Traversing the coastal roads of the great Cape’s Southern Peninsula is much like venturing into a Tolkien realm of a lost and enchanted land. Where gold and green mountains meet endless blankets of blue. Winding roads carve their ways around the cliffs, down lanes that lead to a quaint utopia of age-old villages with their diverse, devoted communities. It’s rare to come across such a unique, placid existence, that’s less than an hour’s drive from the city centre, immersed in both nature and culture. Known for its magnificent long stretch of beach, Noordhoek is home to old farmhouses and contemporary bungalows, stables and paddocks, vineyards and village posts. It has an alluring ambience about it that incites a tale of elfin escapism, on the heart of the peninsula trail.
Emerging from the thick coastal fynbos shrub, rising above the dunes and resting against the belly of the mountain, Noordhoek Seashore beckons you in to a never-ending story of light, grips ahold of your willing hands, and escorts you all the way out to the ocean. A grand kitchen, living, reclining and dining space flows open-plan where minimalism stamps the signature theme, making way for bespoke pieces of South African art and refined contemporary furniture to make their statements. A neutral colour palette softens the textures of oak, marble, pure cotton linens, leathers, hand-embroidered curtains, reed rugs and glass sliding doors. The balance of each space is in constant harmony with the magic that’s happening outside, on the deck beside the swimming pool, around the table, on the sun loungers and out to sea. Whether you’re reclining on the sofas beside the fireplace or relaxing in front of the TV, preparing the evening’s feast in the kitchen or slumbering in one of the glorious five ensuite bedrooms – one of which is a fabulous bunk room for the kids – you’ll be at your leisure to dip in and out of the crowd and seaside activities that this hideaway so generously delivers on. A cleverly considered home, it lends itself to be one’s own Babylonian fortress on the beach. So many pockets of seclusion for reading, or working or simply meditating, yet all inclusive too.
The wonderful thing about spending your days at Noordhoek Seashore, upon one of the dreamiest stretches of shoreline in the Cape, is that there’s very little that warrants you from having to leave the village. Mornings start with a stroll down to the waves, a brave and brisk swim, a gentle amble home, dip into the heated pool followed by a hot coffee on the deck. After a long, languid brunch you’ll gather the clan and either head up onto the hiking trails of Silvermine, or off to the village for some delicatessen essentials and ice cream. Maybe a swift stopover at Aegir brewery. Perhaps not so swift and the next thing you know you’re snacking on some wood-fired fish sliders and crispy buffalo cauli wings before heading home for another dip in the pool. As evening sets in and the sun does its sensational salute to the day, heading west with the night, Ali Farka Touré’s soothing African beats set the tone for supper. The sunset bar is buzzing with holiday thrills as the apéritifs are poured and toasts are made, to yet another extraordinary day in the Cape. If you need to, the entire coastline with other quirky communities and spectacular scenery await your exploration. But you’ll find you have all you’ve ever wanted, right here in Noordhoek, in the palms of Noordhoek Seashore.
What we love!
- The outdoor shower for a rinse of the salty water with views of the spectacular surroundings.
- It’s the perfect home to work from too. With those inspirational views and tranquil sounds of the ocean you’ll find yourself inspired to produce a masterpiece from one of the working desks in the house.
- The views of the ocean and surrounding mountain ranges are nothing short of spectacular and ever-changing throughout the day.
- Its location is ideal for those wanting to explore the peninsula, and an easy venture into town for all of the other cultural activities. Everything is at your fingertips.
What you need to know…
- Should you wish to have this hideaway catered for with a chef and daily housekeeping, it can be arranged.
- There are a number of lovely spots around the property to lay down the yoga mats that are provided and perform a few poses and sun salutations, whilst taking in the ocean air.
- Silvermine’s hiking trails are on the doorstep. Just a gentle climb up the beach trails to the road behind and into the mountain for some incredible views and lovely sunset spots.
- Cape Town’s city centre is no more than a 45-minute drive away, along one of the most scenic routes in the world.
- Noordhoek Village is only a 5-minute drive away from the property where Chef Franck Dangereux’s Foodbarn Restaurant is, together with coffee roasters, decadent ice-cream makers, a pub and a playground, a delicatessen, souvenir shops and a yoga studio too.
- For a pint or two of a delicious craft beer, Aegir Brewery is no more than a 5-minute walk away, where the fabulous Italian eatery, Limoncello also sits, beneath the milkwoods.
- All major supermarkets and large convenience stores are located at the Long Beach Shopping Mall- a 15-minute drive from the property.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie