For the owners of Pinebeach, discovering the alluring little Southern Peninsula village of Noordhoek, revealed a picture-perfect ticket into life on African soil. 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 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.
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.
What we love!
- Chapman’s Peak drive is magnificent and unique. Navigating your way to the property is as much a part of the holiday experience for its sublime beauty, carving your way around the curves of the mountain, towering above the ocean. The house is perfectly positioned just a stone’s throw from access to these beautiful roads and mountain trails.
- Pinebeach is contemporary in its bones but holds a humble, laidback atmosphere in its soul.
- Snoozing on the verandah in the afternoon, catching the light that manages to traverse its way around the property all day long, warming up and providing a cool respite in all of the lovely different nooks.
- Waking up in the main ensuite that overlooks the green tops of the trees, leading you all the way out to the ocean.
- The gardens are spectacularly peaceful and tranquil with its ancient milkwoods, fig trees, bougainvillea, creeping vines and spacious lush lawns.
What you need to know…
- There are a wealth of great mountain biking trails to explore either in the morning or late afternoon. Chapman’s Peak road is magnificent in the late afternoon with its changing colours and wonderful views of the ocean at sunset.
- Silvermine’s hiking trails are on the doorstep. Just a gentle climb up the beach trails to the road behind and into the mountain for some incredible views and lovely sunset spots.
- Cape Town’s city centre is no more than a 45-minute drive away, along one of the most scenic routes in the world.
- Noordhoek Village is only a 5-minute drive away from the property where Chef Franck Dangereux’s Foodbarn Restaurant is, together with coffee roasters, decadent ice-cream makers, a pub and a playground, a delicatessen, souvenir shops and a yoga studio too.
- For a pint or two of a delicious craft beer, Aegir Brewery is across the road from the property where the fabulous Italian eatery, Limoncello also sits, beneath the milkwoods.
- All major supermarkets and large convenience stores are located at the Long Beach Shopping Mall – a 15-minute drive from the property.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
