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From The Book Cottage to celebrating Moms in Business for Women's Month - Here’s What’s Happening Locally

This week we step inside local favourite, The Book Cottage, and learn about its history; celebrate 6 Mom’s in Business in our first part feature for Women’s Month - plus so much more!

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Hermanus Scoop
August 20, 2025

This week we step inside local favourite, The Book Cottage, and learn about its history; celebrate 6 Mom’s in Business in our first part feature for Women’s Month - plus so much more!

👋 Hello Hermanus - books, business and big local love are on the agenda this week!

We’re celebrating the stories that shape our town - from stepping inside one of Hermanus’s most treasured gems, The Book Cottage, to shining a spotlight on six inspiring Mom’s in Business for the first of two features for Women’s Month. It’s all about community, creativity and the people who make Hermanus such a special place to call home.

In this week’s Scoop, we’re bringing you:

📚 A closer look at The Book Cottage - an independent bookshop with nearly three decades of history and heart
💡 Our Women’s Month focus part one - meet six incredible Moms in Business - local women entrepreneurs making their mark
📅 Plus… your guide to what’s happening in and around Hermanus this week

Happy reading - and here’s to keeping it local.

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Love local stories? Share the Scoop with a friend and send them to hermanusscoop.co.za - it’s free and it’s lekker.

🏡 Property of the Week - Presented by Greeff Properties

Looking for ocean views or a mountainside retreat?

Each week, we spotlight a standout listing that captures the unique charm and lifestyle of the Overberg. From ocean-view escapes to tucked-away treasures, these are the homes that inspire imagination - and maybe even your next move. Brought to you by Greeff Properties, trusted specialists in exceptional real estate across the Overberg.

Nestled in one of Vermont’s most sought-after locations, this multilevel home combines luxury, elegance, and panoramic ocean views. Just minutes from the coastal path, it offers tranquil living in a welcoming community.

The main house is in pristine condition, featuring open-plan living areas that flow to a spacious sea-facing patio. Accommodation includes a generous en suite guest room downstairs, plus two luxurious en suites upstairs – both with private balconies and breathtaking views. A study on this level captures both mountain and ocean vistas.

On the lower level, a self-contained two-bedroom apartment with private entrance and garden access provides the perfect guest suite or rental option. Additional features include versatile workspaces, a landscaped indigenous garden, and a double automated garage with ample storage.

A rare find in Vermont - this home blends practicality and luxury in a setting that is simply unmatched. Schedule your viewing today!

View the property in full.

Business Feature of the Week: The Book Cottage

Step into the Book Cottage and lose yourself for a while…

Under the care of owner John Morris The Book Cottage continues to thrive as a cornerstone of community and culture.

Tucked away in the heart of Hermanus, The Book Cottage has long been a beloved stop for locals and visitors alike. This independent bookshop has been part of the town for nearly thirty years and - under the care of owner John Morris - it continues to thrive as a cornerstone of community and culture.

John’s journey to The Book Cottage is a story in itself. His career began in bookselling back in 1982 before taking him into the corporate world in Cape Town. For years the city kept him busy but eventually the call of the sea air and the slower pace of Hermanus grew stronger. When the opportunity arose to take on The Book Cottage it felt like the perfect solution for his so-called “retirement” - a way to leave the bustle of city life behind while returning to his first love: books.

What makes The Book Cottage so distinctive is the way every title is hand-picked with care. There’s a sense of history in its shelves but also the thrill of fresh discoveries waiting to be found. It manages to capture the charm of an old-world bookshop while keeping pace with what’s new, offering the best of both worlds to its readers.

An independent, old world bookshop that feels woven into the community itself.

Over the years The Book Cottage has become much more than a store. It has grown into a trusted part of Hermanus life, an independent, old world bookshop that feels woven into the community itself. For John, this is what makes running the business so rewarding. “Many novels feature a character who retires to the seaside to run a bookshop,” he reflects. “While it may sound like a romantic idea, there truly is something special about Hermanus… especially in the way it has retained its village atmosphere.”

Today The Book Cottage continues to welcome readers with a carefully curated selection of the very best new books. Whether you’re looking for a gripping novel, an insightful biography or a gift for someone special: it’s the kind of place that invites you to linger, explore, and perhaps even lose yourself for a while - a reminder of why bookshops will always matter in a community like Hermanus.

Quickfire questions with John Morris:

  • Best coffee in town: CanD’s

  • Favourite local restaurant or hidden food gem: The Pear Tree 

  • Go-to place for a walk or fresh air: Sandbaai Coastal Path

  • One place you always take visiting friends or family: Stanford

  • Top spot to unwind or recharge: I am lucky to have friends who live on farm 215. A visit there always restores me.

Step into The Book Cottage today at 8 High Street.

Linger, explore, and perhaps even lose yourself for a while.

Women’s Month focus part one: Moms In Business

It’s Women’s Month in South Africa and part of our duty in Hermanus is to not only celebrate but also support and promote local women doing awesome things in town.

Together with the support of a local Moms Whatsapp Group we’re shining the spotlight on 6 Moms in Business - highlighting the incredible work that they are doing.

RAHN Consolidated - Sybil Doms Pretorius

At Rahn, we specialise in IT recruitment, custom software, and process optimisation—helping businesses streamline operations, cut costs, and save time.

Whether you’re looking for top IT talent, your next career move, or guidance on embracing AI in your business, let’s connect!”

 www.rahn.co.za / [email protected]

Joanné Schoeman Speech-Language Therapy

Joanné Schoeman Speech-Language Therapy is a two-woman team who provides services in the Overberg. We see children with speech and language delays, linguistically-related auditory processing difficulties, as well as reading and spelling difficulties. Adults are assisted with voice problems, swallowing difficulties or any speech and language difficulties that hinder communication.

Louisa Kruger Art

Born and raised in the Overberg, Louisa embraced her creativity, shy of formal training as a contemporary expressionist with almost immediate critical acclaim. Free of rigid conformity or criticism, her quiet confidence when faced with a blank canvas fills her with excitement at what will reveal with the boldness in her artistic form of expression, amplified and reflected in her rich use of colour and texture.

Our Abundant Adventure - Nikola Botha

At Our Abundant Adventure, I help families create healthier, more intentional homes through next level hydration, low-tox living, and EMF reduction. As a hydration specialist, I guide you in bringing the best hydrogen-rich water into your home – because our health begins with water. I also share practical ways to replace most cleaning products with just water, simplifying life while protecting your family from unnecessary toxins, saving money and living more minimalistic.

Tutor Worx - Robyn Odendaal

At Tutor Worx, we help students understand course content, prepare for assessments/exams, and achieve their academic goals. We equip students with the skills and confidence to learn independently. We create a supportive and engaging atmosphere where students feel comfortable exploring and asking questions. We tailor tutoring sessions to meet the individual needs and learning styles of each student to maximize their potential.

Kegels and Caffeine - Elmarie Pretorius

As a pelvic health physiotherapist, I help women - of any age - recover, strengthen, and reconnect with their bodies after the physical changes of pregnancy, childbirth, and aging. From bladder, bowel, and intimacy concerns to core strength, posture, and overall confidence, my work blends clinical expertise with practical, everyday strategies to restore function and improve quality of life.

Check in again next week for 6 more Moms in Business - let’s all support them where we can and help spread the word!

Around Town: What’s New

Dutchies Restaurant Reopens! 🧡

🇳🇱 Dutchies is back! After a round of renovations, Dutchies reopened on Saturday, 16 August. They’re looking fresh and ready to welcome you - so be sure to pop in, support them and enjoy the new spot by the beach.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus

Before August slips away, here’s what’s happening this week in Hermanus.

Friday | Deli Dining at Dal-Italia 🍷🍝
🗓 Friday, 22 August · 18:00 – 21:00
📍 Dal-Italia, Hermanus - One of our favourite date-night spots in town! Enjoy an evening of authentic Italian flavours, a warm atmosphere, and a menu that always hits the sweet spot. Perfect for couples or friends looking for something special.

Wednesday | Mondvol Pop-Up at Plato Coffee ☕🍪
🗓 Wednesday, 27 August
📍 Plato Coffee, Hermanus - Don’t miss this one! Mondvol is bringing their famous cookies to town for a one-day pop-up at Plato Coffee. The perfect mid-week treat: great coffee, the best cookies in town, and a vibe you’ll want to linger in.

👉 Check them out at mondvol.co and on Instagram.

Friday | Mikro Coffee Run ☕🏃
🗓 Friday, 22 August · 06:00
📍 Mikro Coffee, Hermanus
Join Wihan and his team for a friendly 5km run, then cool down with a coffee at Mikro.

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday, 23 August · 08:00 📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

Saturday | Benguela Cove ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday, 23 August · 08:00 📍 Benguela Cove, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Hermanus - Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

Saturday | Hermanus Country Market 🌿 
🗓 Saturday, 23 August · 09:00 - 14:00 📍 Hermanus Cricket Club - Artisan stalls, live music, food, fresh produce and a family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday outing for locals and visitors alike.

Cape Winelands Bodyboarding Boogie Fundraiser 🏄‍♂️
🗓 Saturday, 23 August · 16:00 - 21:00 📍De Wet Saal / Onrus - Help get our local CWB team to the SA Champs in Durban. Live music, sokkie, team tie ceremony and raffle prizes!

A Night At The Symphony 🎻
🗓 Saturday, 23 August · 18:00 📍Hermanus Civic Auditorium - Join us for a symphonic journey that will move your heart and uplift your spirit. Tickets available here.

Mark Your Calendar – Upcoming Highlights:

Friday & Saturday | Flavours of the Coast Festival 🎶🍴🌊
🗓 29 August · 09:00 – 22:00 & 30 August · 07:00 – 22:00
📍 Hermanus Cricket Club – A 2-day coastal celebration of food, music & fun! Expect delicious food stalls, live bands, DJs, a beer & wine tent, kids’ activities, carnival rides, magic shows & more. Kids under 6 enter free.
Highlights: Fri 29 Aug – Die Heuwels Fantasties, Valiant Swart, Elandré & more · Sat 30 Aug – Biggy, Colour Burst Run (07:00–11:00), family fun, kids’ shows, DJs & After Party
👉 Book tickets: Quicket

Wednesday - Saturday | NAMPO Cape 2025 🌿🚜
🗓 10 – 13 September 2025
📍 Bredasdorp Park, Bredasdorp - The Western Cape’s leading agricultural showcase returns! As part of the renowned NAMPO family, this 4-day event brings together farmers, agribusinesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs for a celebration of agricultural excellence.
Experience: Live machinery demos · Livestock exhibits · Expert talks · The latest in agri-tech & innovation
🎟️ Tickets: Adults R100 (online) / R110 (gate) · Children R50 (gate only) · Pre-school Free
👉 Book tickets: TicketPro

Saturday | SOFCA Spring Fair 🎉🌸
🗓 6 September 2025 · 09:00 - 13:00
📍 United Church, Hermanus – Celebrate spring at the annual SOFCA Fair! Enjoy live music, a fashion show (10:30), art & food demos, plus a bouncy castle and face painting for kids. Browse food stalls, plants, books, handmade crafts, preserves, baked goods & more - all in support of SOFCA.
👉 Contact Nadelie: [email protected] | 028 312 3236

On the Horizon | Overberg Business Lunch 🏄‍♂️
🗓 5 September · 13:00 - 17:00 📍The Kitchen Door at Gabriëlskloof - Professional Networking Event to Connect Tech, Innovation, and Business Leaders in the Overberg Region. Featuring International Speakers. Tickets are R370 per person. RSVP here.

🎓 Schools

This week’s school highlights: Hermanus was buzzing with Interschools action.

Hermanus High School
Well done, Hermanus High! 🎉
A huge congratulations to Hermanus High School, who came out as the overall winners in last week’s interschools against Worcester Gimnasium. What a proud moment for our town. Well done to all the learners, coaches, and supporters who made it possible! 🏆💚

Curro
Curro Hermanus High School had a strong showing at Interschools, with mixed results across the teams. Highlights included wins from the first Rugby and Netball teams, the Chess team, and the U19 Football boys, while some matches ended in draws or narrow losses. Overall, Curro Hermanus came out on top, winning the Interschools and bringing the cup home.

🌬️🌦️ Hermanus Weather Update: 21 - 27 August

Spring edges closer, but the Overberg isn’t ready to give up its Winter moods just yet. The week ahead holds a mix of rain showers and brighter spells, with breezes that rise and fall like the tide. There’s still chill in the air, but also a growing sense of warmth waiting its turn - a reminder that every grey sky here eventually makes way for blue.

Here’s what the days ahead look like:

⸻

Thursday 21 August
Clouds with passing light. 🌦️ Showers of 1.1 mm with breaks of sun. Temperatures at 17°C / 12°C. Winds 10-8 m/s.

Friday 22 August
Grey but gentle. 🌥️ Partly cloudy with 0.7 mm of rain. A mild 16°C high and 12°C low. Winds steady, 13-10 m/s.

Saturday 23 August
Rain-dappled. 🌦️ Heavier showers at 2.6 mm, highs of 15°C, lows of 12°C. Breezier with winds at 16-7 m/s.

Sunday 24 August
Rain carries the day. 🌧️ 3.3 mm expected, cool at 15°C / 10°C. Winds soften from 6 to 3 m/s.

Monday 25 August
A break of sun. 🌤️ Light showers (0.9 mm) with clearer spells. High of 15°C, dipping to 8°C. Winds at 4-1 m/s.

Tuesday 26 August
Hints of calm. 🌤️ Mostly sunny with highs of 16°C, lows of 8°C. Winds 5-2 m/s.

Wednesday 27 August
A bright sign-off. ☀️ Clear skies, warm at 18°C / 10°C. Gentle winds at 5-2 m/s.

So whether you’re sheltering under Sunday’s rain or basking in Wednesday’s clear blue promise, the week ahead proves once again: Hermanus is never boring.

Here’s to chasing the light, one day at a time.

🦐 Restaurant Specials:

Here are some of the best deals from all over town for you to enjoy during the coming week:

Spotted in the Overberg: Photo of the Week

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach - we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

Gearing’s Point by Alexandra du Pisani

That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!

Stay warm, stay dry, stay curious and we’ll catch you next week!

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Got a story, sighting, or scoop to share? Drop us an email at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.

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