Manual - PLEASE read
As you explore my Happy Place, Paternoster & Flamink, and what it has to offer, go and find inspiration in every nook and cranny. Let your senses be awakened by the vibrant colors, the sweet scents, and the gentle sounds of the ocean that surrounds you. Enjoy the people & culture of Paternoster, please come with an open mind. Your heart will be filled with gratitude for the simple joys and the precious moments that life has to offer in Paternoster. You will discover a deeper appreciation for the beauty that exists right here.
While you enjoy your time here it may it be filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories and may you leave with a lighter heart, a brighter spirit, and a renewed zest for life. Embrace the happiness that awaits you, and may you be forever blessed.
An informed guest is a Happy Guest! This manual is not to annoy you with information.
I often find that guests do not read this manual and on arrival I am still asked about info that was set out in this manual.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ through this info manual as it provides important info needed for your stay.
As always, I am very happy to assist my guests!
Flamink Beach View Cottage in Paternoster is a 2 bedroom with 2 bathrooms cottage. It is a self-catering, cottage therefore NO meals are provided. Flamink is NON-SMOKING.
We kindly provide you with some basic amenities to see you through the first day of your stay. However, once this runs out you will be expected to replenish these items at your own cost.
Paternoster is now blessed with a fully equipped OK express store and is available for all your shopping needs and within walking distance from Flamink.
On arrival at Flamink, you will find a small starter kit of:
Enough tea/Nespresso coffee, plunger coffee, normal instant coffee/tea/milk/sugar to enjoy.
Toilet paper x 2.
Small amount of dishwashing liquid.
Wash & and dry cloth, sponge.
Dishwasher cubes x 2.
Refuse bag x 1.
Nespresso machine with some free coffee pods. You are welcome to bring your own extra coffee pods. Please make sure to use the correct alternative pods. Coffee plungers are also available.
Ad hoc items for added comfort:
Fireplace/Woodstove in lounge area. Please may I ask to not overload the wood stove; the glass might break, and it is expensive to replace, should this happen during your stay this will be invoiced to you.
Fridge/Freezer.
Dishwasher.
Washing machine.
Microwave.
Electric oven.
Hairdryer in every room.
Electric blankets on all beds.
Ironing board and iron in broom cupboard.
Please would you make sure that the electrical items are switched off when not used, especially when used prior to/or during load-shedding. These items are electrical fire hazards.
Mop & bucket on the front patio.
Clothing dry rack in 2nd bedroom cupboard.
A dustpan and brush & broom in die broom cupboard next to the fridge.
An outside bucket, dustpan, & brush for sandy feet, available on the patio for your convenience. Please avoid sandy feet in the cottage.
During winter times and arriving late, remember to get some firewood, kindling, and/or firelighters for the inside fireplace. Our security also sells wood & fire lighters.
Board games are available in the lounge, in a blue box below the coffee table. Please may I ask to take care of these items?
Outside patio with braai area –
Table & seating.
Oil lanterns. Extra oil under the basin.
Fireplace/Built-in BBQ area with BBQ equipment on the patio.
Flamink has been thoroughly checked and prepared for your stay.
Please report any breakages/damages on your arrival, within 2 hours please, a WhatsApp message with reason & photos will suffice.
On your departure, the property will be checked for any damages, loss, and unreasonable mess.
Please make contact with me via WhatsApp prior your arrival. I need to deactivate the alarm for you to have access to the keys.
On the last step, you will find the key safe on your right.
Open the black cover from the top and pull downwards.
Firmly enter the code 1267 and push down the top silver lever.
They safe will open.
Remove the keys.
Semi-close the cover and re-enter the same code.
Pull the lever down, hold it down while pushing the door back.
The safe will revert into a locked position.
Please do not give out the key code to any person.
The code to open and close the key safe is: 1267
Network Name: Flamink
Password: Beach123
Important note to my guests:
Please print or memorise these codes prior should you not have a data connection on arrival.
Check-in times are from 14h00.
Check-out times before 10h00.
Please note that both check-ins and check-outs are CONTACTLESS, and I will sadly not be present at your time of arrival. I live in KwaZulu Natal.
Earlier check-in and later check-out are always an option, depending on the season & availability of Flamink. Please check/arrange this prior with me.
I am ALWAYS available to my guests should you need to ask any questions, ask recommendations or require assistance with anything. I am very happy to assist!
On your departure, please leave the keys back in the key safe, secured.
Please Google Flamink Beach View Cottage and click on the directions button.
or copy the below URL in your browser https://bit.ly/3upxWOB
or follow below.
From Cape Town –
Travel north from Blouberg on R27, Turn left at Vredenburg turn-off.
Travel through Vredenburg to Paternoster.
The entire trip is ± 140km.
From Cape Town International Airport –
Travel towards Cape Town on N2, Take the N7 – Malmesbury/Goodwood turnoff.
(Jakes Gerwel Drive) and turn right towards Malmesbury.
Travel north on N7; Turn left at the Melkbosstrand turn-off.
Continue to R27. Turn right onto R27; travel north, past Yzerfontein and Langebaan.
Turn left at the Vredenburg turn-off; travel through Vredenburg to Paternoster.
The entire trip is ± 155km.
Arriving in Paternoster –
Arriving in Paternoster and upon entering the town, turn left at the 4-way stop into
St Augustine Road.
Continue straight, passing Paternoster Hotel on your left.
Take the first road right. This is Seeduiker Road.
Immediate left, you will find Die Kom Estate.
At the guided boom, inform them that you are my wonderful guests who will be staying at Flamink Beach view cottage.
Flamink is clearly marked, the first unit left in front of the boom gate.
Depending on the guests booked in the surrounding units, loud and noisy guests can sometimes be a disturbance.
My wish for you is to enjoy Flamink, the view and Paternoster! Should this happen please call me immediately! We do have plans in place to evacuate these guests with immediate effect.
Same counts for any vendors visiting too close to Flamink.
2 Parking bays are available and clearly marked, right in front of the cottage. Please refrain from parking elsewhere.
Should you only arrive in one vehicle, please feel free to park over the 2 parking areas. This will give you ample parking space.
The white button is always for activating and deactivating the alarm.
The blue light outside and inside the cottage will indicate whether the alarm is activated or not. Blue means activated, while clear means not activated.
From OUTSIDE the cottage:
Before entering on the steps, press the white button on the remote to activate or deactivate the alarm. An outside alarm light is situated in the top right corner next to the kitchen window. The light will flicker three times and then turn into a constant blue light, indicating that the alarm is activated. The blue light will flicker once and then turn off completely, indicating that the alarm is now deactivated.
To activate and deactivate the alarm from INSIDE the cottage:
In the corner close to the broom cupboard, you will notice a small blue light. Press the white button on the remote. The blue light will turn to a constant blue, indicating that the alarm is now activated outside, and you may still move freely inside the unit.
Going to bed at night:
RED is for sleep and not the panic button.
Press the RED button on the remote. All areas will be activated except for the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms.
The next morning press the WHITE button again to deactivate the alarm. Check for the blue light this will give you an indication of whether the alarm is activated or not.
PANIC SITUATIONS:
Please call me immediately or contact the gate guard at the boom. They will contact the response team to be dispatched.
Please familiarise yourself with the load-shedding schedules, download the free EskomSePush App for ease of reference. https://esp.info/
Load shedding in the country occurs unpredictably and is caused predominantly by multiple-generation failures of ageing coal plants.
I have added the following to assist:
– 4-plate gas hob.
– Stove top whistling kettle.
– Rechargeable portable light in each room & kitchen.
– Intelligent rechargeable light bulbs for bedside lamps in both rooms.
– Please take note to charge the items that need to be charged when electricity is on.
An inverter for the WiFi and TV has been installed. PLEASE DO NOT MOVE THE UNIT or TRY AND PLUG/REMOVE ANYTHING IN OR OUT THE UNIT.
Should I find that the unit is faulty after your visit, the unit will be replaced at your account.
The smart television, with full DSTV package, operates on HD settings and is already set for your convenience.
Please may I ask not to change the settings.
Use the Hisense remote to switch TV on.
DSTV remote only to switch between channels.
Please may I ask not to drop these remotes and to rather keep it save during use in the yellow basket provided on the table.
Cleaning during your stay:
The cottage is not serviced during your stay. If you would like to request a cleaner during your stay, please contact me directly, I will gladly arrange this, and you can pay the cleaner directly.
The bed linen and towels will only be changed for long stays.
If you are staying for a max of 7 nights, the linen & towels won’t be changed during your stay.
If you are staying longer than 7 nights your linen & towels will be changed hallway through your stay, thus on day 4.
Example:
If you booked for 10 nights, linen will be changed on the morning of your 5th night.
During a longer stay min of 8 nights and longer, linen and towels will only be replaced in the middle of a booking, thus on day 4.
Security –
As much as we would like to think our fishing village is a safe and friendly paradise, the reality is that this is South Africa and sadly crime happens everywhere. I would be failing in my duty to you, my valued guests, not to point out that petty theft does happen when given the opportunity. Die Kom Body Corporate is doing their best to secure your safety. The crime, which targets small high value items like wallets, cell phones,
iPods, laptops, cameras, and binoculars, is generally not violent. We strongly advise that all windows and doors are shut and locked, and alarms armed when you leave the unit unoccupied. Please also ensure that doors & windows are closed and locked at ground level and all vulnerable areas. The cottage has a stay/sleep function, please take care to activate these at night. Also take valuables from your car into the house or lock in your car boot.
Vendors –
Often the property may be assessed by the door-to-door vendors, particularly those selling kreef/crayfish/shells, during the day. PLEASE do not allow them close to the cottage!!!!
If you do want to purchase crayfish, rather do so at the fish market or on the beach where no one gets close to your property. Remember that purchasing and being in possession of crayfish outside season is illegal and carries a severe fine.
These simple measures should go a long way to safeguarding your personal belongings and possessions.
Max of 4 guests allowed. Only 4 beds are in the unit.
I would appreciate if you don’t have any meals on the lounge suite.
NO smoking inside the cottage.
Unfortunately, no pets nor parties are allowed.
No loud music, discharging of fireworks or crackers allowed.
Please use the laundry rack for all wet clothing and NOT the balcony nor the table.
The boats in Die Kom are for decorative purposes only.
NO playing in or around the boats nor on the rock areas.
Quiet times:
Strictly between 21:00 to 08:00 daily.
Non-compliance with the above rules will be considered as a breach of TC’s of the rental agreement. The Body Corp reserve the right to terminate your booking with immediate effect and without a refund.
Guests will also be liable for any other costs incurred by neighbours or owners.
Please report any of the above to me should the surrounding neighbours not adhere to these rules.
Bolla-Bokkie – Fisherman Boat:
This boat is my private property and holds special sentimental value to me. It was named after my first grandchild, a little girl who was born on April 25, 2022. The shells were hand-collected, and the garden was planted by myself for the enjoyment of my guests.
Please take care of this area as if it were your own. If you see any children playing around the boat, in the garden, and breaking the shells, please kindly ask them not to do so. Taking photos at the boat is absolutely allowed!
Garbage bags:
Place do not leave any trash bags on the patio but rather in the waste room at the boom gate.
Woodstove/Fireplace:
It is important not to overload the stove, as this may lead to a cracked glass door. If this happens, the cost of replacing the door will be your responsibility.
Cancellation Policy:
If a booking is cancelled more than one month prior to arrival, 85% of deposit will be refunded.
Between 30 & 22 days prior to arrival, 70% of deposit will be refunded.
Between 21 & 16 days before arrival date, 50% of amount paid will be refunded.
Between 15 & 7 days before arrival date, 20% of amount paid will be refunded.
Less than 7 days before arrival date, or in the event of a guest not arriving, no refund will be considered or paid.
I love having you in my home and everything was prepared with love for YOUR enjoyment.
It would help a great deal if you would keep the cottage tidy during your stay and respect it as it was your own.
To limit sand deposits please brush of sandy feet and shake out clothes before entering the cottage. Brush, pan & bucket are available, left next to the outside table.
Flamink has been thoroughly checked and prepared for your stay. Please report any breakages/damages on your arrival, asap, to either me, a WhatsApp message with reason & photos will suffice. Guests have 3 hours after check-in to report any defects, things not working or broken. After you leave, the property will be checked for any damages, loss, and unreasonable mess where you will be contacted to discuss the matter.
On your departure
Please make sure not to pack anything that does belong in the unit.
Please leave all dirty towels in bathtub.
No overnight dishes, pots and pans to be left in kitchen on your departure please, we don’t mind the morning dishes.
Should the unit be founded in a mess, photographs will be taken and send to you on the day of your departure.
An extra cleaning will be charged for unreasonable mess.
Examples of extra charges for guest account:
Stained items such as mattresses, linen, cushions, furniture.
Stains such as make-up, food, make up, red wine and coffee.
Burnt & damage pots.
Items missing, broken, or removed.
Late check-outs without prior arrangement.
Why Paternoster?
Paternoster the oldest fishing village along this pristine coastline, embodies the heart and soul of the West Coast. It is a wonderful & special place filled with contrasts and seasonal colours.
The stark beauty of the place – the pristine white sandy beaches that beautifully contrasts with the deep blue ocean makes it a great place for children to collect mussel shells on the beach.
Festooned with dancing daisies in Spring, surrounded by waving green wheat carpets in Winter, and often dusted in heat in Summer, Paternoster is an enchanting blend of old and new worlds.
When to visit Paternoster?
Paternoster is a great village to visit all year-round.
In the springtime, late August to September, the weather starts to heat up, and wildflowers burst out all over town.
During summer the town bustles with tourists seeking laidback beach vibes and sunny weather.
In fall and winter, Paternoster is cold, and the weather can be rather unpleasant with strong winds. If you do visit during winter, prepare to snuggle up next to the fireplace with a book.
Peak season runs between December to January, April, and late August. The weather is much more pleasant during these months.
WHAT TO DO, SEE & EAT –
INDULGE in all your favourite Seafood treats from the Paternoster Fish Shop at the Crayfish Wharf. They stock fresh oysters, mussels, a catch of the day, crayfish, abalone and loads of other seafood products.
My favourites – in order:
Leeto – +27 60 927 0403
https://linktr.ee/leetorestaurant
https://www.leetorestaurant.com/
The Noisy Oyster – +27 22 752 2196
https://www.facebook.com/noisyoysterpaternoster/
De See Kat Restaurant – +27 72 343 9793
https://www.facebook.com/deseekat
Die Gaatjie Restaurant – +27 22 752 2242
Menu: gaaitjie.co.za
Online Reservations: gaaitjie.co.za, dineplan.com
Benguela Blue – +27 83 258 0958
https://www.facebook.com/BenguelaBlue/
WOLFGAT, Book MONTHS in advance!!!! Voted the ‘Best Restaurant of the Year 2019’ by the World Restaurant Awards and experience a taste adventure with seasonally foraged Strandveld (only found on this coastline) dishes prepared and styled with flair by internationally renowned chef.
https://www.wolfgat.co.za/
Reservations: wolfgat.co.za
Breakfast & Lunch:
Cathy’s Kitchen – opposite Die Kom
Mondvol Coffee Shop – +27 73 939 0186
TO SEE & TO DO?
VISIT the Cape Columbine LIGHTHOUSE. Built only in 1936, it was the last manned lighthouse constructed, and it rests on a windswept coastline within the Columbine Nature Reserve, just six kilometers outside of the fishing village.
EXPLORE the surrounding area with an informative, scenic, and thrilling BEACH BUGGY ride with local aficionado. Contact +27 22 752 2222 Landline
+27 83 410 4090 – Marion Lubitz +27 72 402 1829 – Deon van Schalkwyk
PACK a backpack and head up Langstrand for an early morning sunrise beach walk towards the Groot Paternoster Nature Reserve, approximately 7kms. You might even spot some dolphins!
TREAT yourself (and your partner) to a well-deserved massage or facial at DUNES BEAUTY at Paternoster Dunes Boutique Guest House.
RIDE a horse along the beautiful Langstrand Beach.
SPOT a WHALE or three. The calm and protective St. Martins Bay is the perfect nursery for females to have their calves and often huge pods can be seen from Bek Bay and the main Paternoster Beach.
ROMANCE the person in your life and order a picnic basket from Dee to take to BEKBAAI BEACH while you watch the Sunset over the rocks & ocean.
GET HITCHED! ELOPE! We have just the place, it’s oh-so Romantic and just all-round fabulous at GELUKKIE. ALSO, relaxing & tranquil GARDEN days every Sunday with al fresco dining serving shared delicious fire-food platters and a selection of wine, beers & more.
IMMERSE yourself in art, beauty, and culture as you wander through the ART SHED at The Paternoster Crayfish Wharf. Meet the creative artists at work and maybe take a little something of the magic of Paternoster home with you.
BRAAI at Tietiesbaai! Pack your cooler, braai grid and head to the beautiful rugged Tietiesbaai in the CAPE COLUMBINE NATURE RESERVE for a lekker braai. (Entry into nature reserve costs approximately R15 per person)
FORGET about time as you build a carefully planned sandcastle with the kids, family or friends and watch it wash away as the tide comes in.
PADDLE out between the rocks to see visiting seabirds, penguins and see Paternoster from a different angle.
Antiques, fishing gear and flip flops at the general dealer THE PATERNOSTER TRADING POST.
SPOIL yourself with beautiful, bespoke hand-made sea glass & venetian glass jewelry and other hand-picked pieces.
BE WOWed by joining an e-bike tour and enjoy an unforgettable feeling of freedom while riding effortlessly through the beautiful Paternoster landscape.
CREATE a unique leather item for yourself or a gift, or buy or order a bespoke one-of-a-kind bag, backpack, or other item at MATTAT LEATHER at The Paternoster Crayfish Wharf.
ADVENTURE down the rabbit hole and discover the quirky eclectic THE HOBNOBBERY a Co-Operative. Browse for beautiful gifts, jewelry and clothing at TUMBLEWEED while enjoying a gin or glass of wine with delicious cheeses, deli items or a yummy open sandwich from The Drunken Pecorino. *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
CRACK open an ice-cold Paternoster Pilsner, our very own local artisanal brew, serving refreshing G&T’s on tap with trimmings, six Paternoster Beers (Pilsner, Weiss, IPA, Coffee Milk Stout, Honey Porter & Raspberry Weiss), an alcohol-free sparking Honey & Rooibos on-tap and delicious west-coast inspired comfort food! Email: info@paternosterbrew.co.za *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
BROWSE and admire art and pottery by talented ceramicist Dianne Heesom-Green and other local artists at STONEFISH STUDIO & GALLERY.
LISTEN out for the eerie and nostalgic FOGHORN on misty mornings floating across from the Cape Columbine Lighthouse.
BROWSE through the quirky and contemporary treasures of jewelry, décor, scarves and even enjoy a yummy koeksister with tea at MANEKI at the Art Shed.
TAKE a seat at the legendary PATERNOSTER HOTEL, centrally located for great stoep-sitting while watching the village and its people go by.
HAVE A DRINK at the infamous PANTY BAR, meet locals and gawk at the interesting, ahem, displays. Definitely a favourite ‘I was here’ Insta-worthy moment.
ENJOY a fun evening of Karaoke and the beach bar vibe at SEEKOMBUIS.
GET some locally designed and handmade clothes made of natural and fabulous fabrics, accessories, shoes, and homeware.
GET the low down on fun stuff happening in Paternoster at ONE-STOP shop JISLAAIKIT located in central village next to the Paternoster Hotel. Here you can book and rent Electric Stand-up Bikes, other activities and even pick up some padkos (road trip snacks) for the road!
WATCH in total awe at Full Moon as the moon rises over the bay and be reminded of how beautifully the universe was created and how blessed we all are.
ASSIST the local fishermen to drag their HARVEST of HARDERS to shore and make sure you also have a few to braai later.
GET INKED at FIREHOUSE TATTOO & ART STUDIO by Lizbie Lourens located at The Art Shed, Crayfish Wharf.
STAY COOL or GET WARMED UP with a delicious IL DOLCI Artisan Ice-Cream or soup from PICOLLO Italian Soup Deli at the Crayfish Wharf, Paternoster Waterfront.
IMMERSE yourself in some culture and entertainment at DIE KOELKAMERS our local theatre is hosting some amazing shows, artists & local talent.
SCHEDULE some well-deserved me-time & pampering in the comfort of your accommodation with a relaxing massage or a pretty *beach ready* pedicure from HEALING TOUCH MOBILE SPA.
GET curious at THE ROB DUNN COLLECTION a Toy Restoration & Museum. Explore the world of yesteryear in this little gem located at The Paternoster Wharf.
STOCK up on all your beachy toys & accessories at BEACH BUMS. From sun hats, super comfy bokomo baggies, Lizzard flip flops, buckets & beach balls to family games and sensible sunscreen – you will find everything you could need and more.
Eye spy! If you find one of the hidden PATERNOSTER ROCKS, take a pic and use the hashtag #paternosterrocks and post to their Facebook Page. You’re welcome to keep the rock or re-hide it around town. If you decide to keep the rock, you must please make a new one and place it somewhere before you leave our beautiful village.
FIND your bliss and breath through calmness and flexibility with Trudie at Yoga in Paternoster. Trudie is a Vinyasa yoga teacher and encourages all levels from beginner to truly bendy to join her.
BUILD your core strength, focus, posture, and alignment with PILATES Mat Classes to suit your fitness level.
GET your cake and eat it too at the new coffee shop KOEKEMAKRANKA located at the Paternoster Crayfish Wharf. Situated in the hub of the art and theatre culture of the village this addition is the perfect place to refresh yourself after or during a browse. TRY the koeksisters.
TRAVEL back in time with STOFPAD TOERE and explore the village, by-ways and dirt roads surrounding Paternoster aboard a beautifully restored 1959 Austen.
TOAST the all-new PATERNOSTER WINE & TASTING LOUNGE. Try some of their locally sourced and carefully curated wines. Can you taste the gooseberries and freshly cut grass my Dear?
Tip!!
*Always book for Restaurants & Experiences in advance to avoid disappointment. Please note some restaurants are seasonal and not open during winter months.
*Take along a jacket, the weather on the coast changes all the time and we can experience four seasons in one day.
*Keep your Camera/smart phone full charged to snap Instagram worthy photos of all the beauty.
*Make sure you are careful with your valuables – out of sight is the best policy to limit temptation.
*Have fun & make memories to remember with family & friends, these are the moments that count!
Out of the village but worth a visit:
6km – Columbine Lighthouse & Nature Reserve
17km – Vredenburg/Saldanha Golf Course
28km – Bird Island Nature Reserve in the mouth of Saldanha Bay (Cape Nature)
29km – West Coast Fossil Park
35km – Bokkom Industry in Velddrift
37km – Berg River Estuary
39km – Thali-Thali Game Lodge (including archery)
49km – West Coast National Park
62km – Rocherpan Nature Reserve
106km – Verlorenvlei
Emergency & Important Numbers:
If you are disturbed by parties, loud noises during your stay, please call me immediately on 063 659 3798.
Medical –
Ambulance – 10177 Metro EMS – (022) 713 4590
Vredenburg Provincial Hospital – (022) 709 7200
West Coast Life Hospital – (022) 719 1030
Security –
SAPS Vredenburg (Crime) – (022) 703 6440/6453/6493
Pato Neighborhood watch (from 8pm to 6am) – 072 730 5775
Saldanha Bay Fire Services – (022) 713 1815 or 086 007 3473 or (022) 433 8700
Snake catcher – Brakkie – 072 440 7589
Locksmith – Jan Hickman – 082 563 7599
NSRI (Sea Rescue) – 082 990 5966