4 minute read
The Coolest Airbnb Rentals in Windhoek & Swakopmund
The short-term vacation rental market is a billion-dollar industry. In South Africa, it is expected to generate a revenue of US$394.50m in 2024. As travellers seek out a wider variety of accommodation options, particularly self-catering and less “touristy” stays, renting out an investment property is a great way to generate passive income. And while short-term rentals are measured by a different set of criteria than traditional hotels and lodges, stylish decorating and attention to finishes remain crucial for your property to stand out from the rest.
In Namibia, this industry is still in its infancy. Whether you are looking to enter this market as a host, or simply enjoy good interior design, here are a few short-term rental options in Windhoek and Swakopmund for inspiration.
WINDHOEK
Antique chic at Frangipani House
In the heart of town, yet located on a quiet residential street, Frangipani House is a singleroom accommodation for two guests. Decorated with antiques collected on the host’s travels, the spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom and outdoor terrace are divinely decorated. With rust-coloured lime wash, large French windows and a countryside vibe, the space is warm, inviting and feels like something out of a movie. Frangipani House can also be booked for photoshoots.
Cool contemporary on Independence Avenue
Its central location right on Windhoek’s main street could have made this studio loft a contender for cold and grey decor, yet the host of this contemporary space managed to inject incredible warmth to this city centre space. The perfect retreat for two, this apartment is self-catering, and guests can sip a morning coffee on the little balcony as the city wakes up. Wooden finishes, lots of texture and late afternoon sun… yes, please!
Minimalist with an African twist near The Village
Situated just off the lively Liliencron Street, this two-bedroom townhouse shares real estate with Windhoek’s food and nightlife scene. This ubercool stay charms with stone tile floors, minimalist finishes and lots of attention to detail. A fully fledged kitchen and divine bed linen tick the essential boxes, while a quaint outdoor space and African-inspired textural decor soothes the aesthetic soul.
SWAKOP
Lofty living near the beach
Advocates of pianos as decor and exposed roof trusses will find that this industrialesque loft beautifully balances warm and cold, classic and contemporary. A showstopper kitchen and adjacent outdoor entertaining area might just peel you away from Swakop’s restaurants, while a double-volume living space with pared-back neutral decor pieces amps up the cosy atmosphere. Bohemian elements like the macrame wall hanging in the loft sleeping space, pretty plants and a Persian-inspired rug complement the sexy industrial architecture.
Coastal calm with a view
This three-bedroom penthouse makes a serious case for the power of spiral staircases and commanding bookcases. The beachfront, the perfect amount of coastal-style interior decor as well as the apartment’s spacious living room, upstairs bar and entertainment areas all scream “west coast holiday”. Renovated bathrooms are always a plus, and subtle hues of seafoam green and eggshell blue paired with light stained wood makes this space rather dreamy. But it is the undisturbed seascape from a crisp white sofa, right by the fireplace, that truly seals the deal.
Historic and homely in the heart of Swakop
Literally on the doorstep of one of Swakopmund’s most iconic buildings, Haus Hohenzollern, sits this two-bedroom duplex in its very own historic building. Wooden floors throughout, high ceilings and a pretty peppermint kitchen are some of the key features, while updated bathrooms and the perfect outdoor space for a sunny brunch and people-watching add to the allure. A mix of rustic, coastal and cottage-inspired decor items fill the space and make it truly homely.
