Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
THE EDGE OF THE SEA
Bantry Bay is exclusive and extremely popular, with Clifton’s worldfamous beaches on one side and bustling Sea Point on another. A bonus is that the bay is wind-free during the summer months
NESTLED between Sea Point and Clifton, the affluent suburb of Bantry Bay not only affords its residents spectacular mountain views behind and ocean vistas in front to enjoy from their multi-million rand homes, but it is one of those rare places in Cape Town that is sheltered from the infamous summer south-easter.
Primarily an end-user residential area, it was originally called Botany Bay after a botanical garden planted there for the cultivation of medicinal herbs.
The name was changed during World War I.
When it comes to location, views and convenience, Bantry Bay has it all and more, says Lance Cohen, Seeff Atlantic Seaboard luxury market specialist.
“It is one of the most sought-after suburbs of the Atlantic Seaboard, largely for its fabulous seaside location and stunning sea views.”
Although the small and exclusive suburb is mostly made up of luxury homes and apartments, along with ongoing developments, Cohen says the convenience factor cannot be over-emphasised.
On one side it is within walking distance of the fabulous Clifton beaches, while on the other there are the attractions of Sea Point with its bustling Main Road, shops, coffee shops and restaurants.
“It’s also just a short drive to Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront and the CBD,” Cohen says.
Bantry Bay is the only area where you will find apartments on the sea side of Victoria Road that directly overlook the ocean, and these can fetch considerable prices, with rates per square metre ranging from R3 000 to R100 000.
Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, says the suburb offers a desirable lifestyle and a good investment with strong capital growth.
House prices tend to range upwards of R20 million to as much as R290m – the highest price paid for a residential house was in
Bantry Bay – although there is still the odd older house below R20m.
Cohen says: “These are very few and far between, however, as buyers have been upgrading and creating