Luxury buyers shift to Hout Bay

The small enclave of Riverside Terrace in Hout Bay is home to some of the most exclusive properties on the Cape Atlantic Seaboard.

It has become popular with high net-worth buyers who are prepared to spend in the upper millions for a sought-after property here, according to Ingred Killa, an agent with Seeff Hout Bay.

Riverside Terrace occupies a unique picturesque country setting nestled along the banks of the Disa River with stunning views of Little Lion’s Head. One almost gets the sense of living on a farm, yet, she says, you are in the heart of a bustling village with excellent amenities, private school access, shopping facilities, and top restaurants and leisure attractions.

An example of the stunning properties here is 26 Riverside Terrace. It is a spectacular 2-acre property with an 800sqm lodge-style home with outbuildings, a flat and a cottage, a 20-metre swimming pool, a floodlit tennis court, and riparian rights to the river which flows through the property which has just come onto the market.

It has the best views of Little Lion’s Head with massive glass windows and doors throughout providing unobstructed views of the beautiful surroundings, while massive stacking doors open living areas to outdoor leisure spaces, the swimming pool and garden.

The property is listed at just under R25 million. Ms Killa says it offers huge potential and could serve as a stunning family home, venue, or even a guest house. It could also be an ideal second home for upcountry or international buyers. The area is also ideal for horses.

The unique thatched property features Barrydale stone from the Karoo along with tumbled travertine tiles from Europe and superior finishes throughout. A grand entrance with ancient Teak front doors lead to the double volume living area with a formal dining area and lounge with oversized chandeliers, separated by a central fireplace which leads to the adjacent informal dining and kitchen area.

The large Chef’s kitchen features a walk-in cold room, service entrance, and herb garden off the kitchen. There is also a media room B&W surround sound speakers for a true cinema experience. A control room houses the Lutron computerised lighting system and main electrical distribution board which can be controlled from your smartphone from anywhere in the world. You can even set it to automatically turn on the lights when you are nearing home.

Staircase takes you to the east and west wings. On the one side, is the spectacular main bedroom suite which opens to a terrace, with a study kitted out in custom-made Oak desks and cabinetry, his and hers dressing rooms and a large bathroom with his and hers facilities.

On the opposite wing is the second bedroom suite while the third is on the ground floor along with a walk-in linen and storage room, shelved in Cedar, and perfect for storing additional linens and veranda cushions. It also opens to a terrace.

The outbuildings include a one-bedroom flat for a housekeeper, teenager or guests, a gardener’s bathroom, laundry facility, and double garage. There is an additional separate cottage with two bedroom suites, open living and kitchen area, a spacious mezzanine area ideal for a home office or study, and a private terrace and garden with a tranquil citrus and olive tree orchard beyond.

Ms Killa says Hout Bay has become attractive not just for local buyers, but also international buyers from Germany, the UK and elsewhere who enjoy the wonderful coastal and scenic setting. The lifestyle is laidback, yet with all the amenities you could need just down the road. It is also close to the Atlantic Seaboard and Southern Suburbs along two scenic drives.

Property values in Hout Bay have been edging up over the last five years. Sales data shows that prices above R8 million is fast becoming the norm for luxury homes as well as those in estates. High-end homes can now comfortably reach prices of R18 million to R20 million-plus for exceptional homes such as this Riverside property.

It is a wonderful opportunity with huge potential. There are also two adjacent vacant plots that can be purchased to further enlarge the property, she concludes.