Regarded as one of the most enviable stretches of sand and surf in Cape Town, between the pockets of Bantry Bay and Camps Bay, the gilt-edged cliffs of Clifton, cascade down into perfect little coves that cocoon the shoreline. Clusters of beautiful beach bungalows meet each other and disperse down narrow, winding pathways that branch out like a maze at a miniature wonderland. Tucked away at the end of the very last lane, immediately upon Clifton 3rd Beach, The White House opens its pristine white doors and beckons you in to an oasis of purity, serenity and humility. Bold as the statement might appear on arrival, the crisp white canvas is a humble sentiment of recognition, of all that’s going on around it. It implores you to drape the colours of your vivacious holiday self – that’s already getting very excited about the breathtaking view of the ocean – against its gentle backdrop.
Set on one level of open-plan beach bungalow living, this hideaway is all about the subtle spaces that lure you in with their comfort and let the views, the light and the sounds of the seaside surroundings entertain you. The fully-equipped kitchen opens out to the laid-back living space with its soft linen sofas, sexy gas fireplace and long glass trestle table with its ghost dining chairs. White and gold tribal art and sculptures sit high up on the rafters that are flanked by signature pieces by Richard Scott. Down the corridor to two capacious bedrooms and adjoining bathrooms, walk-in closets and a private, secluded bathtub that sits beneath an old indigenous tree, separated only by glass. An extra little cosy nook up a hefty wooden ladder hides itself in the attic for that extra guest. French wooden shutters and fold-away glass doors open out onto the boundless deck, with its private outdoor shower and perfectly blue plunge pool that calmly trickles water from its fountain. It’s easy to mimic the action of the beach-goers below – only without the sand – as you recline on the sun loungers that lie beneath the palms, listening to the waves as they relentlessly rise and fall all day long.
Just before the evening sets in, it’s time to dust those toes with the sand once more, and stroll along the shoreline as the tide moves with the rising moon. Thankfully there’s a foot shower at the front gate to rinse off the toes when you return. As the sun begins to set and the colours in the sky are staining the remnants of the waves in the sand, you’re settled on the deck, overlooking the catch of the day on the gas braai, from the comfort of the bar, witnessing your vivacious self bring some more colour to the night.
What we love!
- You couldn’t get closer to the beach – with the deck hovering over the sands, you have direct access to all of the fun seaside antics from the privacy and seclusion of the bungalow.
- The delightful bathtub in the main en suite that sits beneath the branches of the old tree.
- Early morning outdoor showers with a view of the sun rising above Lion’s Head.
- The kitchen is stocked with all of the great appliances like a NutriBullet and Nespresso machine that certainly adds to the pleasure of your stay.
- Watsonias and long grasses are potted into the outside white walls that border the property, adding a subtle division of foliage that envelopes the property from the public.
- Making new friends with the regular swimmers and picnickers. People watching is considered a cathartic past-time.
- Enjoying sundowners from the comfort of your very own beach bar, that stretches down the side of the deck, overlooking the beach and beyond.
What you need to know…
- There are a number of stairs to climb down to and back up from the property that certainly raise the intrigue of the destination, as well as the heart rates. It’s good for you!
- The property is ideal for small, intimate groups of travellers – or small families – with its two main bedrooms and single nook upstairs.
- The residential area of Clifton is home to some lovely residents, who cherish the calm, tranquil sounds coming from the sea. Please respect the wishes of the neighbours and keep your noise levels down, so as not to disturb the peace and nature.
- Camps Bay is only a 5-minute drive away from the bungalow, where a popular strip of cafés, bars, restaurants, boutiques, supermarkets and ice-cream shops are buzzing all day long.
- Please note that White House in Clifton is situated on the beach and in order to get there is via long winding steps. Going down is easy, a good level of fitness is required when walking up
