One of Cape Town’s most fashionable and avant-garde city neighbourhoods has a less than salubrious history: formerly a cramped slave quarter, De Waterkant has nevertheless experienced a rebirth that would put a Phoenix to shame.
Starting only a decade or so ago, renovations to the former slave houses began, cafés and coffee houses opened, interior designers opened studios and before anyone knew it, the area was transformed into one of Cape Town’s most sought-after city addresses and one of Cape Town’s finest historical neighbourhoods, now protected as a National Preservation Area. And it’s history that dominates the ambience in De Waterkant.
Set beside the original cobbled streets and built in the 18th and 19th centuries to the traditional Cape Dutch and English Georgian architectural styles, the beautifully restored cottages and villas are pleasing to the eye and the area is worth strolling around in the early evening before dinner. So, no prizes for guessing that De Waterkant has become one of the ‘must-stay’ places for the discerning traveller – De Waterkant homes are compact, self-catering properties offering modern convenience and genuine style.
De Waterkant's holiday rentals usually have one or two bedrooms, versatile living spaces, fully-equipped kitchens and most have outdoor living spaces with a city, mountain or harbour view. Each holiday rental in De Waterkant is individually decorated by its owners and all have a distinct personality and feel. And the real advantage comes in the fact that De Waterkant is superbly positioned for an active Cape Town holiday.
De Waterkant is a short walk down the cobbled streets to the various cafes, restaurants and boutiques of the De Waterkant area – the popular Cape Quarter complex boasts superb restaurants and bars – or you can take a short walk into the centre of Cape Town (take a taxi back!) or even visit the nearby V&A Waterfront.
De Waterkant is located on the lower slopes of Table Mountain and away from the Cape’s coastline but don’t despair: the swanky beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay are only a few minutes drive away and offer a range of ‘themed’ beaches ranging from family beaches to secret surfer spots.
