Camps Bay, Atlantic Seaboard, retains its reputation as being one of the top seaside holiday hotspots in Cape Town for a reason. Its grand, opulent villas set up against the mountain, cascading down winding roads that settle by the sea. Its vibrant stretch of glitzy bars and restaurants, its boutiques and beauty spas, cafés and ice-cream shops all paving the way to beautiful beaches and secluded rock pools. There are those properties that stand out from the crowd, loudly declaring their presence, and there are those that harness an understated elegance, serenely singing from their soul.
Emerging from the forest of the Glen, settled around the base of Lion’s Head, looking up towards the mountain’s apostles and teetering on the edge of the shoreline of Glen Beach, Cape Soul welcomes you into an entirely unique existence in Camps Bay. A three-bedroomed apartment situated in a secure block that’s tucked away from the main promenade and cushioned into the tranquil surroundings of the Glen, overlooking the magnificent ocean, this hideaway whisks you away from the hullabaloo of the neighbourhood, yet grants you access to its grandiose whenever you so choose. Set on two levels of voluminous living spaces, the views of the mountain, the vast body of blue, the long stretches of beach and its boulders, the tall trees and the majestic vista of Lion’s Head all flood through the tall glass sliding doors and windows pacifying the property with an abundance of light. The open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas, with a long verandah and its beautiful blue marble dining table, is located on the first floor. Upstairs to the glorious main ensuite, a TV/reclining lounge, and additional two spacious en-suite bedrooms, one twin and one king opening out onto the courtyard.’ The property’s pacifying ambience is embellished by the natural, earthy hues of the furnishings and light fittings, the layers of textures from the linens and reed rugs, timber cabinetry and statement stone tiles. The essence of celebrating all things local is carried through every space from the fresh indigenous flowers to the scented candles, the crockery, the cookies and coffee mugs, the condiments and curated pieces of art and libraries of literature – paying homage to the fabulous artisans and ingredients of the Cape.
The days at Cape Soul start with a delicious coffee in bed, watching the surfers take to the waves like the seagulls take to the skies; gliding through the blue. A morning meander down to Glen Beach for a walk and a dip into the ocean. Back for breakfast on the verandah, watching the neighbourhood come to life. You’re then at your liberty to pivot from the property in any direction you choose. Around the peninsula, over the hill towards the city, along the winding bends of Victoria Road to Granger Bay Market, to source more local treats. Hikes into the mountain or back onto the beach for more swimming and sand castles. Return to the pool for one last dip before settling on the verandah for an extraordinary sunset. Watching the bay transform as the night sky is washed with blues, purples and settles into an inky black, dotted with stars. It’s just you and the ocean, cocooned in a Camps Bay hideaway that oozes a lot of soul.
What we love!
- Glen Beach is a lovely location for families to spend seaside holidays. With its close proximity to town and the beach never being over-crowded – as many of its neighbouring spots are.
- Every hour of the day presents a different view. The property is cleverly considered, optimising on the light and perfect positioning so that you are able to witness the changing colours of the ocean and the mountain, as well as the activities of life on the beach – there’s always something riveting going on around you.
- Celebrating the sentiment that local is lekker! From the little welcome baskets that can be pre-arranged including local gins and wines, yummy cheeses and treats, to the way the property has been furnished.
What you need to know…
- The property is located within a secure apartment block, with underground, off-street parking and security on the premises.
- Cape Soul is a wonderful place for small families – with the two separate living areas – or a couple of couples, or perhaps a professional wanting an inspiring work environment with its ample office space and endless views.
- Mantra Café on the main promenade is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch and dinner – for those meals when you’d like to feel the pulse of the neighbourhood.
- The city centre is no more than a 15-minute drive from the property.
- The Lawns at the Roundhouse is a lovely spot for a family lunch and is 5 minutes away.
- Camps Bay Retreat is located just behind the property and is great for private dining or simply having a sundowner on the lawn.
- The residential area of Glen Beach is home to some lovely residents, who cherish the calm, tranquil sounds coming from the sea. Please respect the wishes of the neighbours and keep your noise levels down, so as not to disturb the peace and nature.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie