Oranjezicht is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, just minutes from Cape Town’s most iconic attractions. Its story dates back to 1708, when Swiss immigrant Nicolaus Laubscher arrived from the canton of Fribourg and acquired land with sweeping views over the Castle of Good Hope. Inspired by the clear sightline to the Castle’s Oranje (Orange) bastion, he named his property Oranjezicht.
The name remains a reminder of the area’s early European settlers and the strategic beauty that first drew them to this remarkable location. After Laubscher’s death, the land was acquired by Pieter van Breda, and Oranjezicht remained farmland for the next two centuries.
In 1877, the Molteno Dam was built to supply Cape Town with water, storing natural spring water from Table Mountain. Originally located above the emerging city, urban growth eventually surrounded it, placing the dam at the heart of the Oranjezicht suburb, where it still operates today. Nearby, the Graaff Electric Lighting Works, commissioned in 1895, became Cape Town’s first municipal power station and the second in South Africa.
Tranquillity at the Foot of Table Mountain
Today, Oranjezicht is one of Cape Town’s most desirable neighbourhoods, making Belvedere Boutique Guest House a sought-after accommodation choice. Nestled in a quiet residential pocket, the guest house offers unparalleled proximity to the city’s top attractions while maintaining a sense of calm and seclusion.
Belvedere Guest House prides itself on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. “We want guests to relax, recharge, and explore the beauty of Cape Town,” says co-owner Dominique May-Herron.
Built in 1905, the guest house boasts uninterrupted views of Table Mountain. From the wraparound balcony, guests can take in sweeping vistas of the mountain, city skyline, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Inside, comfort meets indulgence with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, two inviting fireplaces, and a fully equipped self-catering kitchen. Thoughtfully designed for relaxation, Belvedere offers a refined retreat where every where every stay feels effortlessly exceptional.
Just steps from the guest house, mountain trails beckon outdoor enthusiasts, while the vibrant bars and acclaimed restaurants of Kloof Street add an urban edge to the experience. Belvedere Guest House is an ideal base for travellers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Oslo Coffee at Belvedere
Within the peaceful surrounds of Belvedere Guest House, guests will find the well-known Oslo Coffee. This serene coffee spot offers exceptional brews and a carefully curated drinks menu. A professional barista prepares a variety of handcrafted hot beverages and indulgent milkshakes, each made with care and passion.
With a steaming cup of coffee in hand, May-Herron remarks, “You can enjoy a great cup of coffee the moment you wake up, without having to go anywhere.”
Open not only to guests but also to locals, Oslo Coffee is a welcoming space to sip, work, or unwind. “We want this space to welcome the local community as well,” May-Herron explains. “Locals are always welcome, pop in and enjoy a cup of coffee.”
Belvedere Rooms
The guest house offers six beautifully appointed rooms: five classic king rooms upstairs and one private suite downstairs. Luxurious yet inviting, the rooms feature preserved Victorian décor paired with modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and versatile bedding options.
Each room includes a fridge, Nespresso machine, kettle, and a multipurpose work desk.
A sparkling pool and jacuzzi provide the perfect place to unwind, while additional services such as daily room cleaning and ironing are available on request. Depending on availability, the entire house can also be booked exclusively.
Guests can enjoy breakfast nearby at Ou Meul Bakery, just a short walk away. The guest house is proudly unaffected by load shedding, ensuring uninterrupted comfort throughout every stay.
Coffee, Clouds, and a Century Between
It is easy to step back into the early 1900s, where the morning air drifts in from the mountain and a couple sits side by side on the balcony, porcelain cups cradled in their hands. He wears a neatly pressed three-piece wool suit, a pocket-watch chain catching the light. She is dressed in a long flowing skirt and fitted blouse, lace at her collar, a shawl resting lightly on her shoulders. Her silhouette is framed against the vastness of Table Mountain.
Below them, the city stirs softly while the mountain rises in quiet grandeur, its flat summit wrapped in drifting cloud.
Now we move to 2026. A modern couple leans against the balcony railing, admiring the same immovable mountain as the last of the summer daylight fades. City lights begin to shimmer below. A phone rests face-down on the table, present, but politely ignored. Wrapped in quiet comfort, they know they are exactly where they belong.
Cape Town offers an abundance of accommodation options, but Belvedere Guest House stands apart as a peaceful sanctuary just moments from the city’s vibrant heart. Guests wake to Table Mountain and end their day with the city lights twinkling below.
At Belvedere, heritage and luxury meet in timeless elegance. For Herron, the guest house offers “the old-charm feeling of home, you are close to Cape Town, yet it is so quiet and tranquil.”
Whether visiting for a short city break, a romantic escape, or an extended stay, Belvedere Guest House ensures an experience that is nothing short of exceptional.
