With its charming community of laidback surf and nature lovers, urban farmers, brewers, bakers and small business-makers the lifestyle inspires the intrepid wanderer in all of us. Where the proximity to the city is as enticing as its remoteness. The long stretch of dreamy shoreline flanked by craggy green mountains, where bona fide beach bungalows disperse themselves around the hilltops and down winding lanes. Old farmhouses with their paddocks and stables scatter around the village centre, the rolling vineyards, the giant oak trees and ancient milkwoods. It’s a special spot on the majestic Cape peninsula route, that harbours a heritage stoic enough to withstand time. It nurtures all that exists and embraces all that arrives. Including the flocks of transient travellers, seeking a seaside hamlet from which to pivot. Noordhoek has it all, in abundance, at a very slow and steady African pace.
Settled down one of the old farm lanes, no more than a five-minute walk from the endless stretch of glorious, scarcely populated beach, tucked into the natural fynbos of the SANParks Nature Reserve, resting beneath the ancient milkwood trees, Pinebeach discreetly peeps out of the verdant landscape, looking up towards the mountains and all the way out to sea. Set on two voluminous levels of polished white and exposed stone walls, tall glass industrial doors and windows, comfy, laidback furnishings and quirky African statements of art, sculpture and design are held together gracefully by the integrity of the architecture. Six spacious ensuite bedrooms dart themselves down long, flowing corridors that rest above the helm of the home where the open-plan kitchen, living, entertaining and dining space opens out onto a shaded verandah overlooking the beautiful garden and swimming pool. The layers of texture and use of natural materials all blend in harmoniously with the property’s environment allowing the natural light and spectacular views of the landscape to encompass every space.
Seaside idyll
Each day will unravel as you so choose at Pinebeach. A gentle amble down to the beach for a brave morning dip in the ocean and a leisurely stroll along the shoreline before heading back to the long table for breakfast. A delicious coffee first, from the cluster of eateries and cafés cushioned into the milkwood forest that sits directly opposite the property. Some might like to take to the mountain trails by bike or foot, whilst others might prefer to laze around the pool on the loungers, listening to the birds and the waves in the distance as you dive deep into that novel. Perhaps a surf or a little recce around the neighbouring seaside villages, visiting the markets and tapping into all that’s lovely and local around the peninsula. You’ll return to the tranquil oasis for some afternoon games and a fabulous feasting from the braai on the verandah. Some sport spectating in the TV room or some more swimming. As the day bids adieu and the colours of the mountains, the ocean and the skies transform with the changing light, the fire pit comes to life as does the storytelling. You and your clan are gathered beneath the stars, ensconced in nature, with a lot of happy tales to tell. About the village you’ve fallen in love with, the new friends you’ve made, the trails you’ve explored and the life you’ve chosen to live for the foreseeable future, on African soil.