Grecian blues on Cape Town’s secret beach
Charming Bakoven Seahorse overlooks a true Cape Town secret, Beta Beach, a stone’s throw from Camps Bay on the Atlantic Seaboard, yet blissfully quiet. Discover it and you won’t want to tell a soul!
For those rare moments in our busy lives, when we hear the internal call for calm and need for nature, there are those chosen, special spots one can resort to on the Atlantic Seaboard. A place that brings peace, clarity, reflection and solitude, away from the chaos of the madding crowds. Such a place exists, on the fringe of the famous Camps Bay, beneath the majestic mountain and its towering Twelve Apostles, in the quiet residential area of Bakoven. Cradled by boulders on a secluded cove, Beta Beach, with its clear, blue waters and crushed-coral sands, placidly panders to the discerning beach-goer. A cluster of bungalows resting upon the shoreline, emerging from the giant beckoning boulders, occupy this little stretch of a treasure trove. Among them, at the end of a winding pathway and down some steps, Bakoven Seahorse stands, basking in blue.
This four-bedroomed bungalow firmly grips its toes into the sand, opens its arms out onto decks, and dives right into the Atlantic Ocean. Set on two levels with a languid, open living space at the helm, this hideaway summons the sea air to enter, and engulf. Cosy seating areas snuggled into nooks, a wood-burning stove, Persian rugs, a Sonos sound system, an abundance of good books and comfy sofas, all say, it’s ok, if at some point you wish to stay indoors. Just until the midday summer heat has settled, or the moods from the winter mists have moved on. Then it’s back outside to have those one-on-one conversations with the ocean, from the privacy of the seating area beneath the olive trees. Or perhaps you’d rather have that chat from the hot tub, or from the sun-loungers on the deck above, or simply from the beach itself. You’re close enough for it to hear you. Even the seals, surfing the white waves, pop their heads up every now and again, in recognition of your witty banter.
The ultimate bungalow beach lifestyle
When it comes to beach living, it doesn’t get better than Bakoven Seahorse. Drink your morning coffee on the front step and your feet in the sand. Enjoy those long, lazy lunches, at the 8-seater table on the bottom deck, for hours on end. Take a swim, then an afternoon nap, and another swim after that. Sip on your tipple of choice, as you salute the setting sun and give thanks to the moon, for the waves and their music. Just as the owners of this idyllic hideaway would do too.
What we love!
- Watching eternal sunsets, from any of the many tranquil spots scattered around the bungalow. Every day, a different choice.
- Making new friends with the regular swimmers, kayakers and picnickers. People watching is considered a cathartic past-time.
- Enjoying sundowners from the comfort of your very own beach bar, which opens out onto the deck, overlooking the beach and beyond.
- The fun selection of artwork by local and international artists including, the massive metal Seahorse by Zimbabwean wire artist Mama Akawedza. Beautiful beach scenes by Kathleen Ambrose.
- Sinking into heavenly beds, with soft, quality linens, cocooning that sun-kissed skin.
What you need to know…
- Families are absolutely welcome, but please note on the top deck which has a low balustrade, adult supervision of young children is advised at all times.
- The area of Bakoven 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.
- Camps Bay is only a 15-minute walk away from the bungalow, where a popular strip of cafés, bars, restaurants, boutiques, supermarkets and ice-cream shops are buzzing all day long.
- In the other direction, the Promenade and the world-class V&A Waterfront buzzes. A hot favourite on Wednesday nights and the weekends is the Oranjezicht City Farm Market at Granger Bay, between the stadium and the sea. Expect abundant organic fresh produce and artisanal foods and crafts of superb quality.
- If Bakoven Seahorse isn’t available on your dates, you might want to browse our collection in Clifton, Camps Bay or Glen Beach, all along the Atlantic Seaboard, just 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie