Fondly called the Republic of Hout Bay or the Heart of the Cape, this secluded neighbourhood on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, is a uniquely South African area that celebrates the surrounding natural beauty and boasts some of the most beautiful homes in the country.
Hout Bay nestles almost perfectly between Cape Town and Cape Point. This seaside suburb was originally named Hout Baai or Wood Bay by Dutch explorers who used harvested wood from the forests in the area to build the Fort at Cape Town as well as the port which became Cape Town City. Having initially been insulated from the hustle and bustle of big city life, this charming seaside village has grown considerably and has transformed itself from a quiet hamlet into a hive of activity for locals and international tourists.
Situated almost midway between Cape Town and Cape Point with quick access to the Southern Suburbs and CBD, Hout Bay is surrounded by spectacular nature with mountains to the north, east and west with the Southern Atlantic Ocean to the South.
And, in addition to its quirky shops and restaurants the neighbourhood also has a wide range of convenient amenities and residents have a choice of national chains.
Unlike most other areas where there is a limited choice of schools and parents face long waiting lists, Hout Bay is home to four pre-primary schools, five primary schools and three high schools, with the Hout Bay International School catering to all levels of education.
Ultimately, the harbour town offers an exceptional lifestyle and close sense of community that is rarely found in tandem with convenience and close proximity to urban centres.
Over the last couple of years, the Hout Bay property landscape has changed dramatically from once being dominated by freestanding homes to now having a mix of residential security estates and sectional title homes.
Property in Hout Bay, however, remains diverse with property ranging from smallholdings to family houses and secluded forest homes. Throw in the community-based properties and retirement villages and you truly have something for everyone.