CAPE TOWN: Our insider's guide to Camp's Bay

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Home to one of Cape Town’s 10 Blue Flag beaches, a commercial strip that heaves with a cosmopolitan vibe in season and with sunsets to marvel at for even the most jaded traveller, Camps Bay offers a slice of the French Riviera at rand rates.

It is, along with the V&A Waterfront, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Cape Metropole. For resident Dhesigan Veerasamy, Camps Bay is a special place: “I have lived at various places along the Atlantic seaboard, but Camps Bay has some unique characteristics; the properties are larger so there’s more space to unwind and that brings a sense of greater privacy. At the same time there is an incredibly strong sense of community.”

This nine-bedroom home with breathtaking mountain and sea views is on the market. Picture: Supplied

Camps Bay’s beach has retained Blue Flag Beach status since 2008. “Median property prices in Camps Bay have been on a gradual upward journey since 2009 through to 2017,” says Hamilton’s property portfolio area specialist Colleen Tame.

“We have seen a market correction along the Atlantic seaboard – as has almost the entire residential market in the past two years. Freehold properties have stabilised at an average price of just short of R20 million for the last 12 months; seven sales in the past three months averaged R20.58m.

“There are some magnificent high-ticket properties available for the discerning buyer. “Overall sales are down, as is to be expected in this market. The sectional title market is more positive, with 30 sales in the past year.”

The Camps Bay rental market is healthy. The warmer weather is seeing a sharp uptick in rental inquiries, particularly in the six-month or longer term. Amenities are abundant. Some of the finest dining opportunities overlook azure seas and locals and visitors alike enjoy sundowners while watching the glorious sunsets.

At the same time there remains a sense of grounding to this community: local government schools offer excellent education opportunities, the outdoor activities offered by the natural resources means that you don’t need to spend loads on an enjoyable day out.

“While homes in the R20mR25m band continue to hold up, the property market correction is not necessarily a bad thing,” adds Tame. “This opens up the market to more local buyers as sellers become keen to move their property. If you are in the market for a property in one of the most desirable locations in the world, this could be the right time to be looking at the Atlantic seaboard.”

Dhesigan Veerasamy’s favourite things to do

I have lived at various places along the Atlantic seaboard, but Camps Bay has some unique

characteristics; the properties are larger so there’s more space to unwind and a sense of

greater privacy. At the same time there is a strong sense of community. - Dhesigan and Verona Veerasamy residents

Picture: Supplied

1 Outdoors

There are loads of no-cost options: a walk on one of Cape Town’s Blue Flag beaches, walk or jog along the promenade – all the way to the V&A Waterfront, something more energetic on the sports fields or a hike up Table Mountain are all within easy reach.

2 Eat

Kick off your shoes at the end of the continent and breathe in the salty-sweet sea air while enjoying the Bungalow’s indulgent seafood menu. You can’t get much closer to the sea than this and there’s live music on Fridays to Sundays from November 1; 021 438 2018

3 Drink

Caprice offers great views over the beach and a cosmopolitan client base – backpackers and A-list celebs sitting side by side; 021 438 8315.

Chinchilla Rooftop Café and Bar is a new addition to the area’s offerings. Comprehensive menu and mixologists on site for that out-of-the-ordinary cocktail; 021 286 5075

Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe and Bar, where views and cocktails vie for supremacy. Picture: Supplied

4 Shop

The Camps Bay Continental International Food Market is a family-run convenience store offering a selection of pastries, local produce and tasty treats from abroad; 021 438 5530.

For run-of-the-mill household requirements there’s Pick n Pay and Woolworths.