Birkenhead House is perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking the whale watchers’ paradise of Walker Bay in Hermanus. Accommodating guests in the utmost luxury, this is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living. Decorated to reflect the beauty of its coastal setting, it is adorned with rare maritime antiques. No expense has been spared in making this the ultimate coastal retreat.

Birkenhead House has eight opulently appointed sea-facing suites offers expansive vistas of Hermanus Walker Bay. From the comfort of the residence, you can look forward to sighting the majestic Southern Right whales that enter the sheltered waters of Walker Bay every year to calve. Other attractions include a gym and treatment centre, and a dual-level swimming pool located in a sheltered courtyard. Not forgetting, of course, Hermanus’ two best swimming beaches which are just a stone’s throw away. At Birkenhead House world-class cuisine is a matter of course. Lavish meals and seafood delicacies are served up daily, and room service will be happy to oblige guests with a sumptuous breakfast in bed.

Birkenhead House : HMS Birkenhead

Birkenhead House is named after the Royal Navy vessel HMS Birkenhead. She was the largest iron clad ship of the navy in 1852, carrying one hundred and thirty crew members and four hundred and eighty seven soldiers on their way to the Frontier war, then in progress.
Her glory was short lived. On the 25th of February 1852, just before 2 a.m., the Birkenhead struck a rock off Danger Point, bringing her to a shuddering halt.

With the first shock, the rock tore through the bow plates of the vessel and the water poured into the forward troop deck, trapping the sleeping soldiers in their hammocks.With the water inside the ship rising at the rate of a meter a minute, the end was in sight. Within half an hour of striking, the Birkenhead broke up and sank. Four hundred and fifty four people died on that fateful day.