Quick Facts
E 19°30'32''
Budget Getaways Review
The Fisherman's Cottage is a neat abode set a mere 200m from the crashing waves at Pearly Beach - a smallish holiday enclave 20km up the way from Gansbaai.
Best thing about Fisherman's are the views - lots of them, spilling out from the livingroom, bedroom and patio. Book during whale season and you're in for a treat.
In fact, come to think of it, why bother with Hermanus when you can have a ringside seat to the WWF (World Whale Fest) action at Pearly Beach, at a fraction of the usual cost?
Facebrick inside and out (ok, you can't have it all...) this double-storey abode features three ensuite bedrooms and an open-plan living and kitchen area with an indoor braai as its social hub. Imagine: a misty winter afternoon, a crackling fire, chops sizzling, red wine flowing...
Unlike many a mouldy beach house The Fisherman's Cottage comes to you fresh and clean, with beach-appropriate white furniture, mozzie nets draped over the beds, silver appliances, an open ceiling with exposed white rafters, easy-to-clean tiles throughout.
There's nothing too fancy, nothing too complicated - just a simple house that serves its purpose well. Neither linen nor towels are provided, so keep this in mind when you pack.
Beyond the front door, the long beach and its morning dips and walks is accessed via a narrow belt of coastal fynbos. If fishing is your thing, owner Joanita informs us there are exceptional spots within casting distance of the house. She also recommends Die Rooi Bier Restaurant (live music on weekends) and the Visvang Klub for a slap-up meal on the town.
All very pleasant, by the sounds of things.
"Loved the sound of the waves. Well equipped place. Will definately visit again."
(visited Feb 2019)
"A wonderful relaxed place to wind down."
(visited Dec 2018)
"Our stay at The Fishermen's cottage was exactly what the Dr ordered! So much so we prolonged our stay. The views are stunning, the indoor braai was an absolute winner, our family spent so much time walking, biking and just reconnecting it is a wonderful place! Thank you so much."
(visited Dec 2018)
"We had a great experience apart from the power outages, which was outside of everyone control."
(visited Dec 2018)
"My family and I were so sad to leave this breathtaking venue. From the stunning "home away from home" accommodation to the "beyond words" view of the ocean. I loved the mornings when I could sit and have a cup of coffee and listen to ocean before the kids woke. We enjoyed the indoor braai. Having a fire going while playing board games allowed for family time, a nice change from sitting in front of a TV. We really felt to relaxed and left recharged. We can not wait to return. Worth every penny."
(visited Jul 2018)
"We had a lovely stay. Lovely views and beautiful surroundings."
(visited Apr 2018)
"We had a fantastic time at the cottage. We will definitely go again! We just loved the beautiful view, overlooking the sea from the balcony. Wonderful! "
(visited Apr 2017)
"The perfect getaway with my family. I enjoyed my fishing experience and the accommodation was fantastic - it was more than we expected. We felt safe and a special thanks to Elize that made us feel so welcome. We liked that there was no TV. We will definitely go again."
(visited Jan 2017)
"Thanks for a wonderful holiday, with uninterrupted stretched views. We had a lovely time."
(visited January 2017)
"The location and the view is second to none! The cottage is comfortably furnished with comfortable beds. I would have thought that toilet rolls would have been included. The no TV concept is fantastic and we spent a wonderful two evenings playing various games (that we had taken with) over a few drinks. We had a great experience watching the whales at play. We would definitely book this again."
(visited Nov 2016)
"Stunning view! We loved our stay. The house is perfect for a family with teens."
(visited Jun 2016)
"I have to say I've been to so many places before and always found something wrong with a place but this time I'm shocked. All they promised it would be like was true. The Fisherman's Cottage is in a very peaceful place where you can go and relax and blow of some steam, it's surrounded by the most beautiful views ever. I'm thankful I was able to go and planning to go again on my next leave."
(visited Jun 2016)
"How can we forget our stay - this house is our dream home by the sea! The view and lay-out of the house is very good, we loved the inside braai and personal favourite is the open bathroom with bath in the top room. We could relax, play games and do sight-seeing even though it was only a two nights stay - just what the doctor ordered."
(visited Apr 2016)
"This was our second visit to Fisherman's Cottage and once again we had the best weekend ever. Awesome home away from home. Will definitely go back again!"
(visited Feb 2016)
"We will visit again!"
(visited July 2015)
"Wonderful, peaceful getaway. Not the kind of area you'd want to go to if you want all the amenities at your doorstep (the closest town is Gansbaai 20km away) but exactly what our little family loves. Gorgeous views, all the comforts of home (there is even a dishwasher!), the sound of the sea soothing you to sleep, gorgeous long walks to entertain the kids and kilometers of coastline for runners. Just bear in mind it can get really cold so bring hot water bottles and lots of blankets, and its not very nice outside when the wind is gusting like it did for two days of our stay, so make sure you're prepared with indoor entertainment and activities. We knew we had to bring our own bedding, but were a bit taken aback to find we also needed to buy loo paper and drying off cloths when we got here. However, there is a great shop a short drive away in the nearby resort so we weren't stuck (thank you Google). All in all, we had a wonderful time and definitely want to come back. Our older daughter is really upset that we have to leave as she loved it so much. It looks even better than the pictures and is a great getaway from the city. 5-stars!"
(visited July 2015)
"Fisherman's cottage was simply stunning and also a home away from home. The most special part of the holiday is waking up in the morning and firstly hearing the sea rushing to the shore and then opening the curtains and seeing the sunrise to the left and the sea to the right. Extremely exhilarating and relaxing all in one, not to mention romantic. Definitely going back soon."
(visited April 2015)
"Fantastic holiday home. I really recommend this house."
(visited April 2015)
"Dit is n baie lekker plekkie met die mooiste view. Die see en die berge! Love dit. Als was op hul plek en netjies en skoon. Baie dankie dat ons die plekke kon gebruik. Ons gaan weer n draai maak."
(visited March 2015)
"Perfect location, very neat and loved the fact that there is no TV! Had some quality time with husband and son."
(visited March 2015)
"Hospitality was awesome and very comfortable. The only thing I would say that was missing was a TV. Weather wasn't our best friend the entire stay so couldn't experience the beach to its fullest. But the weekend was fantastic would definitely recommend it, which I have already done."
(visited March 2015)
"Excellent view and facilities for families or friends. New, clean, neat and tidy. Absolutely love going here and the owner is very accommodating. Will return again and again."
(visited January 2015)
"Owner very friendly and welcoming. Great stay for group fisherman."
(visited January 2015)
"This lovely place is in Pearly Beach (not Gansbaai). We enjoyed our stay."
(visited January 2015)
"Very clean, neat and tidy. Got everything you need. Great view and great setting. Will surely stay there again"
(visited January 2015)
"What a great cottage with a great breaker view. we enjoyed our stay and value for money was excellent. All necessities where available and in great working condition. I must thank you for a nice clean cottage."
(visited January 2015)
"This was our second visit (first one was in 2012). Our holiday could have been very different but due to the lack of maintenance and the filthy state of the house it really was unpleasant. We arrived exhausted from Pretoria after 2 days on the road, find a very uninviting front door (badly in need of paint!), had to clean out the refrigerator and every single cupboard in the kitchen before we could unpack, washed every item (the inside of cupboards were filthy black). The owner offered to send the cleaning services, but really, the same one that was supposed to clean it properly in the first place? I requested a vacuum cleaner which he delivered after being a bit hesitant. The quality of the two double bed mattresses are bad, no good night's sleep, we returned 6 days early. This is a very nice cottage with a great sea view. With a little care, paint and a new cleaning service, this can be one of the best places to stay. What a pity!"
(visited December 2014)
"Would be great if there could be some wood for the quests ready in black box under braai if they run out at night."
(visited September 2014)
"Die huis is baie goed ingerig. Ons het lekker gekuier ten spyte van die weer (die binnebraai het vergoed daarvoor. Sal definitief weer gaan kuier."
(visited June 2014)
"Second visit even better than the first! This time we stayed longer and really the Fisherman`s Cottage is a home away from home. Great service by Elise and her husband, friendly and efficient. Since we couldn't book the weather we had cold and windy weather, the new heating panels came in very handy. We woke up only to see four whales in the ocean, directly from our bed. Good fishing, cosy evenings, great setting. Paradise for kids, Joanita once you consider selling this jewel you have our phone number! See you soon."
(visited July 2012)
"Heerlik gekuier in die Fisherman's Cottage! Baie smaakvolle 'whitewash....see...gevoel' En boonop is die uitsig onverbeterlik! Waarlik n huis waar n mens kan ontspan en vergeet van alles! Dankie!"
(visited May 2012)
"Amazing value for money! There is no better place to relax and get away from the city rush. Will recommend this to any couple as a romantic getaway or bring friends with, there is loads of space. Owners hospitality was first class. We will surely be back. Thanks for a wonderful time."
(visited April 2012)
"A beautiful town and setting close to a variety of lovely beaches. Very relaxing. However, PR was shocking: booking made incorrectly and although we were required to pay a fee for cleaning (over and above the nightly rate), we were expected to leave the place exactly as we found it. On departure, we were even asked to pay an extra amount for cleaning or to stay and do dishes!!! Owner, and cleaning lady highly unprofessional and rude... what a pity as this spoilt an otherwise fantastic holiday."
(visited April 2012)
"Great experience, house great, everything you need and more! Spent some wonderful days there. My compliments to Joanita, we will definately be back shortly. Been in Pearly several times and booked several houses in different price ranges. You beat them all. Thank you for this experience!"
(visited April 2012)
"Die ideale wegbreek-plekkie vir 'n paar vriende. Die uitsig is fantasties oor die blou see."
(visited January 2012)
"We stayed here in December 2011 and had an amazing time. We saw so many whales from the comfort of our balcony. What a stunning cottage. We will definitely be back."
(visited December 2011)
"I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, the owners are very accommodating and the house itself is really beautifully laid out and decorated. Plenty of space and views all over. Balcony is awesome. Maybe a bit cold for winter stays unless you take your own electric blankets and heaters. Otherwise, awesome! Will definitely return. Pearly Beach locals very friendly."
(visited July 2011)
"We enjoyed the weekend a lot. The house is very well equipped and we will definitely recommend it and will go again."
(visited June 2011)
"We absolutely loved the stay. The view from the top floor, especially having the sun wake you when staying in the master bedroom was fantastic. Pearly Beach itself was quiet and friendly with the usual small town respect one does not find in bigger cities nowadays. We will definitely be returning."
(visited March 2011)
"Very clean and near the sea. Excellent view of the ocean and very appropriate for a holiday or breakaway.""
(visited February 2011)
"Highly recommended! Nice and quiet. Great sea views, and a beautiful beach for sunset walks."
(visited October 2010)
"Best beach holiday destination. The Fisherman's Cottage is perfect for a relaxed getaway. Pearly Beach has unspoiled swimming and fishing spots, we also enjoyed long walks on the sand and beautiful views from the cottage balcony. We'll be back soon."
(visited July 2010)
"Fishermans Cottage is a wonderful establishment for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and who prefers to have a beach holiday that's not too crowded. Nice and close to the beach with excellent view. The cottage has everything in it that you'll need for your holiday. Nice and spacious for a family as well."
(visited December 2009)
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Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland