Kalk Bay real estate offers an eclectic mix of quaint, quirky and glamorous property choices. This delightful South African fishing village on the False Bay coast is just a half and hour’s drive from Cape Town. The area is rich in Kalk Bay property, architectural and cultural history, and caters for those searching to discover and experience alternative ways of life.
When the Dutch East India Company proclaimed Simon’s Town a winter anchorage for their ships in 1742, all supplies from Cape Town were transported by ox wagon to Kalk Bay and barged over to Simon’s Town as quicksands in Fish Hoek and Glencairn prevented the building of roads. Returning ox wagons would bring lime (kalk) and fish – the staple diet of slaves – back to Cape Town. When the British took over the Cape in 1795, they built a road through to Simon’s Town, and Kalk Bay properties fell into disuse until 1820 when the whaling boom stimulated commercial activity.
This activity lasted until 1835, by which time the Southern Right whale had become almost extinct. Following a shipwreck at Cape Point in the mid 1840’s, a Filipino crew settled in Kalk Bay and established a fishing community. This community was later augmented by emancipated slaves from Batavia, Java and Malaysia, and in 1883 a railway link further helped to boost the village’s population.
Although False Bay became over-fished after 1955, today Kalk Bay Harbour is still a most attractive working fishing harbour and many locals choose to stay in the historical Kalk Bay real estate. A number of local fisherman still ply their trade, and one can still buy fresh fish straight off the colourful boats as they come into the harbour every day. Overlooking the harbour is the renowned Kalkies fish and chip restaurant, a great venue for the local community and tourists.
The nearby Harbour House restaurants also provide top quality seafood cuisine, adding to the constant buzz in the attractive harbour. Luckily, the Southern Right Whales are returning to False Bay each year and in the spring and summer months they can be seen in numbers, wallowing, spouting and breaching all along the coastline. Those who choose to make their homes in Kalk Bay real estate can observe these magnificent creatures from their balconies and windows.
The narrow main street of Kalk Bay is renowned for antique, bric-a-brac and art shops, all of which make for fascinating browsing. On the sea side of Kalk Bay station is the famous Brass Bell restaurant and bar, situated as close as you get to the breakers without going for a swim. On the Main Road is the iconic Olympia Café and Bakery, famous for its excellent cuisine and laid back atmosphere and packed for breakfast most mornings with cyclists, locals and tourists. The Annexe, Tribeca Bakery, Sartori and Cest la Vie restaurants also provide fine dining experiences. Many of these establishments are based in the historical Kalk Bay properties that line the main road; these commercial Kalk Bay properties which are situated on the narrow strip of the Main Road are always in high demand.
Wandering off the main road in Kalk Bay, one can explore the quaint stone-cobbled streets and admire tiny cottages, grand villas, Victorian terraced homes, as well as modern houses and lovely guest houses that have established themselves in Kalk Bay properties. Scented geraniums, colourful bougainvilleas, the brilliant sea with views stretching right across False Bay to the Hangklip mountain range, and the green-clad mountains towering behind Kalk Bay give one the distinct impression that this is indeed the Riviera of the Cape!
Central to Kalk Bay real estate is a residential development of 73 units known as the Majestic Village. This upmarket and secure residential complex was built around the Majestic and New Kings hotels, built in the 1930’s, but which fell into rack and ruin 60 years later. Today, the complex with its distinct historic pink walls and red roof tiles, right on Kalk Bay’s doorstep, further enhances the Mediterranean feel of Kalk Bay.
Kalk Bay offers beautiful seaboard walks, and invigorating tidal pools and beaches where the sea is not as cold as the Atlantic seaboard side of the peninsula. The mountains above Boyes Drive have numerous marked walking trails which offer hikers a plethora of bird life and indigenous vegetation, as well as beautiful sea views. Kalk Bay properties situated on the slopes just under Boyes Drive offer incredible views of False Bay which stretch right across to Gordon’s Bay on clear days. Drives along the coast are breathtaking, right down to the Cape Point nature reserve with interesting places to visit along the way, such as historic Simon’s Town – home to the navy for more than two centuries – and Fish Hoek with its wonderful sand beaches and walks. Noordhoek is just across the peninsula and has vibrant restaurants and craft villages.
It’s difficult to believe that only thirty minutes drive away from the Cape Town property area lies Kalk Bay real estate; a whole new world.
Our listings price ranges for Kalk Bay Property:
Residential Sale Property Ranging from R5,650,000 to R12,000,000.