How to describe Clifton Fourth, the sublime beach bungalow situated right on Cape Town’s very best beach on the Atlantic Seaboard? Laid-back? Check. Sophisticated? Check. Right on the beach? Check. Central to city living? Check. Private? Check. Luxurious? Double-check. Playful? Totally!
When we kicked off our shoes as we walked in the front door it was like stepping onto the set of a glamorous island-style movie. Except it was all ours! The kids immediately scattered: the tweens some 10 steps away to muscle their way into the beach volleyball match that was happening on the white sands on our doorstep and to jump into the (frankly icy – judging by their shrieks) Atlantic waves, while the teens commandeered the absolutely fabulous media room. As they got stuck into trying out the retro vinyl options on the Technics 1200 turntable, my husband and I struck the pose we were to maintain for much of our holiday: prone on the loungers beside the heated pool, cocktail in hand and incredible beach views in front. Bliss!
Designed by international travellers, this seriously stylish villa brings together the inspiration they’ve drawn from idyllic locations as diverse as St Barts and the Maldives. The attention to detail is astonishing, and ensures you have a totally relaxing stay. The villa – a light-flooded, contemporary space that has so much soul – is cleverly designed over three levels. The open-plan living area opens onto the pool deck, and includes an uber-sexy kitchen (the state-of-the-art Gaggenau hob and Nespresso machine were my man’s particular favourites), a delightfully decorated lounge with large bar area and a 8-seater dining table where we spent hours savouring the delicious morsels he cooked up. When we didn’t feel like cooking or a BBQ, we explored many of the brilliant restaurants literally on our doorstep.
I have to make mention of the art, a standout feature here. Supercool works by local and international artists and designers provide a superb finishing touch – and loads of humour – to the fresh, streamlined decor. Kenneth Carbonpue’s Dragnet Chair is a radical take on rattan; Ronél Jordaan’s wonderful felted pebbles, succulent cushions and sheep are startlingly realistic and so touchy-feely; and the little figurines – by Justine Mahoney, Jaime Hayon and Frank van Reenen – that populate the villa are frankly charming. It’s hard to choose a favourite piece, but if I have to, it would be James Mudge’s dining table inscribed with John Masefield’s lines: “I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied…”
Clifton Fourth gave our entire family the best holiday ever. We lapped up the barefoot luxury and the chic, cosmopolitan beach vibe, while the secluded pool area – with its sea-view loungers and hammocks – was my private haven. This is the ultimate sunny place for sunny people!
What we love!
- The spectacular sea and beach views from the pool deck and garden
- The heated pool with the spa jets that added even more joy
- The thoughtful luxuries that make all the difference: the Samsung 52” curved TV in the air-conditioned living area where the kids enjoyed Netflix movies in the heat of the midday sun, the portable JBL sound system that turned time outdoors into a non-stop party, the WiFi (a modern essential for multigenerational peace). Massive pile of logs so you never ruin out of fuel for the wood-burning fireplace would be heavenly if you’re visiting in winter
- The heated outdoor shower for rinsing off and warming up after dipping in the frigid Atlantic Ocean
What we need to know…
- Continental breakfast, as well as cleaning services from Monday to Friday, can be arranged on request
- Garage parking for one car
Reviewed by Sally Rutherford