The AWOL Team recently held a party at one of Cape Town’s most historical and forgotten buildings, Sir Abe Baileys Cottage in Muizenberg in celebration of Sally Petersen’s (owner and founder of AWOL Tours) 40th birthday.

 

Baileys Cottage is a thatched building that lies between the sea and the railway line just above Surfers Corner on Muizenberg beach. The house is positioned in front of the battle site where Sir Abe Bailey, the original owner of the house is buried.  The land has always belonged to the state; first the British Army and then the Department of Defense. Sir Abe Bailey gained access and built his cottage in the 1920’s, but when the 2nd World War broke out the use of the cottage reverted to the Royal Navy, who used it as an observation post. After the war, the cottage was used to house naval officers, until as recently as 1999.
The cottage provided us with the perfect setting to have a good time. We had drinks and watched the seals play right in front of us as the sun went down only for the night to reveal the waves glowing as it was red-tide. As the venue is without electricity at the moment, this was matched by the glow-sticks, candles and bedside lamps inside. The music kicked off shortly after as the guests had a bite to eat and then headed towards the dance floor for the start of what was quite a party to come. The party provided the team with a great (and very rare) chance to socialize, let their hair loose and kick back for a little while before the hectic summer season hits.
The night was a great success and we recommend you take a walk from Muizenberg to St James past Baileys Cottage next time you’re doing a Cape Peninsula Tour. It is one of those unknown treasures  in Cape Town,  that holds a lot of rich history and a great sense of tradition within its walls.
Written by Jon Shaban