Discover Disandt House: Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort on the Atlantic Seaboard
There’s a very specific sound you only hear in houses that have lived through more than a century of stories.
It’s that rhythmic, solid sound of footsteps on 127-year-old Oregon pine and oak floors. At Disandt House, it’s a sound that reminds you that long before the Sea Point Promenade was paved, and way before the Atlantic Seaboard became a global bucket-list destination, this house was already here - quietly watching the sun sink into the ocean.
We’re so excited to finally pull back the curtain and introduce you to our newest space: Disandt House by Neighbourgood, a boutique hotel in Fresnaye that blends historic charm with modern comfort.
The Discovery of "Plan No. 22"
When we first stepped into 8 Avenue Disandt, we knew it was beautiful, but we didn’t realise we’d walked into a time capsule. While digging through the archives, we discovered the original hand-drawn blueprints. In the corner was a faded purple stamp from the Municipal Engineer’s Office, dated 13 May 1898, along with a handwritten note: “No. 22.” At the time, Fresnaye Estate was still a sprawling mountainside farm being carved into residential plots. Being Plan 22 means this wasn’t just another house, it was one of the earliest homes ever built on these slopes.
A Legacy of Stewardship
For the past 20 years, Disandt House has been a private home. Before that, it operated as a guest house. Today, its original timber floors and generous Victorian proportions still define the character of the space.
Walking through the doors for the first time, we realised we weren’t just managing a property but stepping into the next chapter of a story that began in the 19th century.
Modern Life, Heritage Soul
We’re all about modern, connected living. So, how does a house from 1898 fit into that? Surprisingly well.
There’s soul at Disandt House that you just can’t build from scratch. You feel it in the high ceilings that keep the Cape summer heat at bay, and in the quiet of Avenue Disandt street that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Regent Road, but still just a short walk down the hill.
Staying here isn't just about booking a room; it’s about stepping into more than a century of stories.
To stay true to this history, we’ve leaned into a design theme of "curated comfort". We refreshed the home’s soul with a nature-inspired palette, using earthy forest greens and neutral tones to create a cosy atmosphere that compliments the original woodwork. We left the warm timber cabinetry with warm copper accents as is, paying homage to the house’s glowing heritage.
What to Expect
We’ve kept the intimacy of an 8-bedroom boutique hotel but added the signature Neighbourgood warmth and energy.
The Flow: The shared spaces move naturally from the lounge to the garden, designed for those "work from anywhere" mornings or slow Sunday brunches. Shared spaces move naturally from the lounge to the garden. We designed these areas with deep textures and geometric rugs that feel soft underfoot paired with handmade organic baskets that bring the outside in.
The Sanctuary: Each of our eight bedrooms serves as a private sanctuary where fluted headboards and satin brass lighting meet the home's original architecture. We’ve custom-furnished these rooms by re-upholstering the house's vintage chairs in modern fabrics to ensure the past lives on in the present. Just beyond your door, the story continues in a sun-drenched pool and a quiet garden where you can actually hear the birds, right in the heart of Fresnaye.
The Art: throughout the house, the walls feature a curated collection of modern art pieces framed in natural timber, as well as large historical art pieces placed in the common areas - creating the perfect juxtaposition of old and new, living perfectly together side by side.
The Location: A short drive from Cape Town’s CBD, offering some of the best views along the Atlantic Seaboard. Whether you’re looking for a stay in Sea Point or Fresnaye, Disandt House is perfectly placed.
Step Into the Story
Disandt House is officially open for a new generation of travellers; the professionals, the explorers, and anyone who appreciates a stay that tells a story.
The floors are original. The history is deep. The warm hospitality is waiting.
Ready to experience Disandt House by Neighbourgood for yourself?
Explore our boutique hotel in Fresnaye & book your stay today.