Who can resist the allure of Clifton, Atlantic Seaboard, with its turquoise waters and string of exceptional white-sand beaches sheltered by massive granite boulders? One of the world’s sexiest beach destinations, Clifton is a heady mix of the best Cape Town has to offer – truly exceptional natural beauty combines with a glamorous yet laid-back beach scene. This is sunshine living at its most vibrant.
After a blissful day at the beach, what a joy it is to retreat to the barefoot luxury of Touchstone Villa, a serene oasis and tranquil delight. After the breath-stealing cold of the ocean, we plunge into the warm water of the pool for the last swim of the day. From this magnificent spot, we soak up the home’s incredible location. We have an eagle-eye view of Clifton’s four famous beaches and, stretching off to the south, the long spine of the Cape Peninsula’s Twelve Apostles mountain peaks that plunge right down into the sea. As we sip our sundown cocktails, the sun sinks towards the horizon in the most spectacular, astonishingly colourful sunset imaginable. Plan to be home for sunset every day – you won’t find anywhere with a more spectacular view. And the easy, open-plan living area on the ground floor is made for effortless entertaining.
Gourmet-chef types will love the brilliantly kitted-out kitchen that opens onto a central island and the refectory-style dining table. Glass doors to the sheltered poolside veranda ensure the seamless indoor-outdoor flow that is the hallmark of South African lifestyles. The spacious sitting area is gloriously inviting and comfy and there are plenty of spaces for everyone in the household to relax in. The interiors celebrate the home’s location at the tip of the continent with a quiet elegance and laid-back warmth that is the epitome of African Zen. Natural textures and a neutral palette are key: polished wood, woven grasses and textured linen create a calm, soothing backdrop, with animal trophy heads woven from grass adding a playful touch. Touchstone’s beautiful art collection is a standout feature. As is typical of Clifton homes, which cling to the vertiginous mountainside above the sea, the house is built on three levels. (Don’t worry: there is a lift for those not keen on climbing stairs!)
We love the way Touchstone so beautifully bridges the steep slopes of the mountain on which it is anchored and the glittering Atlantic Ocean that stretches out as far as the eye can see. Touchstone is a home designed to honour its setting. Not content with the dazzling sea views that are the stars of the show, the house has a spine formed by a three-storey glass stairwell that gives you a window into the cool, solid, granite-boulder-strewn mountain at its back. The atrium is filled with tall kiepersol trees and plants – a verdant touch that is reflected in the gorgeous bamboo-print wallpaper judiciously used here and there to add to the Zen ambience on the second storey.
This is where you’ll find three of the five spacious double bedrooms. These are cleverly designed for maximum privacy, space and comfort as well as incredible sea views. The top storey is taken up by the magnificent, penthouse-style master and guest bedrooms and a sitting room leading onto the deck with the astonishing mountain-sea-and-sky views – your greatest challenge is going to be to force yourself to leave this sanctuary when it’s time to get out and play.
What we love!
- The sheer tranquillity, outstanding views and excellent location a very short stroll from Clifton’s beaches.
- The flow of this space, which seems to expand to accommodate everyone in the home yet at the same time offers pockets of peace and privacy if you want some time out.
- The way you can truly relax and unwind: quiet elegance envelopes this relaxed, warm and welcoming villa.
- The close proximity to Camps Bay’s brilliant beachfront restaurants, clubs and bars and to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town city centre and Table Mountain Cableway, all just minutes’ away.
What you need to know…
- 3 parking garages and a lift
Written by Sally Rutherford