Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
LONG BEACH LIFESTYLE
Kommetjie is known for its surfing, crayfishing and fishing and residents relish the rural atmosphere of a village where development is expected to protect the area’s charm
SURROUNDED by Ocean View, Scarborough, Fish Hoek and Noordhoek, the residents of the small village of Kommetjie enjoy a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
Known as one of the finest surfing destinations on the Peninsula, it attracts fair numbers of day visitors as well as a substantial number of suburbanites making it their weekend haven.
Garnett Oosthuizen’s husband’s family has a business which has been running for 48 years.
“The building they own was the original Kommetjie Hotel, now Swan Lodge, which has been converted into shops, residential living, offices and restaurants,” says Oosthuizen.
“Kommetjie is a surfer’s paradise and we have the famous Long Beach for time-out strolls. It is a most fabulous village for children to grow up. Kommetjie is a top destination for crayfishing, fishing and surfing.”
Kommetjie features a diverse real estate market with property prices ranging from affordable enough for first-time buyers to beachfront properties with asking prices in excess of R20 million, says Greeff agent Willi Schalk, who has seen the area grow over 15 years and has sold more than 50% of Imhoff’s Gift and Bluewater Estate properties.
The buoyant property market in recent years has led to the robust development of areas neighbouring Kommetjie – a trend which is likely to continue, he says.
Construction under way will see a number of new schools as well as some proposed retail development.
“Kommetjie residents are understandably protective of their environment and all development will be expected to protect the area’s charm,” says Schalk.
He says Kommetjie celebrates its typical village setting, where “everyone knows everyone”.
It is a place where the majority of Greeff’s property deals is between residents.
“We see young people buying their first house and later, when the family has grown, upgrading to a larger property, then later scaling down as retirement approaches.
“Our ‘client for life’ business approach has played a key role in achieving a market share above all