LIFE IS A LONG BEACH

Noordhoek offers its residents a strong sense of community in beautiful settings, a famous shipwreck, and a country lifestyle without having to travel too far for what’s on in the city

WHEN you approach Noordhoek over Chapman’s Peak or Ou Kaapse Weg, upon arrival you’ll be rewarded with the vista of its wide beach of soft white sand and turquoise ocean.

Coming from Scarborough or along the False Bay coast from Fish Hoek, you won’t have that elevated view, but those drives are rewards.

Easily accessible from Hout Bay and the southern suburbs, close to Kalk Bay, St James and other popular seaside attractions in False Bay, and little more than 40 minutes’ drive from the city centre, Noordhoek offers residents Table Mountain National Park at its back, and a “country” lifestyle not too far removed from urban necessities.

The wreck of the Kakapo, which ran aground during one of the Cape’s notorious storms in 1900, is a landmark. Local legend has it that Captain Niels Peter Fischer Nicolayson refused to leave the ship. It’s alleged he lived on board the Kakapo for three years before being removed and sent to an asylum.

Food and wine writer Malu Lambert and her husband James Copeland, a rum distiller, have lived in Noordhoek for nearly four years. They have a five-year-old son, Elliott, and another boy on the way.

“I love the sense of community. Everyone gathers at the Farm Village, beach or common. You really get to know people. It’s heaven for children and there’s a sense of environmental responsibility here, from mandatory recycling to bans on plastic straws,” says Lambert.

Shelly Keys, Pam Golding Properties area manager for the South Peninsula, says people are drawn to the village vibe and strong sense of community.

“Although only a short drive from Cape Town, the valley offers a sense of tranquillity that appeals to buyers wanting to escape the freneticism of urban living without sacrificing the convenience of living near the city.”

Lilian Bron, Pam Golding Properties agent for Noordhoek, says the area offers a range of rural lifestyle properties and modern estate living on smaller stands.

“Larger plots afford a sense of space, with mountain or sea views. Almost 88% of properties are free-

Properties overlooking Noordhoek Beach. Lightstone Property Data shows the median price of property in Noordhoek has increased by 66.5% over the past five years to R4.1m. PICTURE: HENK KRUGER/ ANA