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Situated in one of the most idyllic locations on the Atlantic seaboard – with an average of 290 wind-free days per year, ocean views to die for and residential property prices to match – Bantry Bay is one of the Western Cape’s most exclusive suburbs.
It has become a highly desirable spot to reside, arguably dethroning the much-fancied Clifton as the suburb with the highest property prices – soaring to around R227 000/m². Only a few lucky souls will be able to call Bantry Bay home. For resident Eunice Grobler there is no more spectacular place to live:
“First of all it is wind-free, and in Cape Town that’s a huge plus. There are several stunning beaches along the Atlantic seaboard and we are close to most . Camps Bay and Clifton are a comfortable stroll down the road. The sunsets over the ocean are some of the world’s best.”
Apartments blocks rest in the shadow of Lion’s Head, and it’s a comfortable stroll from here to the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Picture: Armand Hough/African News Agency (ANA)
“Walks, runs or cycling along the promenade come gratis, offering great vistas,” says Grobler. Bantry Bay proper has a reasonably small footprint – around 0.38km² – in an area comprising 317 freehold and 848 sectional title properties.
According to Lightstone, it is home to about 1 300 adults. Mature owners, those 50 years and older, make up 77% of the market. Buyers in the 35-year-old and younger group make up only 5% of recent buyers. If you’re looking to build from scratch, expect to pay in the region of R45 000/m².
According to Ron Read, Law Real Estate agent, apartments with no sea view are a snip at about R35 555/ m², but this escalates to around R60 000/m² with Atlantic vistas. A new sectional-title development coming to market offers apartments from 40m² at a cost of R65 374/m² with in-building parking.
The median price of freehold properties has been on a steady increase since 2012 – barring a significant slump in 2017 and 2018 – to around R27 million now. Sectional title properties have seen an almost four-fold increase to R10m over the same period. Interestingly, Lightstone’s median valuation reports indicate the top eight sectional title suburbs are in the Western Cape.
Read says Bantry Bay, situated on the slopes of Lion’s Head, is “ideally positioned midway between the Cape Town CBD and Camps Bay along some of the most spectacular coastline on the continent”.
This luxury home is typical of those in Bantry Bay, with uninterrupted and spectacular sea
views,and close to popular restaurants, bars and the V&A Waterfront. Picture: Armand Hough/African News Agency (ANA)
Add also more than enough schooling and medical options within a short drive – Camps Bay High School is literally around the corner. The suburb is well placed on MyCiti bus service routes, making commuting to Hout Bay or the CBD a cinch.
“There is an absolute abundance of eateries, places to enjoy a relaxing sundowner or just while away time on the beach. Saunders’ Rocks Beach is mostly wind-free – protected by large granite rocks – with tidal pools providing a delightful array of marine life for the inquisitive visitor. There are also shower and toilet facilities as well as parking."
Eunice Grobler’s favourite things to do
Firstly, it’s wind-free and in Cape Town that’s a huge plus. There are several stunning beaches along the Atlantic seaboard and it is close to most places. Camps Bay and Clifton are a comfortable stroll down the road. The sunsets over the ocean are spectacular. - Eunice Grobler, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Outdoors
Living on the Atlantic seaboard means outdoor options are almost endless. A brisk walk along the promenade invigorates. For something more energetic, there are several Table Mountain trails – just be prepared for anything Mother Nature may throw at you.
Part of the Atlantic seaboard promenade will appeal to many for either a gentle walk or brisk jog.
Picture: Armand Hough/African News Agency (ANA)
2 Eat
While not in Bantry Bay, but in neighbouring Sea Point, try authentic New York at Kleinsky’s for their hand-rolled bagels. 021 433 2871. There is also the brand new Step Brothers (079 888 7200) next to the revamped Bantry Bay Pharmacy.
3 Drink
Sandwiched between Camps Bay and Sea Point you will be spoilt for choice to get a drink with a view but do try the well-known President Hotel.
4 Shop
Shopping options in Bantry Bay proper are somewhat limited, but the V&A Waterfront has enough to assuage the most voracious retail therapy needs (021 408 7600). For something a bit more artisanal and grounded, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market is now open on Wednesdays from 4pm-8pm along with its traditional Saturday and Sunday hours. 083 628 3426