house. Light and shadow morph and play through times of day. The house wakes with the sunrise, light spilling through strained windows and dripping step by step down the grand wooden stairs in the entrance hall.

Shutter slits paint beams through the front sitting rooms first. We spent mornings sat striped in gold over steaming filter coffee. Gradually expanding, the warmth reaches out to bedroom corners and fills in the frames of tall doors left open.

The fluid layout and cosy atmosphere create an intimacy you’d expect from a quaint guest house. But, the house is deceivingly large; with room for close to forty guests. This is the sweet spot of great accommodation. Accessible privacy as well as opportunity to cross paths with the lucky packet that is that night’s lodgers and shifted staff.

From cheersing glasses of wine and shared shakes of laughter, to using muffled conversation as your navigation back to the group; the buzz traversed The Harbour Master’s House for my entire stay.

The beauty of historical architecture is the greatness of the space and the size of the character. The rooms have wonderful height, the windows tall and curtains running from ceiling to floor. Beds are wide with crisp white bedding and lavish headboards. Beautifully tiled fireplaces are scattered throughout the house. My room had one of its own but it went unused, I blame the wine more than the warm weather.

There are very few sounds that can beat waking up early in the morning to a big, old house. Most are still at rest, leaving the supporting vocalists of wood creaking and birds chirping, wind winding and warming car engines to fill your ears.

My time at The Harbour Master’s House was much too short. I’ll definitely be back for a longer stay so that I can absorb all that this wonderful backpackers has to offer. This is all thanks to Samantha, Sue and the rest of the lovely staff. They were beyond accommodating and a cut above kind.

The house was not only exciting; with the tales of a time long before mixed in with the tales of those who’ve passed through, but warm and inviting. As you enter, you walk into a home.