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CO NTENTS
Winter in Cape Town has its own quiet allure: crisp mornings, moody skies, roaring fires and that slower, more considered rhythm the season brings. In this issue of BLUE, we lean into the art of winter living – from a cosy wine bar and seasonal cooking to wellness suggestions designed for rest and reset. We also explore a curated selection of exceptional properties on the market, because Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl living hold their appeal yearround, whether as a home or a considered investment. Wishing you a warm, restorative season ahead; take it slow, stay cosy, and try to enjoy every moment.
WINTER SAFETY STARTS WITH SCHMIDHAUSER GROUP’S COMPLIANCE TEAM
As winter settles over Cape Town and the days grow shorter, property owners begin to feel the real test of their electrical systems. Increased energy usage, heaters running overtime, stormy weather, and early sunsets all place added strain on homes and businesses — making this the ideal time to ensure your property is safe, compliant, and winter-ready.
That’s where Schmidhauser Group’s Compliance Department steps in. Led by the ever-reliable Keegan and his dedicated team, this department works tirelessly — 365 days a year — to keep properties across the Western Cape safe, compliant, and protected against seasonal risks.
Electrical compliance during winter isn’t just about ticking a legal box; it’s about safety and peace of mind.
A valid Certificate of Compliance (COC) confirms that your electrical installation meets required safety standards, helping to prevent hazards such as overloaded circuits, faulty heaters, and storm-related electrical failures. Whether you’re preparing a property for sale, welcoming tenants, or simply keeping your family warm and safe, compliance is essential.
At Schmidhauser Group, we believe quality service should come without hidden costs. That’s why our inspections and quotations are completely free — no call-out fees, no surprises. Our compliance team is known for being fastworking, fast-acting, and always ready to assist, delivering Swiss precision paired with a warm South African approach — even on the coldest winter days.
This winter, take comfort in knowing your property is in expert hands. From quick compliance inspections to full electrical certification, Keegan and his team make the process seamless, affordable, and stress-free — so you can focus on staying warm while we handle the rest. With over three generations of trusted workmanship, Schmidhauser Group continues to light the way — keeping homes safe, businesses operational, and clients confident, all year round.
Compliance is more than a certificate — it’s a commitment to safety, reliability, and professional accountability. At Schmidhauser Group, our compliance process is thorough, transparent, and handled by qualified specialists who understand both legislation and real-world conditions. We don’t believe in shortcuts or generic inspections; we assess every installation with precision, identify risks before they become costly problems, and guide clients clearly through what is required and why. With free inspections, honest advice, and decades of proven expertise behind every certificate we issue, Schmidhauser Group brings confidence, clarity, and long-term value to the table — ensuring your property is not only compliant on paper, but safe in practice.
Contact SCHMIDHAUSER GROUP for your FREE inspection or quotation now:
Tel: 021 424 4588
WhatsApp: 064 518 2452
Available 24/7, 365 days a year
Because compliance doesn’t take winter off.
WELCOME FROM ROSS
Welcome to another edition of Blue Magazine.
I am incredibly proud of what this magazine has become. It has allowed us not only to showcase our mandated properties but also to invite readers to explore deeper into the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl. Through this platform, we have celebrated local businesses, shared inspiring stories and always looked for positivity, perspective and possibility.
I am especially thrilled to have Liz Biden featured in this edition. She is bold, brave and brilliant. I have always admired The Royal Portfolio and its properties, particularly La Residence, which those who know me will know is one of my favourite places to escape to.
Karen Dudley is another incredible powerhouse of a woman. I always enjoy seeing her. She has such a generous energy, and her food was exceptional enough to entice Michelle Obama to visit her restaurant in Woodstock during her time as First Lady.
This year, so far, has been as erratic as the weather…. At the time of writing this, however, I have just returned from our National Licence Conference, where we (as Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl) once again took the top spot in our group.
Beyond those achievements, there is a very positive sentiment around South Africa, with Cape Town front and centre on the world stage (yet again)… I can hardly find a table in a restaurant that does not include an influencer filming and speaking about how our city has been ‘gate kept’, although I suspect Cape Town is one of the world’s least well-kept secrets!
And it truly is the place to be.
There is a saying: “Always live in a city with lots of cranes, because cranes mean progress.” Well, we are surrounded by cranes, with many more to come. Ours is a city on the move.
As for the property market, off the back of what was an exceptional 2025, the first quarter of this year continued to show growth for Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl (as can be seen from some of our SOLD SOLD SOLD ‘brag rights’ placements at the back of the magazine), however, the market has recently shown signs of taking a breath, with sales volumes down by approximately 23%.
I see this as a healthy pause. It creates space for experience, strategy and perseverance to thrive. As we move into the heart of winter, perhaps it also gives us an opportunity to slow down a little. Warm fires, family time and the space to plan, learn and implement, all while the world continues to shift technologically and at a pace that is sometimes overwhelming.
Ross Levin
Licensee: Seeff Atlantic Seaboard & City Bowl
“There is a very positive sentiment around South Africa, with Cape Town front and centre on the world stage (yet again)…”
Property transactions and building plans:
When are sellers legally obligated to provide approved plans?
At STBB, our real estate attorneys are often tasked with determining whether a seller is legally obliged to provide a purchaser with approved building plans. For sellers, purchasers, and estate agents alike, understanding when and why approved building plans are required is vital to a dispute-free transaction.
The statutory framework
Under section 4(1) of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, obtaining building plan approvals from the local authority in writing before proceeding with any building, renovation, or home extension is mandatory. The purpose of this legal requirement is to ensure a building’s structure has integrity and to prevent its collapse.
Section 2 of the Alienation of Land Act sets out the statutory requirements for a property sale agreement, namely it must be in writing and signed by the parties or their duly authorised representatives. However, the Act makes no mention of building plans. Thus, it is not a legal requirement for the conclusion of a valid sale agreement.
A contractual requirement
The Big Small Firm
Depending on the terms of the sale agreement, the seller may nevertheless be contractually obligated to provide the purchaser with approved plans. In this case, the purchaser may include a clause that requires the seller to supply the purchaser with Council-approved building plans prior to transfer. The clause may also stipulate that the seller warrants that they are in possession of updated and approved building plans. Alternatively, the agreement may be subject to the suspensive condition that the seller provides the purchaser with approved plans – at their own cost –within a defined period, failing which the agreement will lapse.
Approved building plans: A condition of mortgage bond approval
Often, a sale agreement is subject to the purchaser obtaining finance from a bank or other financial institution. Typically, financial institutions make it a condition of mortgage bond approval that approved building plans are obtained before the loan is granted. If the sale agreement does not stipulate that approved building plans are to be supplied by the seller, it is not the seller’s responsibility. Instead, the onus falls on the purchaser to obtain the approved building plans at their own expense and to submit them to the financial institution. The impetus for this is clear: As the purchaser requires a bond to finance the purchase of the property, they are mandated to comply with the conditions of bond approval. If it transpires that the building plans are outdated, the financial institution will not consent to the registration of the bond, which will inevitably delay transfer.
Does the Immovable Property Condition Report require building plan approval?
Section 67 of the Property Practitioners Act obliges an estate agent marketing a property to procure a signed and completed Immovable Property Condition Report (‘the report’) – also known as a disclosure form – from the seller. Intended to discourage fraudulent or misleading representations by the seller or agent, the report must be provided to an interested purchaser before the parties conclude the sale agreement.
Crucially, one of the clauses in the pro forma report states: ‘I am aware that any additions and/or improvements made to and/or any erections made on the property, have been done or were made, only after the required consents, permissions and permits to do so were properly obtained.’
The seller must answer this question honestly. If they answer in the negative, the lack of approved plans will be deemed a latent defect, i.e. a defect not easily discoverable on inspection. The property is thus sold voetstoots or ‘as is’, with all patent and latent defects included. Although this may influence the price offered for the property, it places no further obligation on the seller to obtain approved plans.
However, if the seller answers ‘yes’, and it later transpires that there were unauthorised additions or improvements to the property, the seller was aware of such additions or improvements, and they deliberately failed to disclose this fact to the purchaser, the voetstoots clause will not protect them from liability for losses suffered by the purchaser. In practice, proving fraudulent non-disclosure of a latent defect is, however, difficult.
Notably, if the seller unknowingly purchased the property without approved building plans in good faith from a third party, the purchaser will struggle to hold them liable for consequential damages.
Practical guidance
In reality, many purchasers either assume that they will receive approved building plans on or before transfer, or don’t enquire into their existence. Accordingly, it is sensible to insert a clause in the sale agreement that expressly deals with obtaining plan approval. The inclusion of this clause, however, becomes an important financial factor the seller must consider when accepting any potential offers as obtaining approval involves a cost – and may delay transfer. This is especially apparent where the purchaser intends to renovate post-transfer and requires the current approved plans to commence this process. For these and other reasons, consulting with a real estate attorney is essential.
Let us connect you. STBB offers access to a powerful team of attorneys, conveyancers and notaries, who are specialists in numerous fields of the law.
James Phillipson Director | STBB Cape Town JamesP@stbb.co.za
021 406 9100
For expert advice, contact: stbb.co.za
FREELANCER? WHEN DID EVERYONE BECOME A
Freelancing has quietly become the new nine-to-five… Everyone’s doing it, nobody planned it, and we’re all pretending to be our own HR departments…
There was a time – not so long ago – when “freelancer” was a slightly mysterious category of human. Someone who drifted between jobs with a laptop and a latte, forever “wrapping up a project” or “heading into a pitch”, but never entirely explainable to your parents. Now? It feels like everyone you know is a freelancer. The barista, your neighbour, the Uber driver, the woman who used to sit three desks down from you in an openplan office and now curates travel experiences from her kitchen counter. It’s as though, somewhere between sourdough starters and lockdown Zoom quizzes, a cultural switch flipped – and suddenly it feels like 70% of modern adults are invoicing for something.
Was it Covid? Was it the great realisation that once you’ve worked from home – once you’ve tasted the sweet, illicit thrill of no longer having your screen watched from across the room – you simply cannot go back? Or did we all just collectively decide
that life was too short for twicedaily commutes, office politics, and paying R96 for a doughy ‘artisanal’ sandwich that delivers nothing but a 3pm slump and mild regret?
Because freelancing does have its perks. It’s the small freedoms: starting work at 5am so you can do the 2pm extramural run without guilt; taking a walk when your brain needs one; never again wasting 45 minutes gossiping about a manager you don’t actually dislike, but whose very existence becomes infuriating in a fluorescent-lit office.
But if everyone is a freelancer… does that make us all our own bosses? Is there even enough space for this many liberated, calendar-appdependent adults drifting around with ring lights and Canva accounts?
It’s almost philosophical. In this new economy, the lines blur – the delivery rider setting his own rhythm, the photographer juggling five part-time passions, the person who somehow transformed their love of pets, Pilates, or private dining into a flourishing micro-business. The marketplace is a patchwork of
creative specialists and niche service providers, all carving out a slice of autonomy.
Sometimes I do wonder if this is just a moment in time – a generational swing. Will we, in five years, gaze wistfully at office parks and think, “Remember when you could leave work at 5pm and your laptop didn’t follow you home like a needy toddler?” Will the promise of community lure us back? Shared lunches, birthday cupcakes, an awkward boardroom baby shower, someone to complain to about the Wi-Fi? Hmmm… Maybe.
But for now, it seems we’ve embraced a new identity: people who set our own hours, chase our own invoices, and exist in a world where almost every interaction begins with, “Let me know if you need freelance help with that.”
Are we living through a revolution? A phase? A lifestyle shift we’ll one day nostalgically refer to as “The Freelance Era”? Or is it, simply, the logical next chapter of working life?
I’m not sure. But I’ll think about it after I send this invoice.
Are we living through a revolution? A phase? A lifestyle shift we’ll one day nostalgically refer to as “The Freelance Era”?
Sometimes I do wonder if this is just a moment in time – a generational swing.
A HOUSE OF STORIES IN THE HEART OF THE WINELANDS
LIZ BIDEN
A deeply personal take on luxury – and the most intimate expression of The Royal Portfolio yet
There is a particular kind of magic that runs through The Royal Portfolio. It’s not just in the settings – though they are extraordinary – but in the way each property feels considered, layered and quietly personal. What began with Liz and Phil Biden opening Royal Malewane in 1999 has evolved into a collection of some of South Africa’s most distinctive stays, from the sculptural presence of The Silo Hotel in Cape Town to the coastal ease of Birkenhead House and the vineyard romance of La Residence.
At the centre of it all is Liz Biden – collector, curator and the creative force behind every interior. Her approach has never followed trend or formula. Instead, each space is built slowly, instinctively, around pieces she has gathered over time: antique finds, contemporary African artworks, textiles sourced across continents. The result is recognisable but never repeated. No two rooms – or properties – feel the same.
It is within this world that Franschhoek House emerges as the most intimate and, in many ways, the most personal addition to the portfolio. Opened in late 2024 as the newest offering at La Residence, it shifts the narrative from hotel to home – albeit one
At the centre of it
all is Liz Biden –collector, curator and the creative force behind every interior.
of exceptional scale and refinement.
Set within the 30-acre La Residence estate in the Franschhoek Valley, Franschhoek House is designed as an exclusive-use villa. It accommodates up to 12 guests across six suites, making it ideal for families or groups who want complete privacy without relinquishing the service of a fivestar hotel. There is a dedicated team on hand – including a private chef and concierge – but the experience is deliberately unobtrusive. You set the pace. Everything else follows.
The architecture is quietly confident. Centred around a centuries-old oak tree, the house unfolds in a series of connected spaces – courtyards, terraces and wide verandas that draw the landscape in. Vineyards stretch outwards, framed by mountain silhouettes that shift with the light. It’s less about statement and more about flow; a sense that indoors and outdoors are in constant conversation.
Inside, Liz Biden’s signature comes into its own. Colour is used generously, but never carelessly. Jewel-toned velvets, patterned silks and handwoven textiles sit alongside gilded mirrors, antique furniture and bold contemporary artworks. Each room begins with a focal point – a fabric, a painting, an object – and builds outwards from there. The effect is rich, immersive and unexpectedly liveable. For all its grandeur, nothing feels untouchable.
There’s also a thoughtful undercurrent to the design. Elements have been repurposed or reimagined, and materials chosen with longevity in mind. It’s not overt, but it adds another layer to the story – one that speaks to a more considered kind of luxury.
What truly sets Franschhoek House apart, though, is its sense of privacy. This is not a place to see and be seen. It’s a place to retreat. Guests arrive, settle in, and often find little reason to leave. Days might begin slowly, with breakfast beneath the oak tree, before drifting towards the pool where the vineyards seem to stretch endlessly. Evenings unfold around long tables, with meals prepared to preference and wines selected from the surrounding valley.
For those who do venture out, Franschhoek offers one of the country’s richest concentrations of food and wine experiences – from world-renowned restaurants to historic estates and boutique galleries. Yet the pull of the house remains strong. There’s a rhythm to being there that encourages you to stay put.
The clientele reflects this shift towards privacy and connection. Multigenerational families, close groups of friends, and high-profile travellers seeking discretion are all drawn to its exclusivity. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about shared time – something increasingly valued, and increasingly rare.
What The Royal Portfolio has always understood is that luxury is not a fixed idea. It evolves. At Franschhoek House, it’s found in space, in stillness, in the freedom to shape your own experience. Whether you’re escaping the city for a weekend or travelling from much further afield, it offers a complete departure from the everyday.
And perhaps that is its greatest success. Not just that it impresses – but that it allows you, quite effortlessly, to switch off, settle in, and stay a little longer than planned.
Vineyards stretch outwards, framed by mountain silhouettes that shift with the light.
SUITE TALK
Where fashion, heritage and Cape Town’s most storied address collide in a quietly dazzling new chapter
There are fashion designers, and then there are cultural narrators. Thebe Magugu belongs firmly in the latter camp. Since launching his eponymous label in 2016, the Kimberley-born designer has become one of South Africa’s most compelling creative voices – culminating in his landmark win of the 2019 LVMH Prize, the first African designer to do so. His work – often described as “Afro-encyclopaedic” – draws on history, identity and storytelling, weaving garments that feel as much like research as they do fashion.
Now, in a move that feels both inevitable and delightfully unexpected, Magugu has stepped beyond the runway and into interiors – bringing his richly layered aesthetic to one of Cape Town’s most iconic addresses: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel.
Affectionately known as “The Nellie”, the blush-pink grande dame has been holding court in the Gardens neighbourhood since 1899.
Over more than a century, it has welcomed everyone from royalty to rock stars, quietly cementing its reputation as the place to see – and be seen. And yet, what keeps the Mount Nelson relevant is not just its legacy, but its refusal to remain static. Over the past decade, the hotel has undergone a considered reinvention –one that leans into contemporary culture, design and experience, without ever losing its sense of occasion.
Today, it’s as likely to host fashion-led cultural programming and immersive dining experiences as it is to serve its legendary afternoon tea. It’s modern, quietly playful, increasingly fashionforward – and yes, even dog-friendly. In short, it has mastered that elusive balance: heritage with a wink.
Enter the Thebe Magugu Suite.
Set within one of the hotel’s historic wings along Palm Avenue, the newly unveiled suite marks Magugu’s first foray into interior design – and Belmond’s first “Designer Residence” concept on the continent. It’s a two-storey space that unfolds like a narrative: downstairs, a lobby leads into a lounge and dining area designed for intimate gatherings – complete with a cocktail cabinet, naturally; upstairs, a serene bedroom opens onto a terrace with sweeping views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head.
But this is no ordinary luxury suite. Instead, it’s an immersive world – an extension of Magugu’s creative universe, translated into texture, material and form. His signature “Afro-modernist” language plays out in what he describes as an “Afro-English” aesthetic: British heritage interiors held in thoughtful tension with African design sensibilities.
Expect hand-sketched wallpaper depicting Southern African landscapes, terrazzo floors in earthy green tones, and a curated collection of works by leading local artists. Materials – stone, timber, wool –ground the space in something elemental, while the colour palette shifts gently from lush greens to warm harvest hues. It’s layered, tactile, and quietly intellectual –a space that rewards attention.
What elevates the experience further is the sense that you are not merely staying in a hotel suite, but inhabiting a living,
Magugu has stepped beyond the runway and into interiors.
breathing cultural project. Adjacent to the suite is Magugu House Cape Town – part concept store, part gallery, part salon – designed as a platform for African creativity, with exhibitions, screenings and conversations woven into the hotel’s broader cultural calendar.
This, perhaps, is where the Mount Nelson’s evolution feels most compelling. Long a symbol of old-world glamour, it has quietly repositioned itself as a contemporary cultural hub – one that champions African creativity while maintaining its global appeal. The collaboration speaks to a broader shift in luxury – towards spaces that are purposeful, rooted in place, and rich in narrative.
And yet, for all its conceptual depth, the Thebe Magugu Suite never forgets the basics of indulgence. There is still the soft rustle of linen, the slow ritual of a morning coffee on the terrace, the gentle theatre of returning to a room that feels both considered and comforting. It is, ultimately, a place to linger.
In a hotel already synonymous with elegance, this suite adds something rarer: perspective. A sense of panache that feels intellectual rather than ostentatious, rooted rather than imported. It’s not just a place to stay – it’s a place to experience.
And in a city that thrives on reinvention, there’s something rather fitting about that.
Belmond.com/mountnelson | @belmondmountnelson
LOOKING UP
In Upwards, South African chef, food writer, and restaurateur Karen Dudley celebrates simplicity, quality, and the joy of cooking by hand, pairing vibrant recipes with a gentle guide to living and eating well.
With her signature warmth and candour, Karen reminds us that cooking can be a release from the daily rush, a meditative act that draws us back to ourselves and the people gathered around our table. From smoky eggplant soup to chocolate olive oil ganache, these five extracts offer a taste of the bold, generous and quietly transformative spirit that defines Upwards
SMOKY EGGPLANT SOUP WITH A FRESH ZA’ATAR TOPPING (RECIPE ON PG 23)
ASSASSIN’S PASTA (RECIPE ON PG 23)
LAMB FLATTIE (RECIPE ON PG 23)
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH SARDINE BUTTER & A SARDINE GREMOLATA
SMOKY EGGPLANT SOUP WITH A FRESH ZA’ATAR TOPPING
This soup is so very delicious. It makes such an easy and elegant dish to serve, too. We like that.
FOR THE FRESH ZA’ATAR TOPPING
• 3 tsp roughly chopped thyme leaves
• 1½ Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tsp sumac
• Pinch of salt
FOR THE SOUP
• 5 medium eggplants
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ¼ cup Greek-style yoghurt
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp za’atar
• Pinch of salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
TO FINISH
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Method
Combine topping ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Char eggplants directly over a gas flame, turning every 4 minutes until soft and steaming inside. Alternatively use a hot grill, airfryer or coals, pricking skins first. Cool, peel off blackened skins and roughly chop.
Fry onions in olive oil over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add eggplant and stock. Simmer 5 minutes. Lower heat and add yoghurt, lemon juice and zest, za’atar, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes more. Blend until smooth, thinning with water if needed. Return to heat.
Serve in warm bowls topped with za’atar mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
Serves 4
ASSASSIN’S PASTA
I have made a lot of risotto in my life... The risotto approach to this pasta recipe felt like it could deliver a robust, feisty assassination! This recipe is easy but requires vigilance and a brave approach. The spaghetti is ‘toasted’ in a skillet and tomato water is added slowly as it cooks.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 litres salted water
• 1 x 400g can whole peeled tomatoes (or 5 small fresh tomatoes)
• 4 Tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1 tsp salt
• ½–1 tsp chilli flakes
• ½ chicken stock cube
• 3 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• ½ cup olive oil
• 500g spaghetti
Method
Blend tomatoes, paste, garlic, salt, chilli, stock cube, sugar and Worcestershire (if using). Add 2 litres hot salted water to make tomato water.
In a cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil and toast dry spaghetti over mediumhigh heat until lightly coloured. Add tomato water 1 cup at a time, allowing it to absorb before adding more. Continue until pasta is cooked and coated in caramelised tomato.
Loosen with a little hot water if needed. Serve immediately.
Serves 5
LAMB FLATTIE
A kebab? But flat as a pancake with a crispy surface just waiting for Middle-Eastern freshness? What fun!
INGREDIENTS
• 500g lamb mince
• 1½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• 1 Tbsp crushed coriander seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Pinch cinnamon or garam masala
• Pinch cloves or allspice
• Pinch dried chilli flakes
• 2 Tbsp very finely chopped parsley
• Olive oil for frying
Method
Mix all ingredients well. Divide into 8 balls and rest 10 minutes. Roll thin between baking paper. Fry in hot cast-iron pan 2–3 minutes per side until crisp. Keep warm in 160°C oven.
Serve layered with salads, sauces and breads of choice.
Serves 4–5
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH SARDINE BUTTER & A SARDINE GREMOLATA
Smother cauliflower with sardine butter, then fill with frazzled sardines, parsley, garlic and lemon.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 small–medium heads cauliflower
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 120g Sardine Butter
• 1 tsp Lemon Salt
FOR THE SARDINE GREMOLATA
• 1 cup sunflower oil
• 2 x 120g cans sardines, drained
• 20g Italian parsley
• 3 Fried Lemon Slices or zest of 1 lemon
• ½ clove garlic, finely grated
• ½ tsp Lemon Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
Method
Blanch cauliflower 3–4 minutes. Halve and trim to sit flat.
Roast cut-side down with olive oil 12 minutes. Turn, spread Sardine Butter and roast 10–12 minutes more. Season.
Fry sardines until crisp. Chop parsley and combine with sardines, lemon, garlic, seasoning.
Top cauliflower with gremolata and serve.
Serves 6 as a starter or side dish
CHOCOLATE OLIVE OIL GANACHE WITH TOASTS
CHOCOLATE
OLIVE OIL GANACHE WITH TOASTS
Chocolate luxury with the savoury note of olive oil –irresistible and stylish to serve.
INGREDIENTS
• 300g 70% dark chocolate
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• Pinch chilli powder (optional)
• 100ml boiling water
• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 180ml whipping cream
TO SERVE
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Very thinly sliced toasts, drizzled with olive oil
• Flaked salt
Method
Melt chocolate gently. Stir in vanilla and chilli.
Slowly add boiling water while stirring continuously.
Stir in olive oil, then whipping cream until smooth.
Chill at least 1 hour. Remove 1 hour before serving.
Serve spooned into bowls, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt, with toasts. Serves 8–10 TWO LUCKY READERS CAN EACH WIN A COPY OF UPWARDS.
SEEFF ASB'S ROSS LEVIN AND KAREN DUDLEY SHARED A SERENDIPITOUS SELFIE RECENTLY.
Simply scan the QR code to sign up to our database, then send us an email at clientcare.asb@seeff.com with your favourite featured dish.
A WINTER POUR ON BREE STREET
There’s something undeniably comforting about slipping into a warm wine bar for a glass of red and a few good small plates
On Bree Street, Tannin has quietly become a not-to-be-missed spot – intimate, unpretentious and deeply rooted in South Africa’s wine culture. This is a spot that transcends seasons, as relevant in summer, as in winter… But in winter, Bree Street –usually all energy and movement – feels a little more cinematic after dark, with rain glossing the pavements and restaurant windows glowing amber against the cold. It is exactly the sort of weather that calls for a proper wine bar like Tannin. Not somewhere loud or performative, but somewhere layered with atmosphere – where conversations linger, coats stay draped over chairs, and nobody seems in a hurry to leave.
Set inside a heritage building in the heart of the Mother City, the three-level wine bar has carved out a niche for itself as one of the city’s more thoughtful wine destinations. The focus here is unapologetically South African – from the extensive wine list to the producers featured on its shelves. The bar carries hundreds of South African labels, including mature vintages and harder-to-find bottles that appeal to both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike. But despite the depth of the list, there’s very little intimidation factor. That’s part of the appeal. Tannin feels less like a formal tasting room and more like the kind of place you stumble into for ‘one glass’ and leave several hours later.
Warm lighting, exposed brick, dark wood and shelves lined with bottles create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously urban and cocooning. In winter especially, the space seems to encourage slowing down. Tables fill with shared plates, Burgundy bowls and decanters. Outside, Bree Street buzzes; inside, everything feels a touch quieter.
Cape Town’s wine-bar culture has evolved rapidly over the past few years, with venues such as Culture, Publik and Leo's helping shift wine appreciation into something more relaxed and socially driven. Rather than white tablecloths and rigid tastings, the city’s newer wine spaces lean into accessibility, conversation and discovery.
At Tannin, that philosophy is evident in the way the staff engage with guests. Recommendations are tailored rather than rehearsed. There’s a genuine enthusiasm around smaller producers, unusual varietals and storytelling through wine, which reflects a broader movement within South African wine culture –one increasingly centred around provenance, craftsmanship and personality.
And then, of course, there is the food.
The menu, too, is designed for grazing rather than formality – exactly the sort of dishes winter evenings call for. Think: deeply savoury flavours, generous textures and food intended to complement rather than compete with the wine. It’s the kind of menu that encourages ordering incrementally as the evening unfolds.
While Cape Town has no shortage of divine dining rooms, Tannin feels grounded in the Cape itself – in its vineyards, its seasons and its sometimes slower rituals. It understands that wine is not simply about tasting notes or prestige labels… it is about mood, memory and company.
Tannin.co.za | @tannin_on_bree
5 SOUTH AFRICAN REDS TO ADD TO YOUR TASTING LIST THIS SEASON
Mullineux Syrah
A Swartland favourite known for its dark fruit, spice and savoury depth – ideal beside richer winter dishes.
Kanonkop Pinotage
One of South Africa’s most iconic reds, with layered notes of plum, black cherry and subtle oak spice.
Porseleinberg Syrah
Structured, elegant and intensely expressive, this cult Swartland wine rewards slow sipping.
Savage Red
Duncan Savage’s acclaimed blend remains one of the Cape’s most sought-after bottles –vibrant, complex and beautifully balanced.
Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet
Sauvignon
A powerful yet polished Cabernet with classic cassis notes and excellent ageing potential.
A HOUSE IN MOTION
Louis Vuitton celebrates 130 years of its iconic monogram with an exciting and exclusive pop-up destination
From Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront to Mayfair’s most talked-about address, Louis Vuitton marks 130 years of its monogram with an immersive London townhouse that redefines the art of travel – and offers South African luxury buyers a compelling new reason to look north this spring.
There is something quietly familiar about the Louis Vuitton Monogram for South African luxury buyers. It lives not only in the wardrobes of frequent flyers and collectors, but increasingly within our own retail landscape – most notably at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, where luxury retail continues to expand with renewed confidence. As Louis Vuitton celebrates 130 years of this enduring emblem, the House has chosen to mark the milestone not with a retrospective, but with an experience: a London townhouse that invites guests to step inside its story.
Set in the heart of Mayfair, the Louis Vuitton Hotel is less about accommodation and more about immersion – a carefully orchestrated world that brings the Maison’s heritage, craftsmanship and cultural relevance into sharp, contemporary focus. Open from 24 April to 21 July 2026, the ephemeral space reflects a brand that has never stood still, even as it honours its past.
There is also something inherently aspirational about the temporality of the project.
The Monogram itself, first created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his father, has long transcended its origins as a practical mark of authenticity. Today, it is one of the most recognisable visual codes in fashion – a symbol of travel, aspiration and enduring design. What makes this anniversary particularly resonant is how seamlessly Louis Vuitton continues to translate that legacy into experiences that feel both relevant and desirable for a new generation of global consumers, including a growing cohort of affluent South Africans.
At the Louis Vuitton Hotel, each room is dedicated to one of the House’s most iconic creations – the Speedy, Keepall, Noé, Alma and Neverfull. But these are not simply design showcases. They are stories told through space. The Keepall Lobby, for instance, nods to the bag’s revolutionary foldable design, a piece that redefined modern travel in the 1930s. The Café Alma channels Parisian elegance through architecture and atmosphere, while Bar Noé – inspired by a bag originally designed to carry champagne – transforms practicality into theatre.
Even the more unexpected elements – a Neverfull-inspired gym, a gold-drenched Speedy P9 Safe Room – underscore the House’s ability to balance reverence with playfulness. It is this duality that has allowed Louis Vuitton to remain not just relevant, but influential, across decades of shifting taste.
The guest list at the opening reinforced this cultural positioning, drawing a cross-section of actors, creatives and tastemakers, from Alicia Vikander to Romeo Beckham, signalling the brand’s continued pull across industries and generations. Yet beyond the celebrity presence, the real story lies in the experience
ALICIA VIKANDER
ROMEO BECKHAM KEEPALL LOBBY
BAR NOÉ
itself – one that feels deliberately designed for those who understand luxury as something to be lived, not simply owned.
For South Africans, this moment arrives at an interesting time. The expansion of high-end retail at the V&A Waterfront, where Louis Vuitton is set to anchor a new luxury wing alongside other global maisons, reflects a tangible shift in local consumer appetite. Cape Town, in particular, has become a nexus for international luxury brands, drawn by both tourism and a discerning local market. The connection between Mayfair and the Atlantic Seaboard feels less distant than ever.
And perhaps that is the point. The Louis Vuitton Hotel is not just a London activation; it is a reminder of the brand’s global language – one that resonates as strongly in Cape Town as it does in Paris or London. The Art of Travel, after all, has always been central to the House’s identity, and today that notion extends beyond physical journeys to include cultural and experiential ones.
There is also something inherently aspirational about the temporality of the project. Open for just two months, it carries the allure of the fleeting – a destination that exists only for a moment, rewarding those who are able to experience it in time. For South African travellers heading to London this spring, it offers a compelling addition to any itinerary, whether for an afternoon tea at Café Alma or an evening at Bar Noé.
CAFÉ ALMA
Ultimately, the Louis Vuitton Hotel succeeds because it does what the brand has always done best: it tells a story.
Ultimately, the Louis Vuitton Hotel succeeds because it does what the brand has always done best: it tells a story. Not loudly, but with confidence. Not nostalgically, but with intention. It reminds us that luxury, at its most enduring, is not about excess, but about meaning – about objects and experiences that carry history, craft and a sense of place.
As Louis Vuitton looks to the future, its 130-year-old Monogram remains a constant – a quiet thread connecting generations, continents and cultures. And as Cape Town’s luxury landscape continues to evolve, that connection feels increasingly relevant at home.
If you do find yourself in London this spring, consider it a pilgrimage of sorts. A townhouse in Mayfair may seem worlds away, but step inside, and you may find it speaks a language you already understand. Louisvuitton.com | @louisvuitton
SPEEDY ROOM
ACCORDING TO… THE CITY
Three locals, three rhythms, one endlessly surprising Cape Town.
Cape Town is a city of contrasts – where mountain meets ocean, routine meets spontaneity, and no two people experience it quite the same way. We asked three locals to share “their city” – from favourite haunts to hard-earned rituals, and the places they return to again and again.
1Marc Lottering
Comedian, storyteller, and proud Cape Town observer with a sharp eye for its quirks. A creature of habit with a love of good food, strong coffee, and even stronger punchlines.
In three words, Cape Town is… Friendly, fascinating, home. Your ultimate hidden spot – no gatekeeping (or just a little)? Well, thanks to influencers who constantly keep us under the influence, very few gems in Cape Town remain hidden. But here goes – I religiously take my dog Hamilton to Newlands Forest. We often go quite high up where, on hot days, we chill in one of those cool little mountain pools. Best exhale ever.
The most underrated place to eat in the city?
Vagabond Kitchens quietly go about their business. Or maybe not so quietly – they’ve just opened another spot on Kloof Street. Breakfast at Vagabond is one of my delicious habits. A restaurant worth the splurge… no regrets?
Bukhara on Church Street. That’s if you enjoy a great curry. I regularly moan about the price, but I begrudgingly find myself going back. The curry is just too good to resist. Perhaps I also love it because
MARC LOTTERING
it was the first restaurant I was introduced to thirty years ago when I first started earning money and tried to act fancy. Your go-to spot when you need to unwind?
Sea Point Promenade. I get a coffee from barista Simam at The Pavilion Gelatoria and plant myself on one of those benches overlooking the ocean, confidently avoiding getting back to my laptop, emails, and SARS things.
Favourite free activity in Cape Town?
I’ve done the hike up Lion’s Head a few times – not a hundred times, but a few. You have to do it. It’s extremely important for Instagram. And then there’s absolutely no way you can say you’ve been to Cape Town without taking that mesmerising drive along Chapman’s Peak. But be the passenger – much better. Sunrise or sunset – and exactly where?
Sunset – anywhere along the
Point Promenade. Beyond beautiful.
Best tidal pool for a proper dip?
Confession – I’ve never taken a dip in any of our celebrated tidal pools. It’s just so inconvenient for my hair and my non-existent abs. But perhaps this is my year. And if I do, it will be Saunders Rock, because all the cool people from Tripadvisor end up there and I’m quite desperate to dwell amongst them. Favourite hike when you want to clear your head?
I don’t have a favourite hike because I’m far from a regular hiker. But I am at Newlands Forest twice a week with Hamilton, amongst hikers –so maybe that’s my spot. Your perfect Cape Town Sunday, start to finish?
Breakfast is my favourite thing – so Clarke’s on Bree Street is a sexy Sunday start. Then perhaps I cook something for a late lunch – a roast chicken with potatoes and award-winning veggies, or my pasta with lean beef mince, garlic, chilli, tomato
sauce, coriander and feta. It’s much more MasterChef than it sounds. I cook extremely well while drinking. After that, a good Netflix binge. And if I didn’t cook – pizza from Posticino.
A neighbourhood you think deserves more love?
Woodstock. I live in University Estate, which is four star jumps away. There are many little gems along Main Road and Roodebloem Road – there’s so much more to Woodstock than weed.
Where do you take out-of-towners first –and why?
The Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch – to watch one of my critically acclaimed shows, be it stand-up or a world-class musical. Zero ego problems here, it seems. One piece of advice for first-time visitors?
Get a highly recommended tour guide or a savvy local to take you all over Cape Town. There’s a lot to see beyond the Atlantic Seaboard.
One piece of advice for locals who think they’ve ‘seen and done it all’?
You haven’t if you haven’t taken one of our mini-bus taxis. Disclaimer – you need to be accompanied by a proper Capetonian.
Three Capetonians (past or present) you’d invite to dinner?
People who run night shelters in Cape Town. They deserve a fabulous night out where they are treated like rock stars. The most overrated thing in Cape Town… be brave.
Going to see the penguins. The idea just does not make my heart beat faster. Something visitors always get wrong about the city?
Befriend a local if you can. The coolest and newest spots are not necessarily on Tripadvisor or Google.
Favourite spot for a dose of culture – museum, gallery, theatre?
The Baxter Theatre. Also, I believe there’s a picture of me in the Cape Heritage Museum at the Castle of Good Hope. I haven’t been yet – but if my picture is there, it has to be special.
A local store, maker or crafter we should all know about?
Parkers on Roodebloem Road, Woodstock – they somehow have everything you need, from butternut soup to koesiesters to kombucha to a piece of string. And they’ve been around for 111 years.
Befriend a local if you can. The coolest and newest spots are not necessarily on Tripadvisor or Google.
Sea
SEA POINT PROMENADE
CAPE HERITAGE MUSEUM
CHAPMANS PEAK DRIVE
BAXTER THEATRE
2
Gabrielle Palmer
Head of PR at Belmond Mount Nelson – equal parts hospitality insider and ocean devotee. Balances a fast-paced work life with mountain walks, sea swims, and slow Sundays.
In three words, Cape Town is…
A wonderful world.
A restaurant worth the splurge… no regrets?
Mount Nelson’s recently opened Amura – exquisitely designed by Tristan du Plessis, with a marine-inspired menu shaped by Michelin-acclaimed chef Ángel León.
Your go-to spot when you need to unwind?
The beach. The wind determines which one, but
Danger Beach is my favourite – protected when the southeaster is pumping, with warm er water for a proper swim.
Just don’t go too far out. Favourite free activity in Cape Town?
Walking the ‘catwalk’ from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay and back then stopping at the Brass Bell for beer and chips. Sunrise or sunset – and exactly where?
Sunset from Kloof Corner on Table Mountain.
KIRSTENBOSCH SUMMER CONCERTS
Best tidal pool for a proper dip?
I prefer waves, so I’m not much of a tidal pool person. Favourite hike when you want to clear your head?
Newlands Forest, Kloof Corner, or the Pipe Track – all close to home.
Your perfect Cape Town Sunday, start to finish?
Yoga, a bracing sea swim, a Kirstenbosch concert, watching the sunset, and ending with a boerewors braai.
A neighbourhood you think deserves more love?
Not a neighbourhood – but when last did you take the train to Kalk Bay or Fish Hoek and back?
Where do you take out-oftowners first – and why?
A walk around the city – it’s so walkable. Sea Point Promenade at any time, and a hike up Lion’s Head for the views. One piece of advice for first-time visitors?
Take the cable car up Table Mountain on the first clear day – don’t wait. Go at sunset if you can. Also, learn to love the wind – it clears the air. And Google Maps isn’t always right. You don’t have to go to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek – Constantia is
right here.
One piece of advice for locals who think they’ve ‘seen and done it all’?
Go to a lookout spot and watch the sunset and the full moon rise at the same time.
Three Capetonians (past or present) you’d invite to dinner?
Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Tutu (and his wife Leah), Trevor Noah.
The most overrated thing in Cape Town… be brave.
Not brave enough. Something visitors always get wrong about the city?
The weather – it changes constantly. Pack layers. Favourite spot for a dose of culture – museum, gallery, theatre?
The Labia. And Magugu House.
A local store, maker or crafter we should all know about?
The Ladles of Love caravan in Van Riebeeck Park. If we caught you out after 2am in Cape Town, where would you be –and why?
Swimming in phosphorescence in the sea.
GABRIELLE PALMER
KALK BAY TABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY
Ben Bettendorf
Co-founder of OBI and, by his own admission, a man of few words – as you’re about to see. When he’s not running one of Cape Town’s buzziest restaurants, he’s behind a series of dry, sharply observed Instagram videos about the things overheard in restaurants and everyday life, often alongside his co-founder, Papa San.
In three words, Cape Town is…
Too bloody windy!
Your ultimate hidden spot – no gatekeeping (or just a little)?
False Bay Sports Shooting Club.
The most underrated place to eat in the city?
Vixi Social House.
A restaurant worth the splurge… no regrets? Faber.
Your go-to spot when you need to unwind?
The sauna at my local gym. Favourite free activity in Cape Town?
Promenade walk.
Sunrise or sunset – and exactly where?
Sunset, anywhere on the ocean.
Best tidal pool for a proper dip?
Saunders.
Favourite hike when you want to clear your head?
Probably a chilled Constantia Nek walk.
Your perfect Cape Town Sunday, start to finish?
Promenade walk with a coffee, breakfast at a café, an afternoon nap, followed by the beach with a book till sunset.
The most overrated thing in Cape Town… be brave.
Cookie-cutter group restaurants.
Favourite spot for a dose of culture – museum, gallery, theatre?
Am I allowed to say the Labia?
A local store, maker or crafter we should all know about?
Stiebeuel.
If we caught you out after 2am in Cape Town, where would you be –and why? You wouldn’t…
PAPA SAN AND BE BETTENDORF
SAUNDERS TIDAL POOL
LABIA THEATRE
STIEBEUEL
THE WINTER RESET
As the temperature drops, so too should the pressure to power through. Winter invites a quieter kind of wellness – one that favours rest, nourishment and gentle recalibration over relentless optimisation
There is a reason many of us feel slower, hungrier and a little more introspective in winter. Shorter days disrupt circadian rhythms, often increasing melatonin (the sleep hormone) and lowering serotonin, which can affect mood and energy levels. Rather than resisting this seasonal shift, experts increasingly suggest working with it. Think of winter not as a slump to endure, but as a reset to embrace.
ADJUST YOUR PACE, NOT YOUR STANDARDS
Productivity culture may encourage consistency at all costs, but biology tells a different story. Reduced daylight can lower alertness and cognitive speed. Instead of overcompensating, consider recalibrating: slightly later mornings, gentler schedules, and more intentional downtime. It’s less about doing less, and more about doing what feels sustainable.
NOURISH FOR RESILIENCE
Comfort food is practically a winter ritual, but it can work in your favour. Seasonal produce – root vegetables, citrus, leafy greens – is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, both essential for immune support. Studies suggest vitamin D levels can drop significantly in winter due to reduced sun exposure; supplementation may be worth exploring. Zinc and omega-3 fatty acids also play a role in maintaining immune defences.
Seasonal produce – root vegetables, citrus, leafy greens – is rich in vitamin C and betacarotene, both essential for immune support.
REFRESH YOUR MOVEMENT ROUTINE
If the idea of a dawn run feels particularly unappealing right now, you’re in good company. Winter is an ideal time to shift focus: strength training, yoga, Pilates or even dance-based workouts indoors can maintain fitness without battling the elements. According to global fitness research, people are far more likely to stick to routines that feel enjoyable and manageable.
REFINE YOUR SLEEP RITUAL
Colder nights can improve sleep quality – the body naturally rests better in cooler temperatures. However, reduced daylight can disrupt internal rhythms. Keep wake-up times consistent, maximise exposure to natural light during the day, and limit screens in the evening. A warm bath or magnesium supplement before bed may support deeper, more restorative sleep.
CREATE AN INDOOR SANCTUARY
Cape Town winters have their moments, but when the rain settles in, wellness can shift indoors. Houseplants, layered lighting, and aromatherapy – think eucalyptus or cedarwood – can subtly lift mood and reduce stress. Research shows that sensory environments, including scent and sound, can significantly influence emotional wellbeing.
EMBRACE WINTER SPA THERAPIES
This is the season for treatments that are often too intensive for summer. Hydrating facials help counter dryness, while chemical peels are better tolerated with less sun exposure. Deep tissue massages, hot stone therapy and infrared saunas can improve circulation and ease muscle tension – a welcome antidote to colder days and more sedentary habits.
A winter reset isn’t about reinvention; it’s about refinement. A slight shift in pace, a more thoughtful approach to nourishment, and a willingness to trade urgency for ease. In a season that naturally draws us inward, wellbeing becomes less about striving – and more about restoring.
5 WINTER WELLNESS ESSENTIALS:
1 Vitamin D matters more than you think Up to 40% of adults globally are estimated to be deficient, with levels often dropping further in winter due to reduced sun exposure.
2 Hydration still counts
We may feel less thirsty in cooler weather, but indoor heating and hot drinks can contribute to dehydration.
3 Your immune system needs sleep Studies show that people who sleep fewer than six hours a night are significantly more likely to catch a cold.
4 Winter skin requires a switch-up Dermatologists recommend richer moisturisers and gentler exfoliation during colder months to protect the skin barrier.
5 Movement boosts mood
Even moderate exercise can increase endorphins and counter seasonal dips in mood – particularly important during darker months.
Clout/SA & The Keiskamma Art Project: Stitched, a Story of Our Home, features South African embroidery artwork from The Keiskamma Arts Trust.
Cushions from R1750. This design was recently awarded Product Design of the Year by the African International Design Awards.
AFRICAN ALLURE
Curated by AAFRICAA, the renowned V&A Waterfront design emporium, this collection brings together beautiful homeware, jewellery, clothing and accessories from artisans and makers across the continent. Rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling, it adds warmth, texture and soul to everyday living...
4
3
1 Helon Melon Fun Jacket: Iziqhaza & Izibuko, R3 995
2 Sidibe Cardigan, R2 750
3 Blue Wire Candlestick (medium) R2 495; Black Wooden Candlestick, (small) R495; Striped Candles R125 (set of 2)
From podium finishes to national recognition, our Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl team proves that consistency, collaboration and local expertise continue to set them apart on South Africa’s most competitive property stage
Recognition at a national level is no small feat – especially within a network as expansive and respected as Seeff Property Group. Yet, for our Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl team, 2025 delivered a series of standout achievements that speak not only to individual excellence, but to the collective strength of a tightly knit, high-performing unit.
Among the highlights that were recently celebrated at our annual awards ceremony, Barbra-Ann Briner secured an impressive third place nationally in Rentals – a reflection of both market insight and an unwavering commitment to client service in one of the country’s most dynamic rental sectors.
In Sales, the results were equally compelling. The powerhouse trio of Lyn Pope, Edith Marsh and Jackie Clarke achieved an exceptional first place nationally in rands, underscoring their
KIM BENDALL, SAMUEL SEEFF, AND FINELLA BOTES
ADRIAN MAUERBERGER AND BRYAN GINSBURG
SAMUEL SEEFF AND KASIA WATCHURST
Similarly, Adrian Mauerberger and Bryan Ginsburg claimed second place nationally in rands as a partnership, while Finella Botes and Kim Bendall secured first place nationally in rands – a testament to strategic alignment and consistent delivery.
Standing firmly at the pinnacle is Jo Lombard, whose solo performance saw him ranked first nationally in rands, and third overall across the entire Seeff Property Group in South Africa. It is an extraordinary accomplishment – and one that encapsulates the calibre of talent within our region.
Together, these accolades paint a clear picture: our team is deeply attuned to its market, driven by professionalism, and united by a shared standard of excellence. In a landscape where trust, relationships and results matter most, we’re extremely proud that our Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl team continue to raise the bar – not just locally, but on a national stage.
1ST NATIONALLY JO LOMBARD
PASCALE PAPAS, ANGELA PAPAS, SISIPHO GRAHAM, ANTHONY KETCHER, ELZUNIA SINGER, AND CHRISTINE IRELAND
SAMUEL SEEFF, EDITH MARSH, JACKIE CLARKE AND LYN POPE
WARREN EMETT, SUZY DAVIES, ALAN SCREEN AND DARICE LOEB
JANA VAN DER SPUY, ROSS LEVIN, FINELLA BOTES AND JO LOMBARD
ABOVE
THE BAY
A generous Camps Bay villa brings together space, sea views and effortless proximity to one of Cape Town’s most sought-after coastal neighbourhoods
Open-plan reception areas flow easily towards the garden and feature pool, creating a natural connection between indoors and out
In Camps Bay, location is never just about an address. It is about the daily rhythm of mountain and sea, the ease of a morning walk to the beachfront, and the rare pleasure of living close to the energy of Cape Town while still feeling distinctly removed from it.
Set in one of the Atlantic Seaboard’s most recognisable lifestyle destinations, this sevenbedroom villa offers exactly that balance. Contemporary, spacious and quietly luxurious, it is a home designed for both everyday comfort and memorable entertaining, with sweeping ocean views and generous proportions that make full use of its prime coastal setting.
Spread across an 835m² erf, with a floor size of approximately 420m², the property has been conceived for relaxed, expansive living. Open-plan reception areas flow easily towards the garden and feature pool, creating a natural connection between indoors and out. It is the kind of home where summer afternoons can stretch into sunset dinners, where guests can gather without feeling crowded, and where family life has space to unfold with ease.
For buyers who want a primary residence, holiday base or income-generating asset, this versatility adds meaningful value.
With seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, the villa is particularly well suited to larger families, visiting guests or those looking for flexibility. There is also potential to let out a portion of the home, thanks to its own separate entrance – a practical advantage in an area where high-end short-term rentals remain in demand. For buyers who want a primary residence, holiday base or income-generating asset, this versatility adds meaningful value. The amenities are considered without feeling excessive. In addition to the main living and dining spaces, the home includes a TV room, family room and pyjama lounge – allowing different generations or guests to enjoy their own pace.
A jacuzzi, outdoor shower, built-in braai, terrace and garden speak to the relaxed outdoor lifestyle for which Camps Bay is known, while practical features such as a scullery, air conditioning, alarm system, electric fencing, four garages and off-street parking add everyday ease.
The setting is, of course, one of the property’s strongest drawcards. Camps Bay has long held its place as one of Cape Town’s most desirable coastal suburbs, loved for its dramatic backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, its palm-lined beachfront and its immediate access to both nature and urban life. The beach, cafés, restaurants, cocktail bars, boutiques and The Promenade are all close by, making it possible to enjoy the best of the neighbourhood without compromising on privacy at home.
Camps Bay has long held its place as one of Cape Town’s most desirable coastal suburbs
What makes this home especially compelling is not simply what surrounds it, but how it allows one to live within that setting.
Nearby, Clifton’s famous beaches offer another layer of coastal appeal, while Bakoven and Glen Beach provide quieter pockets for those who prefer something more low-key. For the active, Table Mountain National Park, Lion’s Head and the Pipe Track are within easy reach, offering some of the city’s most scenic walking and hiking routes. For dining, Camps Bay’s beachfront remains a classic choice for sundowners, seafood and people-watching, while the City
Bowl, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town CBD are all a short drive away.
Yet what makes this home especially compelling is not simply what surrounds it, but how it allows one to live within that setting. It offers the scale and amenities expected of a substantial Atlantic Seaboard residence, but with a relaxed, usable quality that feels suited to real life. There is room for guests, space for children, generous
entertaining areas, and the kind of outlook that reminds you daily why Camps Bay continues to hold such enduring appeal.
For buyers seeking a sophisticated coastal address with flexibility, views and proximity to Cape Town’s most iconic lifestyle offerings, this is a Camps Bay home that delivers with quiet confidence.
R28,500,000 IN CAMPS BAY
R29,950,000 IN CAMPS BAY
R17,900,000 IN CAMPS BAY
R14,950,000 IN SEA POINT
3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 1 Garage | 1 Parking
This luxurious double storey penthouse offers expansive living with breathtaking ocean just moments from the beach, restaurants and shops. Complete with a guest cloakroom and its own private lap pool, as well as short term rental potential, it is ideal for coastal living or investment.
R7,750,000 IN BANTRY BAY
2 Beds | 1 Bath | 1 Parking
Ideally located in wind free Bantry Bay just moments from Saunders Rocks Beach, this charming apartment offers original wooden floors, a fireplace and a private garden patio in an exclusive three unit complex. A perfect lock up and go with parking and pet friendly living, it offers excellent potential to make it your own.
R31,995,000 IN BANTRY BAY
HIGHEST PRICE ACHIEVED IN THIS BUILDING TO DATE
R22,950,000 IN BANTRY BAY
HIGHEST R/sqm FOR AN APARTMENT IN THIS BUILDING TO DATE
R19,995,000 IN BANTRY BAY
SOLD AT FULL ASKING PRICE AND HIGHEST PRICE ACHIEVED FOR A TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT IN THIS BUILDING TO DATE
R75,000,000 IN FRESNAYE
PRESTIGIOUS HEAD ROAD MANSION WITH PRIVATE VINEYARD SUCCESSFULLY SOLD AFTER YEARS ON THE MARKET WITH MULTIPLE AGENCIES. SOLD ON A SOLE MANDATE
R39,950,000 IN FRESNAYE SOLD ON A SOLE MANDATE
R39,500,000 IN CLIFTON SOLD AT FULL ASKING PRICE
R27,950,000 IN SEA POINT
R23,000,000 IN FRESNAYE
R14,950,000 IN SEA POINT
R9,500,000 IN FRESNAYE SOLD AT FULL ASKING PRICE
R38,000,000
WATERFRONT
Impressively positioned
R16,000,000 IN WATERFRONT
2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2 Parkings
Beautifully positioned and designed for contemporary luxury living, this spacious apartment at 5 Dock Road features premium finishes, expansive interiors, a balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows and a separate office area. .
R12,995,000 IN WATERFRONT
2 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Parkings WEB
This brand new apartment offers stylish lock up and go living with mountain views, premium finishes and a seamless open plan design. Featuring two en suite bedrooms, rooftop amenities, gym, parking and 24 hour security, it combines comfort, convenience and exceptional value.
R11,750,000 IN WATERFRONT
2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2 Parkings
This elegant apartment in the sought-after Silo District offers luxurious lock-up-and-go living with premium finishes, two en-suite bedrooms, secure parking, and access to a rooftop pool and concierge. Perfectly positioned near the V&A Waterfront, it combines convenience, comfort, and world-class city living.
R5,700,000 IN MOUILLE POINT
1 Bed | 1 Bath | 1 Parking
This thoughtfully renovated one-bedroom apartment in a charming Art Deco block offers stylish, modern living in the heart of Mouille Point. Within walking distance of restaurants, the V&A Waterfront and the promenade, it includes secure undercover parking and is ideal for relaxed coastal living.
R32,500,000 IN FRESNAYE
R11,995,000 IN SEA POINT SOLD BEFORE LISTING
R10,500,000 IN SEA POINT SOLD ONE DAY AFTER LISTING
Tucked away beneath Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, this secure, sun-filled home offers seamless indoor-outdoor living with a deck, plunge pool, and beautiful bay views. R17,950,000 IN HIGGOVALE
Move-in ready and set in sought-after Vredehoek, this stylishly refurbished home offers sweeping Table Mountain views, light-filled living spaces, a sun-drenched deck, and a self-contained flatlet. With modern finishes, flexible living areas, a double garage, and excellent security, it combines comfort and convenience in a tranquil setting.
R2,450,000 IN CITY CENTRE
1 Bed | 1 Bath | 1 Parking
Set within the iconic Mutual Heights, this light-filled seventh-floor apartment blends character and modern comfort with a mezzanine bedroom, double-volume ceilings, and refurbished parquet flooring. Airbnb- and pet-friendly, with secure parking and excellent security, it’s an ideal city home or investment opportunity.
R14,950,000 IN HIGGOVALE
R8,500,000 IN VREDEHOEK
R7,695,000 IN ORANJEZICHT
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1 Garage
This lovely three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment offers easy, low-maintenance living with bright open-plan spaces, a private balcony, and beautiful mountain views. Complete with a secure garage, storeroom, and pet- and Airbnbfriendly potential (with body corporate approval), it’s an exclusive listing in a great location.
R6,995,000 IN GARDENS
7 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 3 Parkings
Behind its classic façade, this character-filled property offers a flexible layout with business rights, ideal for a workfrom-home lifestyle, dual living, or rental opportunities. Featuring spacious office or living areas, a private residential section, off-street parking, and a viewing deck, it effortlessly adapts to a variety of needs.
R2,495,000 IN CITY CENTRE
SOLD AFTER FIRST VIEWING
R3,995,000 IN TAMBOERSKLOOF
SOLD ABOVE ASKING PRICE AFTER FIRST VIEWING
R4,450,000 IN VREDEHOEK
2 Beds | 1 Bath | 1 Garage
High up in sought-after Vredehoek, this light-filled apartment offers modern living, a work-from-home space, and a rare private decked garden beneath Table Mountain. Complete with a garage, storeroom, and Airbnb permission, it’s an ideal lifestyle and investment opportunity.
R2,995,000 IN CITY CENTRE
2 Beds | 2 Baths
Set in the historic Wellington Fruit Growers building, this 208sqm heritage space offers soaring ceilings, original wooden floors, and exceptional volume with endless creative potential. Ideally located in the CBD, it’s a rare opportunity to create a unique residence or studio in a character-filled boutique block.
R2,595,000 IN CITY CENTRE
1 Bed | 1 Bath | 1 Garage
Mandela Rhodes Place offers 24-hour security, a communal pool, and a prime CBD location close to beaches, the V&A Waterfront, and top restaurants. This neat, modern apartment boasts stunning Table Mountain views and is ready to move in.
R2,495,000 IN CITY CENTRE
1 Bed | 1 Bath
Experience modern city living at The Duke in the Foreshore, with 24-hour security, a rooftop pool, and stunning views. With short-term letting allowed, it’s perfect for Airbnb or lock-up-and-go living.
2 APARTMENTS STILL AVAILABLE
A rare opportunity to own in a boutique Kloof Road address designed for effortless coastal living and exceptional investment potential. Perfectly positioned in sought-after Sea Point, these stylish, Airbnb-friendly apartments offer prime convenience, strong rental demand and a vibrant lifestyle on your doorstep.
R8,250,000 IN GREEN POINT
2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1 Garage | 1 Parking
Pet-friendly corner apartment in sought-after Green Point, just minutes from the V&A Waterfront, restaurants, Virgin Active and more. Featuring 2 en-suite bedrooms, a wraparound balcony with built-in braai, modern finishes, inverter system and garage, this move-in-ready home is ideal for lifestyle living or short-term rental investment.
R8,999,999 IN GREEN POINT
R4,500,000
R3,995,000 IN VREDEHOEK
2 Beds | 1 Bath
WEB REF RLS998764
Set in sought-after Vredehoek, this character-filled semi-detached home offers high ceilings, charm, and excellent renovation or investment potential. Close to the City Bowl and Table Mountain, it’s ideal for Airbnb or long-term rental opportunities.
R4,995,000 IN VREDEHOEK
R3,400,000 IN DE WATERKANT SOLD AT FULL ASKING PRICE! SOLD WITHOUT EVEN LISTING!
R2,900,000 IN GARDENS
1 Bed | 1 Bath | -70 sq m
Ideally located on the MyCiTi Bus route near Gardens Centre and the Cape Town CBD, this stylish apartment offers open-plan living, Table Mountain views, and Airbnb-friendly flexibility. With a spacious bedroom, modern finishes, and a unique built-in feature unit, it’s perfect for both investors and homeowners.
R1,700,000 IN ZONNEBLOEM
2 Beds | 1 Bath | 1 Garage
Set in an ultra-secure complex close to the city, this sunny north-facing apartment offers two bedrooms, openplan living, and a lock-up garage. With 24-hour security, a pool, and a prime central location, it’s a move-in-ready opportunity.
R9,500,000 IN ORANJEZICHT
R6,080,000 IN ORANJEZICHT
R1 ,330,000 IN CITY CENTRE
Buy
the portfolio. Stay for the lifestyle.
ooba Home Loans secures tailored solutions across multiple banks – with better rates and flexible structures to suit your long-term goals.
From complex incomes to growing portfolios, we handle everything, end to end.
You know what you can afford. We help you structure it smarter. Efficient. Discreet. Done for you.
Experience property transfers and bond registrations on a whole new level with regards to:
• Our reporting systems
• Our free MM Connect App, enabling you to have MM at your fingertips
• Being on all the major banks’ panels
• Offering an exclusive designed social media space and ongoing training to our estate agent clients
• Supporting our community in collaboration with the PSFA to feed hungry school children
• Monthly donations to various animal welfare organizations 0215211300
30 years of service excellence | 30 years of Miltons Matsemela
Tiffany 076 273 4191
Tiffanyr@miltons.law.za
www.miltons.law.za Cornelius 082 412 2102 Corneliusb@miltons.law.za
R50,000 PM AT 5 DOCK ROAD
R85,000 PM AT 5 DOCK ROAD
Both of these exceptional luxury apartments at 5 Dock Road have now been rented, showcasing strong demand for premium, secure living within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront. If you’re looking to rent or secure a similar high-end property in Cape Town, contact Vivien to help you find the right fit before it’s gone.
Vivien Adler, 083 310 0827 | viv@seeff.com
R135,000
PM IN CLIFTON
3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2 Garages WEB REF RLS988969
Wake up to uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean views, with the iconic Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain Cableway as your backdrop, in this beautifully furnished front-facing Clifton apartment offering refined coastal living. Featuring an expansive terrace, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, secure tandem parking, 24/7 security, a communal pool, and WiFi and water included, this exclusive long-term rental combines luxury, comfort, and convenience in one of Cape Town’s most prestigious addresses.
THE WINTER MORNING SHAKE-UP
It’s dark, it’s wet and it’s hard to get used to…
There’s a very specific moment every year when Cape Town collectively realises that summer is, in fact, over. It’s not marked on any calendar. There’s no official notice from the City. It simply happens overnight – one chilly gust on the promenade, one smug cold front rolling in from the Atlantic, and suddenly the whole city is thrown into the annual existential crisis known as winter.
In summer, mornings in Cape Town are a personality trait. By 9am, most Capetonians have already lived an entire day. The dogs have been walked (twice), someone has bumped into someone else they know on the Sea Point Promenade, and everyone has somehow managed to squeeze in a cold plunge, a sauna session and breakfast with Sally. The workday has usually begun at least half an hour early because “I was already out” – the unofficial Cape Town motto between November and March.
Then winter arrives and everything collapses like a folding deckchair in the south-easter.
The 5am dog walk? Please. The dogs themselves won’t even get out of bed. They give you a look that says, “You’re on your own.” The city that once leapt from bed like a caffeinated meerkat now lies under the duvet negotiating with itself – five more minutes, ten more minutes, what even is time?
Somehow, the day shrinks by at least four hours. You wake up later because it’s dark. You get home earlier because it’s dark. You go to bed earlier because – you guessed it – it’s dark. The hours between sunrise and sunset feel like borrowed time, as though the sun is trying its very hardest but simply can’t be bothered.
And that wildly productive Cape morning energy? Absolutely nowhere to be found. Instead of bounding out the door for a sunrise stroll, you shuffle
into the kitchen in thermal socks, trying to remember when last you washed your hair and whether you actually need to today… Spoiler: you do. But you won’t. That’s why dry shampoo exists, right?
Gym becomes an optional extra. Outdoor yoga becomes a rumour. And your once-thriving summer social life slowly dissolves into a string of cancelled plans, WhatsApp apologies and “Shall we just do it when the weather is better?” – a date loosely set for midNovember.
Yet there’s something oddly comforting about Cape Town in winter. The pace softens. The city exhales. We retreat into routines centred around warm socks, soup, heated seats and pretending our house doesn’t leak. And for a few months, we let ourselves off the hook – no pressure to be the most radiant, active, ocean-dipped version of ourselves. So for now, let’s let winter win…
