The close-knit community of Strand in the Western Cape enjoy warm beaches, reasonably prices property and a wide selection of amenities.
Framed by the Helderberg mountains with sunset views over False Bay, there’s a summer holiday feel to Strand even in winter, with 5km of clean, sandy beach to call its own, lined by a mixture of tall apartment buildings, trendy cafes, restaurants, and older homes. The beach is Strand’s main attraction, its warmer Indian Ocean waters safe for swimming, and it’s a watersports paradise – from surfing and kite-surfing to diving and kayaking.
With all the recent developments in the Helderberg Basin, nearby Somerset West is almost joining up with the edge of Strand, but the smaller town retains a strong sense of community and identity, with generations of the same families growing up and going to the well-regarded schools here.
For those who work further afield, it’s easy enough to commute along the N2 to Cape Town and the international airport, but many residents appreciate the fact that you don’t need to make the trip to town unless you want to. Between them, Strand and Somerset West have everything you need – from excellent medical facilities to varied shops and services, and the huge Somerset Mall having every high street store imaginable. A laid-back, outdoor lifestyle is on your doorstep in Strand. If you need a change from the beach, head to the mountains for hiking and mountain-biking, or relax with beautiful views, great food and wine at the world-class wine farms, restaurants and markets of the Helderberg and Stellenbosch. In Strand itself, kids love the waterslides at Water World Strand and the putt-putt course. For adrenaline junkies, Blue Rock towards Sir Lowry’s Pass offers cable-skiing and zip-lining. Animal lovers visit the Cheetah Outreach nearby and the Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary on the estuary of the Lourens River provides a protected habitat for water birds, which are also prolific on the adjacent Strand Golf Club course with its scenic water hazards.
The beach is awesome with lots of coffee shops, food stalls and ice cream places. There’s a lovely community in Strand and everything is within walking distance. Anything else you need is easily accessible within the Helderberg Basin, so there’s no need to travel into Cape Town unless you want to.
Carla Germishuys, resident
Things to do:
- The water slides at Water World Strand are for kids’ fun and birthday parties.
- Visit the Cheetah Outreach.
- Learn to surf at Son Surf School.
- Hike in the Helderberg mountains.
- Play paintball and laser tag at X Paintball.
- Cable-ski at Blue Rock.
- Play golf at Strand Golf Club.
Best in food:
- Ben’s on the Beach for great steaks, ribs, fish and a friendly vibe
- Casa del Sol for cocktails, tapas, light meals and great views
- De Brasserie for French and Belgian brasserie fare
- Pajamas & Jam Eatery for breakfast and a quirky coffee shop vibe
- Belgian Waffle House for waffles and pancakes
Medical facilities nearby:
- Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital
- Mediclinic Strand
- Mediclinic Vergelegen
- Cure Day Clinics Somerset West
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
