The beautiful bungalows of Clifton, on the Atlantic Seaboard, all have a story to tell. Each with their own heritage, they reveal what’s come of their existence over time. Having belonged to a family for many generations and nurtured as an OG bungalow of the seventies, or having been stripped from its old rags and adorned in new armour, they share the history of their own unique relationship with this majestic spot on the Atlantic Seaboard.
They tier themselves into the cliffs, cascading down onto the beaches that are cushioned around the shoulders of Lion’s Head. Holding fort against the tides, harnessing themselves into the slopes with a firm, possessive grip on what’s theirs to bare now, and will be to flaunt in the years to come. They harbour a place for the people who are lucky enough to frequent these shores, to build lifelong memories, that will – just like the homes -transcend the tides of time.
Set on two levels of living, dining, reclining and entertaining spaces On-The-Beach Bungalow is a beach hideaway that invigorates with its vibrancy, its vivid storytelling and its vivacious spirit.
Having been in the same family for over thirty years, On-the-Beach Bungalow has recently undergone a fabulous full facelift, all the better to exhibit its attributes of open-plan, light-encompassing, gregarious-inducing living.
Poignant pieces of art and furniture have been collected over the years, stitched into tapestries and consciously curated in a manner that keeps this unique holiday home’s story full of vigour. You’ll find your fun self-reflected in the paintings, the crockery, the cabinetry, the statement pieces of furniture, the layers of texture, the terrazzo tops and backdrops, the laidback comfort and the light that leads you all the way out to the ocean.
Wake up and smell the sea
At On-The-Beach Bungalow, you’ll’ be waking up with the waves curling and crashing incites an early morning wander on the beach, or a yoga session on the front lawn. Some might opt for a cold dip in the ocean, or water sports for the surfers, to get the blood flowing before a breakfast feasting on the deck.
You’ll witness the beach transform as the light changes and brings its sun beds and brollies to life. Whatever the weather or the season, this spot is decidedly spectacular for an authentic South African beach life experience. After a lolly or two under the brolly, you’ll retreat back to your own little seaside sanctuary and settle around the table for an afternoon game of cards. Or a light snooze. Perhaps tucking into the treats sourced from the morning’s market.
Brigitte Bardot’s sultry tones accompany the late afternoon cocktails and the witty banter that’s bouncing around the bar stools. Time for another dip, or a walk on the beach, or maybe a moment in the sauna.
Then off for a hot outdoor shower to rinse the sun-kissed skin that’s salty enough to season the fish that’ll be cooked over the braai for the evening’s meal. The candles and fairy lights are flickering with chatter, as if to communicate with the stars. Some might fancy a final venture before bed, cocooning themselves into the sofas with a classic movie. While the others head off to those heavenly bedrooms, where the soundtrack to the waves crashing and curling define the chapters of this bungalow’s story, beginning to end.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Dawn Kennedy