PICTURESQUE LIVING

This West Coast village, which is close to the world-famous annual displays of spring flowers, has taken steps to ensure it maintains its appeal for residents and visitors

ABOUT 90 minutes from Cape Town up the West Coast you will find the charming village of Paternoster, one of the oldest fishing villages in the Cape.

Building regulations have ensured the maintenance of the architectural style, so the quaint homes are low and whitewashed, with blue accents, to appropriately capture the feel of the seaside location.

Rolling dunes and fynbos fields transform the region into a riot of colour in spring when the flowers bloom. The season is short, and the blooms open their petals only when the sun shines.

Columbine Nature Reserve is about 5km from the village, and covers 263ha along a rocky stretch of coastline. The bay, which is part of the reserve, has many picnic spots and braai facilities.

The Cape Columbine lighthouse is the last manually operated lighthouse in the country. It was built in 1936 on Castle Rock and its light casts a beam visible from about 50km. It is usually the first South African lighthouse seen by ships travelling from Europe.

Paternoster is still true to its fishing origins, and the restaurants have lots of local sustainable seafood on the menu. Fishermen do sell on the side of the road, so please make sure you are not buying anything endangered.

“The architecture gives the village outstanding tourism and holiday appeal,” says Seeff Paternoster agent, Marina Enslin.

“There are strict development and architectural regulations which means the village will retain its look and feel, adding greatly to property values.”

Regarded as an exclusive coastal resort village with property prices trending slightly higher than most areas, there are five sectional title properties for sale, says Enslin. Prices range from R1.85million for a two-bedroom/one-bathroom unit with limited views, to R3.6m for a three-bedroom/three-bathroom unit with unobstructed views.

“Full-title erven range from

R300 000 for a 300m2 erf, furthest away from the beach, to R4m for a 425m2 erf, and full-title houses from R1.66m for a two-bedroom/

The architecture gives Paternoster outstanding tourism and holiday appeal. – SEEFF PATERNOSTER AGENT

MARINA ENSLIN

one-bathroom house to R8.3m for a six-bedroom/six-bathroom house with green belt on three sides and lovely views,” she says.

“There are no developments, but there are opportunities in the Oyster Close Development which has erven for sale – on the beach in a lovely area with prices ranging from R975000 for 380m2 in the third row from the beach, to R2.975m for a 340m2 erf in the front row. Architectural guidelines ensure all properties will have views.”

Paternoster is a quaint little fishering village which has an amazing ability to create peace and tranquillity during the craziest of times. Its picture perfect landscapes are a daily inspiration.

– GARTH ALMAZAN OF LEETO RESTAURANT

The fishing village of Paternoster is situated about 90 minutes from Cape Town. Strict development and architectural regulations ensure the village retains its look and feel.

The West Coast is world-famous for its wonderful displays of spring flowers.

Paternoster is known for its coastal-style architecture.