Daniel and Matthew Beatty grew up surfing the white waters of Kommetjie on the Southern Peninsula – and what a great place to grow up. Perhaps the last of the south peninsula villages to retain its sleepy surfer vibe, Kommetjie kids still have the privilege of growing up semi-feral – disappearing at dawn with surfboards under their arms, or trundling across town on skateboards, sun-bleached hair blowing in the breeze. It’s an idyllic, chillsome atmosphere, and White Waters is the perfect beach house in which to absorb it.
Now a respected architect, Matthew Beatty designed the house for his currently China-based brother Daniel and sister-in-law Dominique, and together they have produced a contemporary beach house, with an airy, uncluttered atmosphere. It’s aptly named for the seven surf spots you can see from the upper level – almost entirely wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass, with a generous deck that runs the length of the living space, the rolling breakers carry ant-like surfers, the entire horizon dwarfed by the looming majesty of Chapman’s Peak as it curves its way towards Hout Bay’s Sentinel. The master bedroom, also on the upper level, enjoys the same glorious views, with the adjacent fynbos greenbelt seen from the en-suite bathroom.
White Waters is a one-minute stroll away from Long Beach – the only house between you and the beach is a low-slung timber bungalow that the Beatty brothers grew up in. Downstairs comprises two bedrooms, a bathroom and TV lounge with two single sofa-beds – all have large sliding doors opening onto the deck with pool; no unobstructed views from here, but even with the doors closed you are close enough to hear the ever-present lullaby of the ocean.
Finishes are all top quality, and the Beatty attention to detail extends to their excellent guest book – in it you’ll find tips on everything you need to know, from whom to call to deliver locally-made wines, to where to dine and – of course – where to surf, whether you’re a complete beginner, or ready to tackle some of the most challenging waves off the Cape coast.