Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
WHALES AND WALKS
Gordon’s Bay has it all – beaches, malls, walks, mountains, views and restaurants, and a cross-section of homes catering to a variety of bank balances
JUST 50km from Cape Town and in the northeast corner of False Bay is the harbour town of Gordon’s Bay. Named after Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch explorer of
Scottish descent, Gordon’s Bay is the smallest of the three towns in the Helderberg region. The Kogelberg nature reserve against the Hottentots Holland Mountain, with the Steenbras Dam above, dominates the area. The road to the dam provides breathtaking views, says resident Gys Liebenberg.
“This stretch of coastline is picturesque, quaint and unpretentious. Clarence Drive that runs on to Rooi Els has been voted one of the top scenic drives in the world. And the sunsets are spectacular. Bliss.
“In summer, the south-easter can be fierce as it pushes rain inland. But it comes with the territory – in winter we have beautiful weather with little wind.”
The warm waters of False Bay constantly change colour, from clear turquoise to stormy dark blues, says Liebenberg. “In good weather, the beach is ideal for swimming and picnics. Bikini Beach, to the left of the old harbour, has blue flag status and the main beach has a grassy area, shady milkwood trees and a free outdoor gym area for fitness enthusiasts.”
The main beach is dog-free, but there is a small dog-beach, which is dog heaven for Liebenberg’s dog Merlot.
The property spectrum has something for everyone’s pocket, says Liebenberg: “Newer architectural masterpieces perch on the steep slopes on either side of the whitewashed GB anchor on the mountain, and there are also classy harbour dwellings, quaint smallholdings and a variety of affordable houses, security cluster home complexes, golfing estate houses and flats. For tourists, there are numerous affordable B&Bs.”
Doreen Mynhardt, Just Property principal for the Helderberg, enthuses about the Blue Rock
Village and Giovanni luxury apartments which will be an eco-friendly go-green estate overlooking the Blue Rock Dam.
Business and property growth can be expected due to convenience