A holiday home with a view of the sea is the ultimate accessory for any South African. Here’s your Leadhome opportunity to dream a little . . .
Where are the best stretches of South African coastline on which to own a holiday home?
Well, as we all know, “best” is relative – and some of it is based purely on personal choice or taste. And, of course, “best” could be informed by the money side of things – what a property is worth in a particular area in terms of resale value. But let’s forget doing the sums for now (it’s December after all) and take a look at some of the fantastic places to consider for a holiday home.
The Atlantic Seaboard: Having a property on the Western Cape Atlantic Seaboard is definitely worth dreaming about. Some of the designer pads in Clifton and Bantry Bay are worth drooling over. The fact that you need to be European royalty or a Hollywood movie star to own a piece of land here is beside the point.
On a more manageable side of the spectrum, the views are pretty good from Greenpoint and a flat in Sea Point can give you the feeling that you are on a giant cruise ship and the Atlantic Ocean is yours for the taking. One of the highlights of this part of the world is not only access to this vibrant city (known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world) but to great restaurants, nightlife, the V&A Waterfront and the bustling promenade that runs alongside the stretch of ocean. Head a bit further down the drag and there lies Camps Bay in all its glory. Properties may come with a pretty hefty price tag in this part of the world, and you may take three hours to get out of your own driveway come holiday season, but one thing is definitely guaranteed – life in Camps Bay is pretty delicious.
The Overberg Coast: The gorgeous Overberg coastline is worth considering for that ideal holiday home. We are talking mountains, ocean, exquisite bird and wildlife and a real country-town feeling. Kleinmond, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay are areas that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Kogelberg Biosphere Nature Reserve, which means that development in the area will be closely monitored by environmental watchdogs. This place is all about the great outdoors and long, lovely holidays where nature is your playground. The region is known for spectacular whale-watching during whale season, and there are numerous wine estates in the area for those who would love a little Chardonnay served up with a view of the fynbos and a sparkling sea.
Plettenberg Bay: With its beautiful beaches and incredible scenery, “Plett” is definitely one of the premier spots in South Africa. The properties along Beachy Head Drive will set you back in the above-R20-million stakes, but the beautiful views of the ocean and the mountains may well be worth it (if you don’t mind dipping into the trust fund).
Plett offers holiday homes for the seriously wealthy, but there are options for those who are looking at something a bit more reasonable. Remember, the price tag is very much linked to the proximity to the ocean. There are some lovely townhouse-type dwellings in Plett that offer easy maintenance and all the attributes of being in a premier seaside resort. A bit further afield, Nature’s Valley and Keurbooms should also be on your radar.
If you are thinking about property in this part of the world, George and Mossel Bay are also options . . . and areas like Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay are some of the best hidden gems along this coastline.
Eastern Cape: Kenton-on-Sea is situated along the Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape between Port Elizabeth and East London and has always been known as a great place for holiday homes along this coastline. Situated close to the Boesmans and Kariega Rivers, there are fantastic walks, canoeing and outdoor adventures on the rivers and wonderful wildlife and birdlife.
Another Eastern Cape gem is Port Alfred – again, beautiful beaches and great outdoor life. Drive towards the Wild Coast and you’ll find places like Cintsa, Haga Haga, Morgans Bay and Kei Mouth – you may still be able to nab a few bargains in this part of the world.
KZN North Coast: The KZN North Coast may once have been bucket-and-spade territory but it’s now more like Dubai comes to Africa – well, in Umhlanga anyway, with its mega cruise ship-like high-rise apartments and steady burst of development that shows no signs of slowing down. If a high-rise lock-up-and-go apartment with endless views of the ocean and a Doppio Zero (and a nightclub) downstairs sounds like holiday heaven to you (and cash is no shortage), then go for it.
However, if you want a more laid-back holiday possie, you might want to look along the coastline – areas like Ballito, Salt Rock, Thompsons Bay, Chaka’s Rock and the very stunning Sheffield Beach. While there are properties going for big bucks, there are also some bargains to be had. For Gautengers, this coastline makes the most sense in terms of a holiday home because it’s just five hours away from the “Big Smoke”.
Whatever your choice or options in life, having a holiday home in South Africa is definitely worth dreaming about . . .
