Hello! My name is Emmalie Koenig. Carl and Emsie Pohl, who own Somerset View Guest House, are my dear Ouma and Oupa. Ever since I can remember, my family and I have lived close to my grandparents, and we have visited the guest house often. Being in close contact with the guest house industry has impacted my family and I in many meaningful ways.
Over time, many guests from around the world have become close friends with my grandparents. Most of them visit South Africa once or twice a year and always stay a few days at the guest house. These precious people have become part of our family. In a special way, they have become like ‘adopted grandparents’ to us. We have adopted grandparents from Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, among other places.
Our mother is a piano teacher, and music forms an important part of our learning. Whenever some of our adopted grandparents visit, we invite them to our home for a music evening. My brother and I play the pieces we have practised, and our mother also shares some of her music. It is a wonderful way to spend time together and share something meaningful with both our immediate and adopted family.
These visits are not only enjoyable, but also deeply educational. For example, when my brother Matthew and I were learning about the Cold War, we shared what we had learnt with two of our German grandparents. We were amazed to discover that both of them had served with NATO in and around Berlin during that time! They shared their personal experiences with us, which made history come alive in a way no textbook ever could.
In the same way, our British grandparents often tell us about their farm in Yorkshire, called Elmswell. They have taught us about chalk streams and how they support the local ecosystem. They also share stories about their Highland cow calves and the plants and wildlife in their area.
The visits from our adopted grandparents not only bring us great joy and give us opportunities to share our talents, but they also enrich our education through the stories, knowledge, and experiences they so generously share with us.
In my new post as Blog Writer for Somerset View, I am looking forward to adding more inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes moments and more for you - our readers, guests and family - to enjoy!
Until next time,
Emmalie
View our rooms
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.
1 For All
World-class accommodation with special attention to universal accessibility for guests living with disabilities.
A View 2 Sea
With a sea view and your own balcony space, you'll find it easy to relax and take in the sight of False Bay and the Strand beachfront from A View 2 Sea.
3-Way View
A private balcony at the rear of this room offers quiet solitude for early morning outdoor breakfasts, while the front balcony gives excellent access to our prime view over Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay, coastal mountains and the sea.
A View 4 You
Book now This intimate and cozy room has immediate access to our BBQ/Braai area and view of the beautiful garden that will make you feel safely tucked away from the outside world.
Take 5
Book now Located on the ground floor of the house, this is our second most-spacious room and offers immediate walk-out access to the beautiful pool area and outdoor lounge.
District 6
This brightly decorated, spacious room is not only our biggest, but also our only self-catering option.
A View Twenty-Four 7
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, this room is nonetheless equipped with all the necessary amenities, and boasts a secure and relaxing offering to our guests.
Escape to 8
Part of our economy rooms offering next door to the main guest house, Escape To 8 is beautifully finished, exceptionally clean and well-equipped, available at more affordable rates.