On the 25th of October 1952 the Birkenhead Hotel was opened. Voëlklip was known world wide for the fabulous bathing and rolling lawns. Due to pressure from the hotels the golf course was developed.
Hermanus became “the place to be” with hotels competing for the overseas market. Many provided balls and dances, importing “big-name bands” for the events.
In 1969, one wing of the Birkenhead Hotel burnt to the ground. Due to many of the visitors falling in love with the area the property market boomed, which had a detrimental effect on the hotel industry. In 1989 the Birkenhead Hotel was demolished to make way for the demand for prime property. Three years later Phil and Liz Biden bought and built a holiday home on the property. After the huge success of developing their other two holiday homes, La Residence and Royal Malewane, into exclusive holiday destinations, they decided to follow suit with Birkenhead House.
Awards:
Birkenhead House opened in January 2003.The staff continuously strive to provide their guests with an unforgettable experience of a truly superior nature.
This commitment to excellence has resulted in Birkenhead House receiving international acclaim in the form of the following prestigious awards:
- Top 101 Hotels of the Year - Tatler (UK) 2006
- Hideaways of the Year 2005
Grand Award Winner -Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report
- UK Condé Nast Traveller 2003 Hotlist
One of 50 new Hotels of the World
- Top Boutique Hotel of the Year 2005 - Top Billing Magazine
- USA Condé Nast Traveller 2003 Hotlist
80 Best New Hotels in the World
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.
The delightful gardens at Birkenhead House offer inspiration as you stroll through the sunny courtyards. Designed in house, the gardens are pristine. Vivid masses of blue and white pansies float in ceramic pots, profuse brilliant petunias, borders of scented deep purple French lavender and fragrant rows of pale lemon Graham Thomas roses.
A wedding to remember. Nothing is too much trouble for Garth Roux, General Manager  and his team at Birkenhead House who devise and coordinate every last detail from beach ceremonies to moonlight champagne dinners. Liz Biden's vitality, energy and generosity of spirit spills over into all aspects at Birkenhead House. There is a feeling of constant excitement, stimulation and an unpatronizing wish to please.
The SPA at Birkenhead House offers an option of 2 treatment rooms, allowing guests to truly relax in rooms that reflect tranquility and peace. Unwind body and mind at any one of these unique rooms.
The Lavender room:
This room creates a peaceful and relaxing environment. It soothes your senses with its surroundings and offers the calming smell of lavender with soft natural light and the sound of water running over stones.
The Cinnamon room:
Decorated in an Eastern theme, this treatment room is a retreat for any person who wishes to make time and space stand still and just be pampered. It provides a tranquil environment to de-stress and rejuvenate the body by restoring and promoting  a healthy state of mind.
The SPA therapists offer an extensive range of massages, body exfoliations, body wraps, holistic treatments and specialised skin care treatments which are complemented by Dermalogica, the product of choice.
With its unique location and spectacular views, Birkenhead House is the ideal venue for weddings. The Birkenhead team prides itself in ensuring an unforgettable experience for guests.
Birkenhead House caters for 60 guests at a wedding, of which 22 may be accommodated on the property. The experienced wedding planner at Birkenhead House will co-ordinate all aspects of your wedding and reception, and offer valuable guidance
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