When one thinks of top-end homes in Cape Town, the glamorous lifestyle of the Atlantic Seaboard may spring to mind, or the leafy grandeur of suburbs such as Bishopscourt or Constantia. Yet buyers in the market for a luxury home with high-quality finishes would do well to consider an additional area in their search – the city’s South Peninsula. Pam Golding Properties (PGP) reports that its seaside towns offer numerous examples of high quality homes that offer every modern convenience and luxury, with the added benefit of a semi-rural lifestyle, relatively low crime rates and unmatched views.
PGP’s area manager for the South Peninsula, Sandi Gildenhuys, says there is a steady trend of families relocating to the South Peninsula in search of a slower-paced, tranquil lifestyle, close to the beach and closer to nature. “The South Peninsula offers the best of both worlds,” she says, “with close-knit communities, a tranquil, naturally beautiful setting, and access to private schools, hospitals and shopping amenities, all within an hour’s drive of an international airport. It is no wonder that top-end buyers are seeking out the area’s luxury homes and spacious grounds – and they have a variety of lifestyle to choose between, from semi-rural equestrian havens like Noordhoek, to charming seaside villages like Kalk Bay and St James.”
Spectacular ocean views in St James and Kalk Bay
The villages of St James and Kalk Bay occupy one of the most dramatic settings on the South Peninsula, in an elevated position on the side of the mountain and with sweeping ocean views from many properties. High end properties in this area range from original mining magnates’ homes to modern redevelopments such as The Majestic Village. A cliff-side home in Kalk Bay with panoramic views and luxury finishes can easily fetch up to R10 million.
Besides magnificent views, the area holds great appeal in terms of the village lifestyle on offer, with access to numerous quaint art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores and clothing boutiques – all within walking distance of most homes.
PGP currently has several notable high end properties on the market in this area, including Rodwell House in St James, built by Randlord “Lucky Jim” Taylor in the 1930’s. This Mediterranean-style residence has previously operated as a boutique hotel, but would be equally well-suited as a luxurious private residence for a large family or those who entertain frequently. Occupying close to 2800sqm, the property is on the market at R19.5 million
Also on the market in St James is a double-storey mansion with beautiful finishes, offering sweeping view of False Bay from its location just below Boyes Drive. The home has four double bedrooms plus two separate guest flatlets, an established garden and heated rim-flow pool. Occupying an erf of over 1350sqm, it is on the market at R12 million.
Village atmosphere in Noordhoek
Noordhoek has become an area of choice for many families wanting to make the move to a more rural environment and a family-friendly, healthy outdoor lifestyle. The tranquil environment, close-knit community and warm village atmosphere are key draw-cards, as well as the unspoiled beauty of Long Beach and the towering backdrop of Chapman’s Peak. Sophisticated restaurants, delis and farmer’s markets only add to the appeal for well-heeled buyers.
Top end properties in this area range from a R28 million mansion set on five acres within the prestigious De Goede Hoop Estate, to upmarket gated developments in Belvedere and Noordhaven, where luxury properties can fetch up to R12 million. PGP agent Lilian Bron says demand is particularly high in these secure environments, with properties selling very quickly upon their release to market.
Noordhoek’s larger semi-rural properties hold great appeal for those who wish to keep animals – especially horses and alpacas – and require sufficient space for stabling and grazing.
Among the most prestigious homes currently on the market in Noordhoek is “Aristea”, a luxurious six-bedroomed villa located in the sought-after De Goede Hoop Estate. The 2.6ha property enjoys magnificent sea and mountain views from its elevated position on the eastern slopes of Chapman’s Peak. It is on the market at R28 million.
Naval influence, value for money in Simon’s Town
For those with an interest in sailing or with links to the navy, Simon’s Town is a particularly popular choice on the South Peninsula. Many properties enjoy magnificent sea and yacht basin views, often with a north-facing aspect, quite unusually for this coastline. The town enjoys a bustling café culture and extensive nautical and naval links, including several popular museums and the naval base itself.
For top-end buyers the town offers a number of large contemporary homes in mountainside settings with panoramic views, usually priced between R7 million and R12 million, but with a handful of super-luxury homes in prime locations priced well above R20 million. There has recently been increased demand for upmarket homes, with PGP agents Rosalie Jack and Alan Dunlop selling property in excess of R37 million in the six months to June 2014 – including several properties which fetched over R7 million.