Area Profiles

Bakoven is an intimate suburb in Cape Town situated between the residential areas of Camps Bay and Llandudno. It's sun-baked (hence its name meaning 'baking oven'), secluded, sea-spayed and right on the water's edge, making it popular with those who prefer a little more privacy but still want access to the glamour of Camps Bay and Clifton. It is surrounded by a fynbos nature reserve and has the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles range in Table Mountain making it a sought-after suburb by locals and foreigners alike. A brief history of the area Bakoven's name is Dutch in origin and is said to have hailed from an unusually shaped rock it looks over. It dates back to the...

Situated on the slopes of Lion's Head between Sea Point and Camps Bay and overlooking some of Cape Town's best beaches, Bantry Bay in Cape Town is an exclusive suburb that delivers visual delights in spades. Spectacular sunsets, crashing waves, and protection from the wind make an ideal place in which to relax and explore Cape Town's offerings. A brief history of the area Bantry Bay was originally called Botany Bay after a botanical garden that was planted here for the cultivation of medicinal herbs. The name was changed during the First World War. The first settlement in Bantry Bay was established in 1783, alongside Clifton. The affluent suburb is overlooked by...

Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the fringe of the city centre, Bo Kaap is one of Cape Town's most historic and distinct neighbourhoods. Iconic pastel houses, cobbled steep streets and generations of Cape Malay culture; it's understandable why it's one of the most sought after suburbs to live in in Cape Town. A brief history of the area Bo-Kaap's origins date back to the 1760s when slaves were brought from Indonesia, Malaysia and other African countries to work in the Cape. Numerous small rental houses were built and leased out to the slaves. The buildings were characterised by Cape Dutch architecture - flat-roofed houses with...

Camps Bay is one of Cape Town's most breath-taking suburbs. Situated between Clifton and Llandudno beaches, and bordered by the spectacular Twelve Apostles mountain range, it's a popular summer attraction for locals and tourists who flock to the beach. Camps Bay also boasts restaurants and watering holes aplenty that line the famous sunset strip for fun that extends from sunrise and beyond sunset. A brief history of the area The first residents of Camps Bay were the San (Hunter-Gatherers) and the Goringqhaique, Khoi pastorates. Later, in the 1700s, the area was then granted to John Lodewyk Wernich and passed from father to son. Johan Wernich married Anna Koekemoer,...

Affectionately known as the 'Mother City', Cape Town lies in the arms of Table Mountain, more often than not shrouded in cloud and one of the world's most recognisable landmarks. The heart of Cape Town, her centre is one of the only major CBDs in South Africa. The eclectic mix of Cape Town's city centre is home to historically significant areas such as Oranjezicht, Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Bo Kaap and District 6. The heady mix of both cultural and natural attractions is irresistible and as such, property in the CBD is always in demand. A brief history of the area Cape Town is one of South Africa's most historically important cities. It was here, in the Mother City,...

Clifton is an exquisite seaside suburb in Cape Town, built into the slopes of Lion's Head and overlooking beautiful beaches and the blue Atlantic. Clifton is famous for its amazing beauty, with the pure white sandy beaches overlooking the glittering sea, and the stunning mountain backdrop. Victoria Road cuts through the middle of Clifton. On one side are beach cottages, with winding steps down to the pearly white beaches. On the upper side are architectural masterpiece houses and apartments built into the mountain side, with glorious views over the shimmering ocean. It is no wonder that it is one of the most expensive suburbs in South Africa. A brief history of the...

Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill and overlooking Table Bay, De Waterkant Village forms part of the suburb of Greenpoint and is one of the trendiest areas in Cape Town. Think bustling cafes that line old cobbled streets that date back to the 1700s. The houses are mostly semi detached cottages that have been tastefully renovated to preserve their facades. De Waterkant is also a cultural hub, with a variety of vibrant restaurants, art galleries, yoga and fitness studios, as well as gay clubs and bars. More recently, chic apartments have been built. De Waterkant is internationally renowned for its open-minded attitude - so is ideal if that is what draws you to a...

Situated between the historic city centre and the modern Port of Cape Town, the Cape Town Foreshore is at the forefront of development in Cape Town and a number of major corporate and financial institutions are moving here to join the ranks of the highly successful Convention Centre. It's easy access to the CBD, and V&A; Waterfront by foot makes it an attractive place to stay for business or pleasure. A brief history of the area The foreshore area of Cape Town was underwater until the 1940s. In total, 194 hectares were reclaimed on the southern and south-eastern shore of Table Bay, facing the central city, Woodstock and Paardeneiland. Of the total, 65 hectares...

Set directly on the slopes of Lion's Head, Fresnaye overlooks Sea Point to the north and Bantry Bay to the south-west. The panoramic views from the heights of Fresnaye are magnificent, giving residents sweeping scenes of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Bay and Robben Island. It is an affluent suburb with some of the most luxurious and expensive properties available in the Cape Town area, popular with tourists and locals alike. A brief history of the area Fresnaye was originally an Estate of 200 acres, acquired in the early 1800s, and belonging to Ryk Le Sueur, a barrister, and French aristocrat from Bayeux in Normandy and descendant of the French Huguenots. The original...

Gardens is an inner-city suburb of Cape Town located just to the south of the city centre located in the higher elevations of the "City Bowl" and directly beneath Table Mountain and Lion's Head. It is populated mostly by young professionals and contains numerous chic restaurants, hotels, boutique shops and loft apartments. The suburb is also a hub for the Cape Town creative industry, and is also home to the world-famous five-star Mount Nelson Hotel. A brief history of the area Named after the Company Gardens or Dutch East India Company Gardens, this suburb has a heritage that dates to the earliest permanent settlements in the Cape when it was used as a fresh food...