Silhouette is one of those places in Cape Town, that lives up to all of your expectations. It’s just you and your chosen travelling companion, exploring one of the most vibrant areas of the Mother City, ensconced in the character and charm of De Waterkant.
It could also be just you, as a solo traveller, out on an adventure. Earnestly resetting the internal clocks that have been yearning for those African skies. To marvel at the mountain, the urban landscape and the ocean.
To be inspired in your moments of stillness, and in motion. Whatever your motive for travel, whether it’s just you, or you and yours, this beautiful hideaway reaffirms the sentiment that great things come in small packages.
Set across three levels of living, dining, entertaining and reclining, Silhouette might be cosy with its spaces, but it’s incredibly generous with its views. The entrance level cocoons you away from the neighbourhood clatter, with its heavenly ensuite bedroom.
A four-poster bed and ample space to dance in the light that floods through the sliding windows and shutters. Upstairs to the hub of the home where the dining and lounging and newspaper reading around the table ensues. A Juliet balcony opening out to those magnificent views.
A fully-equipped kitchen (everything in this home is so well considered) makes meal time the most engaging. Slicing and dicing while the gentle wind wafts through the open-plan spaces, carrying the music of the city with it. You could be in one of the most invigorating European cities, but you’re in Cape Town. Absorbing that effervescent energy that it’s revered for.
A symphony of light and white
Especially when you climb the stairs to the roof terrace. Fully-decked and equipped with loungers and an outdoor braai. A lovely table to sit at for those al fresco meals. An outdoor shower should you need to rinse off the garlic butter splashes from your feasting.
And more sensational views across the area. The Silo in sight, the mountain, the harbour, the ocean, the other mountains in the distance. Sweeping views that remind you of where you are, and why you’ve ventured here.
As lovely and peaceful as it is to hibernate in this hideaway, when you do go off to stock up on supplies, almost all you need is within easy walking distance. A wonderful breakfast at The Village Cafe just down the road that you have to visit at least once, especially for the homemade carrot cake.
The V&A Waterfront is under a 10-minute walk from the townhouse. All of the essential grocery stores, delicatessens, buzzy cafés and casual eateries are under a 5-minute walk. Mano’s on the main road in Green Point is an easy amble down the lanes for a casual dinner when you want to be out and about, embracing the charisma of Cape Town.
Sea Point promenade and the Mouille Point Lighthouse are also within walking distance should you want to watch the sun set from a different spot. The beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay are no more than a 15-minute drive. And then of course the city centre itself – just around the corner, for the art, the retail, the fine-dining restaurants and quirky cocktail bars. Silhouette ensures you’re in the mix of it all, as much as you choose to be.
Dipping in and out of the action, surrounded by the charming residents and endearing community of De Waterkant. Always having the most tranquil nest to retreat to, when the feet call for rest. When the eyes want those views, the legs want the loungers, the sofas and that comfy bed. When the appetites want a home-cooked meal, and the heart wants to feel at home.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie