Cape Town is surrounded by beautiful beaches with white sand and dramatic mountain backdrops, offering a perfect beach holiday. However, in your search for a self-catering beach house in Cape Town, you may find that there are actually not that many areas in Cape Town where you can rent a holiday house right on the beach.

This is what makes the sea-side village Kommetjie, situated on the Atlantic Seaboard towards Cape Point, extremely popular. There are ample beach villas for rent in this quaint village some 40km outside Cape Town City. Those who rent a beach house in Kommetjie, tend to book immediately for their next holiday, and come back each year, again and again.

Over the December holidays, if you want to rent a beach holiday house in Kommetjie, you will need to book well in advance, as the best properties are usually booked up at least one year in advance.

Contact us for more information on beach villas or to make a reservation. E-mail: info@holidaylets.co.za. Some of our favourite beach houses to rent near Cape Town:

Beach Haven  - Secure luxury beach villa on Kommetjie beach – prime beach location,      4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.  Rate indication: From R3500-R6500 per night.         website

Gold Villa -  Beach villa on Kommetjie beach – in security estate.  4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.  Rate indication: From R3500 -R5500 per night.         website

WhaleStone House  -  Modern beach villa with direct access to path to Kommetjie beach – in security estate.  4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.  Rate indication:  From R3500 -R5000 per night.

Beach Scene -  Unpretentious beach house on Kommetjie beach - extra large pool.           3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.  Rate indication: From R4000 -R4500 per night.

Beach Sands  - Beach cottage on Kommetjie beach with plunge pool. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.  Rate indication: From R3500 -R4000 per night.

Sunset Beach Villa  - Beach house, one row from the beach, gate with direct access to Kommetjie beach. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms.  Rate indication: From R3500 -R6500 per night.

Whale Way Cottage -  Beach cottage with direct access to path to Kommetjie beach. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.  Rate indication: From R3500 -R4500 per night

Blue Bay Villa - Beach villa with gate with direct access Kommetjie beach.   4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.  Rate indication: From R3500 -R4500 per night

Point Villa - Beach villa on Kommetjie beach with garden and pool.  4 bedrooms.  Rate indication: From R5000 per night, December holidays only.

Villa de Kom - Beach villa right at the Kom, Kommetjie’s tidel pool.  Offering 3 double bedrooms plus 1 single bedroom.  Lovely garden and pool. Rate indication: From R5000 per night, December holidays only.

Noordhoek Beach House - Trendy beach house on the dunes of Noordhoek,  6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.  Rate indication: From R7500 -R9500 per night

Jeanne’s Beach House - Luxury beach house on the dunes of Noordhoek, exquisite beach style interior, 2 double bedrooms and 2 single children rooms, 3 bathrooms. Rate indication: From R7500 -R8500 per night

The Zen House – Unique  house on the dunes of Noordhoek, exquisite sea views, with trendy interior, 2 double futon bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Rate indication: From R8500 -R9500 per night. Conditions apply. Contact us for more information.

Each year thousands of tourists pass through this tiny village as they flock to Cape Point along the Atlantic Ocean; little do they know that beyond the main road lies one of the most beautiful beaches of the Cape Peninsula.

This charming sea-side village lends its name from the small English fishing port, North of Yorkshire. I once read that the word ‘Scarborough’ means ‘the last village on the edge of the world’. Searching for the reference for this article I was unable to verify this, but true or not true – it’s a wonderful, poetic way to describe this idyllic village. Scarborough is the last village on the tip of the South Peninsula, just before Cape Point, bordering the Cape of Good Hope Nature reserve. It also happens to be the most south-western village of the entire African Continent.

Metaphorically speaking, Scarborough is the last remaining remote, civilized village in the western developed world; a place where residents are in tune with nature and live a healthy, spiritual, community-based lifestyle in a dreamy setting. Here, the weather and the waves dictate the day and the sense of time is simply lost.

Sure, there are many villages in South Africa of similar nature. However, it’s the inspiring people in the village, their stories and philosophies on life, which makes this quaint village truly unique. The close proximity to Cape Town (a mere 50 minute drive) and all the essential amenities at hand in the equally enchanting neighbouring villages makes it more feasible for locals to sustain the easy-going lifestyle the setting provokes.

Scarborough is officially a Conservation Village and one of the few places left in the Cape where nature is consciously preserved by its residents, who care so much for their environment that they have successfully prevented any commercial developments. There is only one restaurant in the village – which has been there for some thirty years. The down-to-earth interior and laid back vibe makes one feel that it is unchanged since then. Otherwise there is one tiny tuck shop, called Mickey’s Mouse trap, providing essential supplies. Doris, the 82 year old shop attendant, despite her age, is still agile enough to jump over the counter to chase away baboons, which form an integral part of life in Scarborough.

Due to the small size of the village, all residents or holiday makers can easily walk to the beach from any house in the village. There are around one thousand plots in Scarborough and only half of the homes are occupied permanently. Most streets are dirt roads winding up the hill with quaint houses and rustic holiday shacks, which seem randomly scattered around and about. There are no street lights, in order to admire the starry nights to the fullest extent. The houses have astonishing views in every direction and lush green indigenous gardens, in which many locals grow their own organic produce with vegetable and herb gardens.

The azure blue ocean provides wonderful fish and crayfish, which in season, locals catch daily themselves (by boat, rod or the ‘good ole’ spear). They often share their catch of the day among neighbouring friends at a social gathering in form of a braai, under the shades of moonlight and stars. As the evening sets, one can enjoy the incredible sunsets and watch the hawks catch their prey as the moon rises above the mountain.

Scarborough offers the perfect scene for an incomparable healthy outdoor lifestyle.

Scarborough attracts young, educated, self-employed families seeking to be away from the hustle and bustle of the popular Cape coastline and the city madness. A place where their children can grow up as mother earth intended. A free-spirited life, close to nature, healthy fresh sea-air, in a peaceful and secure haven, surrounded by mountains and unspoilt beaches.

The residents each have their own intriguing life story, some still soul searching for the meaning of life whereas others have found it right there. The locals are an interesting mix – from big wave surfers, dreadlock families, artists and writers – to retired sea captains and mountaineers. One of the residents was part of the Mount Everest expedition in 1996 which turned into a disaster where eight climbers were killed by a storm. Several novels were published about this horrific incident, one of which was adapted into a TV movie.

A great example is a couple who live their ultimate dream in Scarborough: Pierre and Osnat. Pierre loves waves and can ride them all – no matter the size. He has been shaping surfboards for a living for thirty years and has built an incredible reputation in the surfer’s world, his customers respect his lifestyle and are prepared to wait for their board if the swell is good… His wife Osnat is a wonderful artist, her artwork is inspired by nature and her beautiful surroundings. What makes their story truly romantic is that she paints the most stunning art on his surfboards. What a unique way to live your life.

Left: surfboard ‘Susie’ was a commissioned wedding gift. right: Osnat and her artwork.

The most fascinating home in the area is undoubtedly the well-kitted cave above the village, where currently a gentleman resides, whom locals affectionately refer to as ‘the Scarborough sage’. The cave was previously occupied by the legendary ‘Mountain Mike’, who led an unimaginable reclusive life for years in this euphoric setting, with views to die for, over valleys and mountain tops.

Scarborough may be small, but don’t be fooled, there’s plenty to keep a visitor busy. The beach is perfectly suited for romantic sunset walks, body boarding, surfing, wind- and kite surfing and reef spots galore to throw out a fishing line.

During peak holiday times the village comes alive with visitors and locals stay home too, as they agree there is simply nowhere better to go.  Filled with a wonderful energy, Scarborough is great for anybody who loves the outdoors, the beach and mountain walks. There are ample stunning picnic spots and gorgeous hikes up the mountain or in the reserve. As the village boarders a nature reserve, there are often sightings of buck, ostriches, birds and other wild life.

During whale season, the Southern Right Whale can be spotted and and occasionally dolphins too.

From the village there is a path up the mountain, a fair hike passing exquisite scenery of blooming fynbos and magical landscapes, taking you to the ‘Klein Plaas Dam’ on top of the mountain. This reservoir is a wonderland in its own right, where the white washed boulders and unusual rock formations could easily let you believe you have just landed on another planet. Or in heaven…

Either way, the same sentiment goes for the village, which is very close to our heart.

We’d like share the most profound poem with you, in memory of the famous songwriter and music publisher Hal Shaper, who owned a holiday house in Scarborough. Hal passed away at the age of 72 in 2004 and is fondly remembered by the locals.

Not only did he get the village, he also made sense of what life should be about and he knew how to express it into words… which would inspire anyone to re-think their own life.

No wonder Hal was invited to write lyrics for celebrities; he tailored his work for stars such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Barbra Streisand and also produced hits for no-one less than the Beatles. He fostered the careers of performers like the Moody Blues and David Bowie.

His first hit that made it big was ‘Softly, As I Leave You’, sung by Shirley Bassey and many performers followed to take the song up, including Atomic Kitten, recently.  Many of his songs were inspired by his love for the ocean, such as Petula Clarks’ song: ‘My Friend The Sea’.

Thank you Hal, for touching our hearts with your beautiful words.    The end.

Practical information of distances from Scarborough to nearby restaurants, activities and amenities:

•    Long beach shopping mall (12 km)
•    Kommetjie village with convenience store, post bank, deli and restaurants (8km)
•    Klein Slangkop lighthouse (7km)
•    Horse riding (3km)
•    Cape Point  (15 km)
•    Cape Farm House restaurant  and bar (4 km)
•    Good Hope Nursery with quaint tea garden (10km)
•    Cape Point Ostrich farm (15 km)
•    Rioja restaurant and Barocca lounge (for local clubbing) (10km)
•    Imhoff farm with wonderful restaurants, cheese factory, deli, chocolate shop, camel  rides, snake park, touch farm and craft shops (8km)
•   Noordhoek farm village with excellent restaurants, deli, shops, beauty salon and sport  bar (16km) – see our beautiful Noordhoek blog.
•  Cape Point Vineyards  (3km but wine tasting at their vineyards in Noordhoek-16km)
•  Simon’s Town harbour and penguins at boulders beach (18 km)
•  Fish Hoek and Clovelly golf course (25 km)
•  Kalk Bay Fishermen village (30km)
•  The Scratch Patch gemstone factory (10km)
•  Diving, sailing, sand boarding, kayaking, surfing lessons and an more extreme sports such as abseiling, sky diving, kite boarding – all is possible in close vicinity – contact us
• For accommodation in or around Scarborough, contact us: info@holidaylets.co.za

map location Scarborough in South Africa

 

We are a local holiday letting agency based in Noordhoek Village, 27km outside Cape Town, South Africa. We are extremely passionate about our area as we believe it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. So needless to say, our first blog is dedicated to this beautiful, vibrant countryside village. For accommodation in Noordhoek visit our website: www.holidaylets.co.za

Noordhoek village is  little piece of paradise, with a rare combination of a countryside feel and beautiful beach, surrounded by mountains and nature reserves. Noordhoek is a vibrant community village, with all amenities nearby. Noordhoek has it’s own vineyards offering wine tasting, with award winning wines: http://www.noordhoekvineyards.co.za/

Noordhoek’s beautiful longbeach stretches for 8km of white pristine sand all the way to Kommetjie.  The large boulders at the beach invite you to enjoy the views and soak up the beautiful sunsets. A good stroll along the beach will take you to the Kakapo shipwreck half way down towards Kommetjie.

The farm village in the heart of Noordhoek offers craft shops, an information centre and excellent restaurants. The famous Foodbarn Restaurant for a unique fine dining experience is a must visit, as is their fantastic Deli which has won the best bakery award of the Western Cape in 2010 and 2011. Cafe Roux with large terrace is a delight for both adults and children.

Noordhoek is the perfect base for a holiday  to explore Cape Town and its main tourist attractions. Cape Town City Centre (27km), Cape Point (25km), Penguins (15km), Hout Bay Harbour (15 km), Kirstenbosch Gardens (25km), Constantia Wine Route (20km), Table Mountain Cable Car (27km), Camps Bay Beach (25km) are within a 30km radius. 

To get to Noordhoek, there are various routes, but the most spectacular route is Chapman’s Peak Coastal Drive, the toll road via Hout Bay.

To demonstrate that we are not the only ones passionate about Noordhoek, this month The Sunday Times Newspaper reports:

Country meets the ocean at Noordhoek. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Chapman’s Peak Drive has breathtaking views of Noordhoek Beach. Noordhoek village offers the best of country living where horses enjoy right of way 

Pictures: INGA HENDRIKS. Sunday Times - Insiders Weekend Guide - 06 April 2011

‘IF I died and went to heaven it would look exactly like this. Sandwiched between a dazzling white sandy beach, a towering mountain and a prized wetland area,Noordhoek is synonymous with the best of country living – and as a bonus it borders the Table Mountain National Park.’ Apr 6, 2011 | By Geoff Dalglish  | Sunday Times – Insiders Weekend Guide

To get a really good impression of what Noordhoek is about, and its fantastic location, we invite our readers to have a look at this slideshow that we have put together of impressions of Noordhoek, click on this link:  Noordhoek slides show

For more in-depth information on what Noordhoek village has to offer, in terms of restaurants, things to do and amenities, read our ‘Noordhoek special’ newsletter: Noordhoek newsletter

Noordhoek is a beautiful place to visit for families with children. So what do the children have to say? How better to describe than showing you the words of a seven year old girl named Roxy, who lives in Noordhoek. She wrote a special song about her village:

We wonder if the sweetie shop at the farm village has something to do with her choice to write the song, or perhaps she realizes she simply lives in the most beautiful place in the world…. Where else can you hop to the beach and play on the boulders, or run down the dunes on soft white sand, or do some body boarding, or jump on a horse and ride through the countryside or better still - on the beach, walk in beautiful nature, climb mountains, swim or catch little fish in the dam, go to any restaurant and there is a playground, or a large milkwood tree to climb, special kiddies menus including many treats, go and see your favorite movie at the cinema, or visit the scratch patch with gemstones galore to play in, visit the penguins, practise some skate boarding in your street, or have fun in the large garden of your own home or holiday house and swim in your swimming pool. Tough life!

To stay up to date with our news follow us on our facebook page. To visit our dedicated Noordhoek blog website: http://noordhoekholidayhouse.wordpress.com