Nestled in a private and peaceful cove, Llandudno is one of Cape Town's most exclusive and unique residential areas.
About the area
The Atlantic coastline below the Twelve Apostles mountain range is dramatic, strewn with rounded boulders and small coves, untamed nature at its wildest. Tucked into a secluded bay around a sandy beach, about a 10-minute drive from Camp’s Bay, Llandudno feels about as away from it all as you can get, while still being within easy reach of the city. It’s a small community with only 300 properties and no shops or commercial activities, but it has its own primary school, a sports club for tennis and squash and a life-saving club, as well as 24-hour security patrols.
Most residents in this upmarket suburb are here for the peace and quiet, the joy of nature on their doorsteps, from dolphins, seals and whales in the bay to the birdlife in the surrounding fynbos. Families enjoy the close-knit community feel, with those choosing the primary school in the village walking their kids to school and taking part in sports days on the beach. Others drive to schools in Camp’s Bay or Hout Bay, which is only five minutes away and the closest place for shopping, restaurants and everyday essential services.
The Blue Flag beach is better suited to surfing than swimming and is always popular with locals and visitors for its beauty, with huge boulders to explore, and sunbathing and beach sports on offer. The more adventurous can hike to Sandy Bay, accessible only on foot, best in groups as it’s an isolated spot. There’s plenty of social life within the community. “Our quaint life-saving hut holds parties for all the youngsters plus the oldies,” says Brenda Du Preez, resident. “It’s fantastic as it’s in walking distance from our houses, so no fetching and collecting.” And in summer there are informal gatherings on the beach to catch up with neighbours and soak up the spectacular sunsets over sundowners with friends.
What attracted me from the very beginning about Llandudno is the close-knit family feel of the community. Family and friends walk the streets, teaching youngsters to ride bikes and skate. The children walk to school and back, with their dogs and moms, and there are sports days on the beach in the lovely clean, fresh air.
~ Brenda Du Preez, resident.
Best in food:
Kitima Restaurant: for Asian fusion fine food
Chapmans Peak Hotel: for seafood
The Leopard Bar at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa: for special sundowners
Cheyne’s: for creative Asian tapas
Massimo’s: for the best pizza
Things to do:
Play squash and tennis at the sports club.
Enjoy sundowners on the beach
Hike along the coastal path to Sandy Bay.
-Go scuba diving off Oudekraal Beach to explore Justin’s Caves.
- Surf when the southeaster blows.
Top schools nearby:
Llandudno Primary School
Camps Bay Preparatory School
Hout Bay International School
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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