Your own bit of the Cape

Cape Town has long been a locale favoured by global and local holidaymakers, well-heeled South African families, international investors, and “swallows” escaping the winter in the northern hemisphere. The peninsula boasts a temperate climate, excellent restaurants, pristine beaches, well-run municipalities, unbeatable natural scenery, and the world-famous Table Mountain. If that isn’t enough to entice you to “semigrate”, the city also has a burgeoning cultural scene, including the South African National Gallery, Zeitz Mocaa, and Norval Foundation. The Big 7 Travel website lists Cape Town as one of the 50 best cities in the world for remote working in 2021, with “an incredibly connected expat and digital nomad scene from all corners of the globe”. If you’re keen on having a Cape Town address and budget isn’t an issue, stick to the picturesque Atlantic Seaboard, central City Bowl, and the genteel southern suburbs hugging the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Here is a selection of Cape beauties to get you started.

CLIFTON MODERN

The contemporary property is tucked away just above the breakers in captivating Clifton, which is probably South Africa’s most coveted stretch of real estate. This home takes full advantage of its views, with large, frameless window-walls maximising vistas over the Atlantic Ocean. Open truss ceilings with clerestory glazing offer vignettes of Lion’s Head. Split over two levels, the home has ample living space, ocean-facing terraces, and an inviting lap pool.

https://bit.ly/3m7wk5N

AINSTY WALK, CONSTANTIA

This glorious Cape Dutch Revival, built in 1937, offers the best of old Cape Town — tastefully updated for modern family living. Light-filled reception spaces open onto a terraced garden, complete with covered entertainment areas and an elegant, dark-navy swimming pool. The home retains beautiful period features, including sash windows, timber panelling, herringbone parquet, and Cape Dutch gables. The property’s elevated position affords an uninterrupted prospect of Constantiaberg and Table Mountain National Park.

https://bit.ly/3iLUxMR

ILKLEY CRESCENT, SEA POINT

A perfect pied-à-terre created by fashionistas Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit, this lock-up-and-go is centrally located in Sea Point. It has excellent indoor/outdoor flow and a private swimming pool, with views over the Atlantic Ocean and up to Signal Hill. Brutalist design cues, including exposed concrete, natural stone, terrazzo, and mosaic detailing, create a carefully sculpted work of art that doubles as the ultimate city living space.

https://bit.ly/3g7EtDj

BELLE OMBRE, CONSTANTIA

This understated home with a decidedly mid-century design aesthetic stretches over a single level, ideal for laid-back family living. All bedrooms have direct access to the garden and sweeping mountain views, while the airy living areas provide ample space for entertaining in a modern, gallery-like setting. Sliding doors open out to a big covered terrace and swimming pool, perfect for lazy weekends and relaxed summer afternoons.

https://bit.ly/3k0n4gZ

RUGBY ROAD, ORANJEZICHT

Designed as a series of interconnected pavilions, this unique Oranjezicht property blends seamlessly with its surroundings, touching the earth lightly at the foot of Table Mountain. Glass window-walls enhance the connection between the home’s interior and the indigenous forest landscape outside, while gently undulating concrete roofs echo the folds of the surrounding mountains. Who wouldn’t want to float in the natural swimming pool, enveloped by unspoilt forest, perfectly at one with the Mother City’s natural beauty?

https://bit.ly/3ySO0F 

• From the September edition of Wanted, 2021.