CAPE TOWN: Our insider's guide to Clovelly

Published Dec 2, 2019

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There’s so much to do. You have the nature reserve literally on your doorstep, the Clovelly Golf Club is around the corner and you can be on the beach in minutes.

Fish Hoek has a cornucopia of restaurants and quaint eateries to whet the most jaded palate. In season, Fish Hoek is great for whale watching. Awalk along the beach can invigorate the soul.

Most homes come with stunning views, looking either towards the Noordhoek Valley, Fish Hoek Valley, or Fish Hoek, Clovelly Beach and across False Bay.

Resident Barbara Johnston-Read divides her time between Britain and Clovelly, as do many of the local property owners in the suburb.

“As you can imagine Clovelly is a tight-knit community. Most have lived here for years. There’s great interaction among neighbours.”

Lightstone statistics indicate property owners are almost exclusively aged 36 and older.

“There’s so much to do. You hae the nature reserve literally on your doorstep, the Clovelly Country Club is around the corner and you can be on the beach in minutes.

A shark warning flag at Clovelly Beach near Fish Hoek. Picture: African News Agency(ANA) Archives

“Fish Hoek has a cornucopia of restaurants and quaint eateries to whet the most jaded palate. In season, Fish Hoek is also great for whale watching, while a walk along them beach can invigorate the soul.”

Johnston-Read emphasises the vigilance and effectiveness of the Neighbourhood Watch, which has created a safe environment.

Clovelly is home to one of the finest golf clubs in the Peninsula. Officially opened in 1934 as an 18-hole course, it has probably become best-known for its commitment to an open-member policy. The scenic surrounds also make it an ideal wedding venue.

Clovelly comprises exclusively freehold homes. According to Lightstone, there are no sectional title developments.

Clovelly’s hillside properties usually have glorious views of False Bay. Picture: Leon Lestrade/African News Agency (ANA)

“The geographic characteristics of Clovelly mean there are no tracts suitable for large- scale developments,” says Simon Weston, principal at Rawson Properties Ou Kaap.

“Projects have comprised medium-sized plots with four or six homes, creating mini-estates.” But, he says, “there are still a few plots with dream views which could be used for new homes”.

There have been four sales during the past 12 months, averaging R3.5million. Prices do reach R6.5m in some instances, and vacant land changes hands for about R950000.

“There is a vibrant rental market in the area. A number of properties include flatlets or cottages which owners lease out. These normally bring in R7000 to R10000 a month, depending on facilities,” says Weston.

“Family homes range anywhere between R15000 and R25000 a month. Proximity to the golf club and beach views are important drivers of price.”

While sales have tapered because of the nationwide economic frailties, prices have steadily increased after a slump in 2016.

“A safe and picturesque environment, an involved and proactive community, and abundant amenities of almost every kind all combine to make Clovelly an ideal post for those looking to escape the hurly burly of city life. At the same time, you are a relatively short drive from the CBD,” says Weston.

Barbara Johnston-Read’s favourite things to do

There’s so much to do. You have the nature reserve literally on your doorstep, the Clovelly Golf Club is around the corner and you can be on the beach in minutes. Fish Hoek has a cornucopia of restaurants and quaint eateries to whet the most jaded palate. In season, Fish Hoek is great for whale watching. A walk along the beach can invigorate the soul. - Barbara Johnston-Read and Nigl Read, residents

Picture: Supplied

1 Outdoors

Clovelly encourages an outdoor lifestyle. The Park Run every Saturday at 8am from the Fish Hoek Sports Club is a great way to get your weekend off to a healthy start. It’s free, but bring a copy of your barcode ID to record official times. There’s an array of walking, hiking and bird-watching groups, perfect for novices unsure of the routes.

2 Eat

Fish and chips at Fish Hoek Fisheries, an old-fashioned take-away; 021 782 2314. Bhandaris serves authentic Indian fare with a 30% discount for those over 60; 021 782 1525.

3 Drink

The Clovelly Country Club balcony is a firm favourite. It is open to the public and on Fridays there’s a lucky draw. Their food is worth a try; 021 784 2111.

The Clovelly Country Club has raised some ire because of its noisy peacocks. Picture: Supplied

4 Shopping

Nearby Kalk Bay is alive with quaint shops. You can get anything from antiques to beach wear and everything in between. If you’re into retail there will be something to tickle your fancy. Longbeach and Sun Valley malls are a short drive away for more everyday shopping

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