Originally a traditional False Bay fishing village, Kalkbay has over decades also become home to surfers, artists, musicians and ‘foodies’. Today it offers residents a place of distinguished character, one where a rich cultural heritage remains the essence of its existence.
Possibly best known as the stop after St James on the False Bay line, just before passing Clovelley toward Fish Hoek, Kalkbay has many residents who are daily commuters ‘up the line’ who travel to the city and educational institutions in the southern suburbs. Locals say to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle in this historic setting among an eclectic mix of artistic and cultural influences, is what lured them to either rent property here, or to invest their lifesavings in securing a piece of prime property.
This village with its own harbour and beach, and original fisherman’s cottages steeped on the mountainside, is where the descendents of erstwhile residents still earn their daily keep from deep sea fishing, while remembering those of a bygone era who had little choice but to work at the local whale station. Further along the Kalkbay mountainside, that also makes for entertaining hiking and caving, is where beautiful homes were built by the bourgeois community, who recognized its ideal positioning from where to enjoy breathtaking views across the False Bay Coast toward Gordon’s Bay and Hangklip.
Moderate weather conditions make it possible for locals and visitors alike to enjoy browsing the reputable coffee houses with mouthwatering patisseries, or simply laze around beaches and tidal pools, such as Dalebrook and nearby St James. For those in need of an alternative retail experience, it offers a broad selection of choice antiques, books and clothing boutiques. Today, Kalkbay is a trendy place to live and play, and is popular with visitors from upcountry and locals who show an appreciation for good art, music, theatre and superb food from a number of excellent seaside restaurants.
As this area is of prime real estate nature with a high entry level, its rental offerings provide the ideal solution to those unable to invest but wanting to enjoy the lifestyle. And to the surprise of many, this little village also caters for young families with children, as it has two primary schools, with another close by option in the neighbouring village of St James.
In terms of property values, Lightstone shows KalkBay to hold a majority of 59% freehold properties, as well as 60% of its residents to have lived there for at least 11 years. Average freehold property prices here reached its highest level in 2010 of R R4 390 million, while sectional scheme average prices are currently at R2 575 million. Reasonable growth in sectional sheme prices is illustrated in the price of a 65m2 north facing bachelor apartment with sea views of R2.2 million. And because of the scarcity of vacant land in this tiny suburb, a sea facing plot measuring 2036m2 is currently priced to sell for R2.2 million, while three bedroom homes or townhouses can be purchased for around R5 million.
Its clear that the village of Kalkbay is where longterm investments are made to live on in the legacies of many families.