Kalk Bay Books - history of the building

Kalk Bay Books occupies premises that have a varied and interesting history. As recorded by author and historian Michael Walker in Kalk Bay: An Historical Booklet and Walk (Kalk Bay Historical Society)*, the building that now houses the bookshop was originally known as Die Klipkantienjie and was designed by architect John Parker in 1913.

'The saloon and public bar formed part of an overall extension to the Old Masonic Hotel. Beside die Klipkantientjie, this single-storey extension had seven bedrooms, a storeroom and a large billiard room, and was in fact larger than the Masonic Hotel. After the Masonic Hotel was demolished in 1916 the extensions became known as The Annex to the Kalk Bay Hotel, which was later renamed the Majestic Hotel. The external façade of The Annex has changed little since Parker’s design of 1913.’

* By the same author: Kalk Bay a Place of Character and Kalk Bay St James: A Brief History with Postcards of a Bygone Era – all available at Kalk Bay Books.

Kalk Bay Books - The Story

Today, instead of tall tales being told around the bar counter, tales are sold at a shop counter, which was specially designed with a nod to the history of the building.

Owner of the shop, Ann Donald, former editor of Fairlady magazine, made her dream of opening a book shop a reality in December 2006. The planning and preparation for opening all took place in the Donald family sitting room, informally renamed the Warehouse for the duration of the set-up period. In mid-November 2006, with the help of family and friends, the first books were moved from the Warehouse to the site of Kalk Bay Books. The ceiling-high wooden shelves and interior of the shop were designed by local designer, Ray Kilian.

Described as the book shop with the best view in the world, the shop is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, who browse and buy books, share a glass of wine or two with visiting authors, and gather for new book launches or discussions. The leather sofa invites customers to spend some time considering the books on offer, and to catch up on international book news with the New York Review of Books and other reading matter provided for their interest.

If getting to the book shop is a problem, you can also browse our online books selection, which includes hand-selected fiction and non fiction books, and many book lists offering our suggestions on a wide range of themes in the Open Books section of the website.

Book clubs are also welcome to register with us - we offer competitive discounts and our personal service ensures your book selection will be well-received by your fellow book club members.