A Historic Gem Awaiting Restoration

Originally built in 1895 by Heinrich Samuel, The Ferryman’s Hotel in Port Alfred boasts a storied past. Initially named the Cove Hotel, it later underwent a transformation, becoming the Langdon before ultimately adopting its current name.
This venerable establishment, though once grand, now stands in a state of disrepair. In 2019, a devastating fire swept through the ground floor, leading to the permanent closure of the bar—the sole area still operational at the time.
Property Highlights:
Three Floors: The hotel spans three floors, housing a total of 44 guest rooms. Within the main building, 29 rooms occupy the second and third floors. Additionally, an external annex features 11 rooms, along with a reception area and two bathrooms.
Garaging and Flats: Adjacent to the hotel, garages with four upper-level flats (previously used by hotel owners) offer additional accommodation options.
Outbuildings: Behind the hotel, several outbuildings provide ideal spaces for storage and staff quarters.
Ground Floor Amenities: The ground floor boasts a spacious entrance hall with a slasto floor, a sizable office, and two bars/entertainment areas. Various storage facilities and ablution amenities complete this level.
First-Floor Charm: Ascend an impressive wooden staircase to discover two expansive dining/lounge areas adorned with parquet floors. A balcony and a generously sized kitchen with tiled flooring enhance the first floor.
En-Suite Bedrooms: The hotel’s en-suite bedrooms are distributed across the first and second floors.
Prime Location: Situated just a stone’s throw from West Beach and across the road from the Kowie River, the property enjoys an enviable position. Jetty rights are available, with stone steps leading directly into the river.
Development Potential: With a substantial land area of 5,844 square meters, this property presents a blank canvas for visionary development—a canvas where the sky’s the limit.
Port Alfred, nestled along the Kowie River, once thrived as a bustling fishing hub. Its sophisticated wharf facilitated global trade, and a ferry service across the Kowie River made a crucial stop at St. Mary’s Well—a vital freshwater source in the area.
The Ferryman’s Hotel, with its rich history and numerous past owners, continues to evoke memories of its Langdon days in the 1960s. Awaiting restoration, it stands as a testament to a bygone era.
Feel free to explore further details about this remarkable property and its captivating past!