Hours
The estate keeps solar time.
Everything here moves with sunrise rather than the clock, so these times shift by about ninety minutes across the year. What does not change is the order.
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05:40
in the sun
First light
The headland path is opened. Coffee and a thermos are left on the courtyard sill for anyone walking out early.
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07:00
in the sun
Breakfast begins
Under the east arcade, which takes the low sun until nine and is out of it after. Bread from the wood oven, fruit from the terraces, eggs if you want them.
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09:15
in the sun
The gardeners move
Watering finishes and the crew shifts to the north beds. The pool deck is quiet and already warm.
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11:00
in the sun
Sea hour
The boat leaves the cove for the sea caves and returns before the wind turns. Six places, first asked.
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13:00
in the sun
The long table
One sitting, one menu, four courses. It runs about two hours and nobody hurries it.
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14:30
in the shade
Siesta
The whole estate goes quiet. Shutters are drawn on the west side. Nothing is served, nothing is scheduled.
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16:30
in the shade
Shade returns west
The palms throw across the west terrace and it becomes the best seat on the property. Iced tea, cold almonds.
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18:20
in the sun
Golden hour
The light comes in flat under the canopy. The bar opens on the lower terrace.
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19:45
in the sun
Sundown
From the headland bench, which seats four and is worth walking to.
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20:30
in the shade
Dinner
Small plates on the courtyard, or the full menu at the table. Both run until it is finished.
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22:30
in the shade
Lamps down
Path lights drop to their lowest setting so the sky comes back. The bar stays open, quietly.
Booked separately
Four things worth putting in the diary.
- The cove boat — 11:00, six places, ninety minutes. Ask at breakfast.
- Kitchen morning — Tuesdays and Fridays, 09:00, four people, with Rosa.
- The headland walk — 07:30 on Sundays, two hours, guided by whoever is free.
- Cellar tasting — 18:30, six regional growers, on request and often at short notice.