False Bay Property: Simonstown Area Information

Simon’s Town forms an integral part of False Bay on the Cape Peninsula and owes its existence to the Dutch Governor of the Cape Colony, who had the area surveyed in the 1600s and found it to be a safe winter harbour during the turbulent months of May to September. Those who buy property in this part of Cape Town will soon discover that it is home to an important Naval Base and Museum, as well as a number of well-preserved historical buildings.

Sometimes referred to as Simonstown, the residential area and town itself sit above the harbour right up on the mountainside. This means that the various properties for sale here have panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding natural landscape. The town has an interesting tale to tell about one of its residents, known as Able Seaman “Just Nuisance”, who is the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the navy. Special permission was granted by the British parliament and there is a statue erected in memory of the famous Great Dane in Jubilee Square.

Today, Simon’s Town extends from Glen Cairn in the north to Smits Winkel Bay in the south and lies adjacent to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The area consists of a number of eclectic enclaves that stretch along the coastline and the warmer Mozambiquan current and sheltered bays make it popular as a beach Mecca. Those interested in property for sale here might also like to know that many wrecks lie just off the coast and the conditions for diving are excellent. As the summer months approach, residents can watch the Southern Right Whales birth their calves in the bay.

One of the area’s main draw cards when it comes to Cape Town property investment is that it enjoys one of the best climates on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. This is due to the dogleg in the coastline, which gives Simonstown north exposure and later sunshine when the other areas higher up the False Bay Coast are already in shadow.

Glencairn is also relatively sheltered from the southeaster and faces north, with many fine examples of early Victorian architecture. The newer development of Glencairn Heights is less protected from the elements, but its position on the hillside means that it has commanding panoramic views. The Historic Society has valued many of the homes found in central Simon’s Town and the business district has developed into an interesting array of creative shops and restaurants, catering for both the local and foreign tourist market. The pan-African market and bustling yacht harbour provide a daily attraction, with Boulders Beach, Seaforth and Murdoch Valley providing all the seaside entertainment you could ever wish for. The famous penguin colonies are a favourite with both young and old, with many breeding colonies having been established in the dunes and rocky outcrops along Boulders Beach.

Property Profile

With all its natural attractions and well-developed infrastructure, Simonstown is also a virtually crime-free environment and property investment continues to boom here. It represents a fantastic way of life and excellent value for money when compared to other Cape Town suburbs further north, many of which don’t have such an exceptional setting to offer. The price of vacant land for sale ranges from about R650 000 and reaches up to R5 000 000 for plots on the beachfront. Houses and homes for sale cost from R850 000 all the way up to R11 000 000 for prime property.

Geography

The unique position of Simon’s Town at the tip of the Peninsula, as well as the surrounding natural conservation area endow it with many special attributes. Scarborough is just 10 minutes drive away, which brings you to the start of the Atlantic Seaboard and Misty Cliffs and Kommetjie a bit further north. The famous Long Beach stretches across to Noordhoek and is popular with watersport enthusiasts and those who like to walk their dogs. Chapman’s Peak Drive also begins in Noordhoek and offers some of the most incredible cliff-side ocean views as it winds its way towards Camps Bay, Clifton and Sea Point.

If you travel north from Glencairn along the coastal road, the villages of Fish Hoek, Clovelly, Kalk Bay, St James and Muizenberg are all within easy reach and offer an eclectic flavour and cultural identity typical of the Cape Peninsula. No wonder the properties for sale in Simonstown are sought after, with the various homes and apartments selling quickly when priced and marketed competently.