Bakoven Views Villa

This Atlantic Seaboard home in buzzing Camps Bay is ideal for everyone whose idea of high-end holiday gear includes a pair of slim Havaianas, a pile of good books and an exceedingly well-travelled straw hat. Capetonians are famous for their relaxed, laid-back approach to life, and Bakoven Views is the perfect place in which to live like a local. Its low-key, deft and deeply comfortable interpretation of modernist style is as hip and relaxed as its superb location. The effortless ease of the space makes it cool, contemporary and extremely inviting!

We absolutely loved this split-level home’s comfortable minimalism. It is totally fuss free but – because the owners put an inordinate amount of thought and care into every detail when they renovated the original family home – also exceptionally comfortable. Beautiful, uncluttered lines, cool concrete floors, simple, honest comfort and easy-on-the-eye vistas through the massive (and cleverly located) picture windows are very, very cool indeed.

The central living area includes a semi-open-plan kitchen with great mountain views. Streamlined and very well kitted out, the kitchen makes cooking a pleasure. I developed a soft spot for the built-in leather-covered bench seat – sitting here to chat to the cook while I sipped on a glass of chilled prosecco meant I didn’t feel quite so guilty about ‘letting’ my husband do nearly all the cooking! Two or three steps take you up into the living and dining area, also with magnificent views of Table Mountain’s Twelve Apostles. We flung the glass sliding doors open to let in the balmy afternoon sunshine, but a wood-burning fireplace keeps the space cosy in winter. Mid-century modern furnishings are entirely at home throughout. I loved the authenticity of the furnishings – the interiors are true to the vernacular of the building in a way that is soothing, relaxed and honest.

The master bedroom suite takes up the whole top floor. Steel-framed windows and doors give you wonderful Atlantic Ocean views and a dramatic mountain vista. Like the rest of the home, comfortable yet restrained mid-century modern furnishings and appealing original artworks add to the cool quotient! The remaining two bedrooms form a lower wing that leads out to the cool, shady and private garden terraces. While each of the bedrooms has its own private bathroom, these are not all en suite – but the fact that the bathrooms are very spacious and beautifully designed more than compensates for this. Each bedroom has its own Zen-like charm and peace, and doors that open up to the outside.

The garden area itself resembles a series of rooms: the swimming pool is surrounded by decking with comfy built-in seating, with plenty of space for a table and chairs for outdoor dining. Slightly lower down the sloping property is the courtyard-style garden, which is where we spent many a cheerful evening around the barbecue. Tall trees give privacy and shade, and a narrow and leafy mountain stream that is channeled through the garden adds to the pronounced air of serenity.

When you feel the need to venture forth, explore the Camps Bay strip: as well as its spectacular long white beach, this seaside road is packed with the city’s most festive restaurants, clubs and great bars. Local secret spots – like Beta Beach and Bakoven Beach – are a 10-minute stroll from the house, while just 5km further up winding Camps Bay Drive takes you right to Table Mountain’s famous cableway. Best of all is that when you’re done with all this heady activity, you can retreat and recharge in true tranquillity!

What we love…
• The effortless ease of the mid-century modern spaces.
• The way the outsized windows seem to bring the looming Twelve Apostles mountains right inside.
• The private outdoor spaces – balconies, pool deck, barbecue area, raised garden rest area – that mean you are never on top of one another.
• Strolling to the beach for a refreshing swim before breakfast.
• Being able to zip down to the Camps Bay strip for a night on the town on our doorstep.
• Stocking up with delicious fresh groceries and coffee at Camps Bay Continental Food Market, just 240 metres up the hill.

Need to know…
• On sloping ground over three levels, this home has lots of stairs.
• The swimming pool is not fenced so the home is unsuitable for young children.

• 1 x Bedroom (queen)
• 2 x Bedrooms (double)
• BBQ (Built in)
• Beach towels
• Beach umbrella
• DSTV
• Fireplace (wood)
• Nespresso machine
• Pool (no net & not heated)
• TV
• Wifi

Thank you for considering Bakoven Views Villa for your stay in Cape Town. Book with Us for the lowest rates available online, guaranteed!