1. 2322
T
he Hamilton is a work of art created by renowned
architects Pierre Swanepoel and Mohammed Adam
from studioMAS, the firm that designed Circa Gallery
on Jellicoe in Rosebank. While it looks like a house
from the outside, it opens up to the street so there
are no high walls and ridiculous fences we have come
to associate with luxury suburban living. I almost missed the hotel as
I was frantically looking for a huge sign that says ‘The Hamilton’.
Once I found my bearings, I parked outside while I watched traffic
pass very quickly on this busy street. I live in a highly secure area and
I am wary of street parking. I was met by the two Mikes, who looked
after me during my stay.They quickly assured me the car will be safe
and sound outside. But the hotel is as safe as houses and my car was
still parked outside untouched. The building itself is the boundary
wall to the public domain and responds to the need for security and
privacy.The façade consists of long narrow windows that cannot be
climbed through when open and bay windows that project past the
building edge into the street.
When asked about
dietary requirements
I said that I loved a good
surprise and was greatly
rewarded.
The main entrance is secured by a built-in gate that allows views
through the building lobby and into the swimming pool courtyard.
During the day, the gate is left open, creating the impression that the
public and private domains are encouraged to spill into each other.
The hotel, with its six private suites with en-suite bathrooms, is built upon
the much-loved principles of the home. It is luxurious in every respect yet
homely at the same time because of its location in a residential area. It is
perfect for business travellers and allows for much needed privacy, and
locals wanting time out of their own homes like myself would find this hotel
to be a hidden treasure in the Highveld.Its décor is simple yet unpretentious
and the colour tones of the building and walls blend in seamlessly with the
décor.It has a very natural appeal that I found comforting.
The ground floor of the hotel consists of the lobby between the dining
room on one side and boardrooms on the other.Visitors can use the
boardroom as their private meeting venue.Two densely planted private
courtyardsareusedforfunctionsandrecreationalspaceandarelandscaped
to give an impression that the site is larger than it really is.Since its opening
last year,it has become a sought after intimate venue for various functions.
The manager Del De Angeli and chef Mike Fidesi Imedi treat guests
with extra special care.Menus are specifically tailored to suit individual
needs. It is also the friendly staff at The Hamilton who make you feel
welcome and eventually let go as you wonder in the garden while
hearing the sound of cars on this busy street.
When asked about dietary requirements I said that I loved a good
surprise and was greatly rewarded. After an afternoon nap and waking
up to a cappuccino while waiting for dinner to be served, I marvelled at
this small yet intimate place. Del and Mike whipped together a delicious
starter of baby asparagus followed by crisply roasted chicken breast
served over wild mushroom and risotto.I enjoyed the strawberry choux
ring with fresh cream and of course, this all went down with a couple
of glasses of Haute Cabriere Chardonnay. As I watched the Highveld
sun setting, I truly felt spoiled in this place, a few minutes’ drive from my
home. When you first look at the building from the outside, you get
a sense of romantic encounters and simple pleasures. Its architecture
creates a sense of intrigue and once inside the pleasures are all revealed.
For more information, contactThe Hamilton on (011) 447 9280 or visit
www.thehamilton.co.za
PILLOWTALK PILLOWTALK
Intriguing
You will be forgiven for driving past without
givingThe Hamilton Boutique Hotel located
on a corner stand in Grosvenor Road in
Craighall Park, Johannesburg a thought. It
looks like any house with a presence to be
reckoned with. By Denise Mhlanga
ENCOUNTERS