Outstanding beaches, epic views and an appealing outdoor lifestyle are just some of the reasons for this area’s popularity.
If the Western Seaboard lifestyle were summed up on a postcard, it would show a view of Table Mountain from across the bay with colourful kites zipping across the waves, runners and dog-walkers in the foreground and maybe a retro food truck or two on the long beachfront.
Those classic views of the mountain can be seen from Milnerton through to Bloubergstrand, Big Bay and even the other side of the R27 coastal road in Table View and Sunningdale.
There’s more open water to reflect the view at Rietvlei, a wetland reserve full of a variety of birds from flamingos to pelicans, and where the Milnerton Aquatic Club adds windsurfing, canoeing and sailing to the water sports menu. This open-air, water-based lifestyle is what attracts many people to the area.
“I love kiting and surfing. Bloubergstrand and the surrounding area offer this in abundance,” says Roland Kugelmann, director, The Sir David Boutique Guest House. “In fact, Bloubergstrand is known worldwide as a fantastic kiting destination. I’m also an avid golfer and enjoy playing at Atlantic Beach, which offers the best links course.”
Golfers also have the option of the scenic Milnerton Golf Club sandwiched between the beach and Diep River, with abundant birdlife and amazing views. If you’re not a golfer or a kite surfer, there’s plenty to enjoy in the local lifestyle.
“I love the West Coast feel and way of life, the beach walks, open spaces and restaurants with amazing views,” says Tina Slater, Froggies School Shoes, who came to Milnerton 10 years ago and recently moved to a house closer to the beach in Bloubergstrand. “There’s no heavy traffic like in town and the MyCiTi bus can get you anywhere. Coming from Vredehoek, we were able to get a larger family home with a big garden. The value for money is much better.”
The food scene here is like the lifestyle: casual, friendly and focused on the view. From the laid-back sundowner spots on Woodbridge Island or at the popular Blue Peter Hotel, to the cluster of trendy cafes around Marine Circle, including Melissa’s, FrozenYo, Trecastelli, PRIMI Piatti, Carlucci’s and hidden gems like The Fue (which has recently reopened after a winter break), you can make the 5km walk along the beach last all day with food stops along the way. There’s also Petit Fours at Bloubergstrand and the Big Bay strip of eateries for post-surf relaxation.
As the population has grown with the addition of the newer suburbs of Sunningdale and Parklands and developments around Big Bay, infrastructure has kept pace. Families are well served by a choice of schools, from well-regarded public schools and prestigious private schools, the Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital and Mediclinic Milnerton, and a retail offering that ranges from a host of small businesses to the chain stores in Bayside Mall and the various small neighbourhood malls. A huge new mall is due to open in Sunningdale soon amid much anticipation from locals.
However, it’s the active beach lifestyle, the sea air, ocean mists, sunsets and endless views that make living in the Western Seaboard magical.
I love the lifestyle. The natural beauty, wide open space and the many surfing opportunities from Table View to Melkbos. I also think it is an unpretentious part of the city, something else that makes it great to live here
-Roland Kugelmann, The Sir David Boutique Guest House.
Eating out in the Western Seaboard
- Homespun by Matt: for tasty, eclectic, modern food
- The Indian Chapter: for authentic Indian cuisine
- On the Rocks: for fantastic seafood
- Catch 22: for everything from steak and seafood, to vegetarian dishes
- Ons Huisie: for great South African meals
- Wang Thai: for flavoursome Thai food
- The Blue Peter Hotel: for a laidback atmosphere
- PRIMI Piatti: for delicious Italian-inspired meals
- Jerry’s: for some of the best burgers in town
Things to do in the Western Seaboard
- Go kitesurfing.
- Enjoy long walks on the beach.
- Play golf at Atlantic Beach or Milnerton Golf clubs.
- Go bird-watching at Rietvlei Nature Reserve
- Take the family to Kleinbaai to swim in the rock pools.
Where to stay in the Western Seaboard
- Dolphin Beach Hotel
- Beachfront Penthouse
- Aquarius Luxury Suites
- 18 on Coral
- 105/1003 Horizon Bay
- Cape Town Seaview Villas
- Big Bay Beach Club
- Blouberg Manor Boutique Hotel
- The Sir David Boutique Guest House
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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