Your West Coast Way adventure starts here: Stadler Road in Blouwberg, where the iconic Table Mountain photograph comes to life. To visit Studio 46 is both a dramatic and dazzling nature experience and a must-visit for locals and tourists alike who are looking for exceptional jewellery and art.
A short 500 meter street dating back to the mid 1800s, today Stadler Road is a vibe, where human interventions meet wild nature.
Find the road of plenty when you visit Studio 46
Grab a take-away coffee from The Hatch, then wander along the path until you find your ideal spot to savour that first sip of java to kickstart the day.
Park off on a beachside bench, sit on the sand, clamber to a perch on the rocks.
Lean up against the lock wall and read the messages on the padlocks attached to the retaining wall, built by the homeowner over the road to keep the waves at bay when the sea goes wild.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner at On the Rocks, a culinary delight with the best views in the world – no jokes.
Alternatively, Ons Huisie is a heritage site and restaurant serving traditional West Coast food and is a dog and kid friendly. Indoor or outdoor seating is available, and the views are spectacular too.
A blissful beach
Like everything in nature, the ocean and shore are in constant flux, influenced by the moon, tides, weather, seasons, and currents.
The colours and mood of the sea vary, each with its own appeal.
The grays and muted greens of a winter storm, waves crashing against jagged black rocks, salty white spray flying skywards in stark contrast to the heavy dark clouds, and birds trying to fly against the howling winds that sandblast the skin.
Summer brings clear skies to reflect the blue tones of a gentle ocean, the lapping waves a soothing backtrack to sun-kissed days, ocean swims, sandy picnics, and glorious sunsets.
Sandy explorations reveal countless things of interest, from textured driftwood to silky, timeworn beach glass. Rounded pebbles, frilly seaweed, and delicate shells each with its own natural beauty.
Even the sand, on close inspection, is a source of fascination. Large grains, pearly and white, are mixed with smooth fragments of crushed shells, from the bright blue of mussels to the oranges, reds, and whites of many of the smaller sea creatures.
This is where the textures, designs and inspiration of Hettie Wainwrights’ jewelry pieces come from. Hettie is the owner of Studio 46 in Stadler Road, and most days she spends time on the beach, picking up shells, and noting patterns, contrasts and colour that make their way into her designs. Her cloth bag is filled with litter to be recycled, pebbles and glass to make jewelry with, and cuttlefish and shells to make molds from, as her approach is always about sustainability and respect for the environment.
A super shop, Studio 46
The Heart Of West Coast Art
Located at 46 Stadler Road, opposite “On the Rocks” restaurant and mere steps from Big Bay beach on one side, and Blaauwberg rock pools on the other, this is a place well worth popping into.
The jewellery for sale has something to suit every pocket, from fun pebble bracelets and shell-inspired rings to exquisite pieces in platinum or gold, with diamonds or other gemstones from South Africa.
Hettie also creates bespoke pieces, from engagement and wedding rings to a Table Mountain or ocean-inspired pendant. Book an appointment and she will bring your dream to life.
Visit Studio 46 on Stadler Road, Bloubergstrand in South Africa
Studio 46 also supports the work of 38 other artists, displaying paintings, photography, ceramics, and sculptures, all available for sale.
Follow on social media as Studio 46 is as much about people as it is about nature and art. Pop-up markets and flash bomb displays are just some of the exciting events planned at Studio 46 this year.
Beyond Blaauwberg
Stadler Road is a fitting place to start your West Coast Way Road trip.
Admiring Table Mountain while connecting with the simple pleasures found in nature, then turning away from the mountain view and heading north, towards the untamed landscapes, winding roads, warm hospitality and the sights, scents and sounds of this unique part of South Africa.
Not sure where to go? Take a look at this eleven day, self-drive itinerary and start planning your next getaway.
West Coast Way SA have spent many years finding everything great about the region and have put it all together in a series of themed routes, maps, and itineraries that will answer all your questions on where to go, what to do and how to have the most fun eating, drinking, and playing in the wild West Coast.
Visit Studio 46 on the West Coast Way Culture Route
Open 6 days a week| Free entry. Appointments required for bespoke jewellery consultations.
Where: Stadler Road, Bloubergstrand
Contact: (c) 074 369 4294 [email protected] www.studio46.co.za
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.