I love Noordhoek because ...

Hi, I’m Chris Spengler from Afton Grove Country Retreat in Noordhoek on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town.

NOORDHOEK IS BEST KNOWN FOR it’s gorgeous long beach with white sand, turquoise waters and towering mountains (lovely for horse riding at Sunset!), it’s hiking, bird watching and its charming, relaxed country feel.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN ON Chappie’s or on horseback near the Kakapo wreck on Noordhoek beach.

THE BEST VIEW PICTURES can be taken at sunset from the beach or Chapman’s Peak – looking across the bay.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS CAN BE TAKEN AT the Noordhoek Farm Village, local vineyards, Noordhoek Common, Silvermine …

WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO walk or horse ride on the endless beach (sundowners with a simple take-away pizza and some chilled “Splattered Toad” from the local wine estate make this an extra-special treat), picnic on Chapman’s Peak, braai with friends or dine al fresco at one of the local hotspots – lunch or a Thursday “braai” at Café Roux is always excellent and a social affair too. The Red Herring offers unbeatable views for sundowners whilst the gourmet fare at Rioja never disappoints. Birdwatching in the wetlands or hiking in the Silvermine Nature Reserve are favourites too.

WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO marvel at the “Cape of Storms” while watching the waves pounding in at Noordhoek corner, or sip on a good red wine while enjoying a heartwarming meal at the Village Bistro, Kommetjie or visit our local Cape Point Vineyards wine tasting facility (voted best Sauvignon Blanc in the world – Decanter 2005). Noordhoek is so close to the city, so we often like to explore beyond our village on rainy days.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS any time! Summer months are wonderful for the beach / outdoor lifestyle but the cooler months often hold the real “gems”. Hiking and walking in the mountains or on the beach in winter is magical. August & September bring the whales, flowers and birds which are a treat.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Café Roux. FOR LUNCH I RECOMMEND seafood pizza at the Blue Water Café at Imhoff’s. MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS The Food Barn. BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK The Spur or Ocean Basket in Longbeach Mall.

MY FAVOURITE PICNIC SPOT IS Chapman’s Peak Drive – whale watching in style! Or Silvermine Nature Reserve – book a spot near the reservoir for a braai or a picnic.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Rioja on a Saturday Night. Enjoy an excellent meal and then make your way over to the bar for some over 30’s clubbing, if that’s your style.

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO The Toad – good pub grub and vibes. Owned by our local “hero”, ex Springbok rugby captain Bobby Skinstad, this is a local hotspot.

NOORDHOEK’S BEST KEPT SECRET IS the Thursday evening “braai” at Café Roux. Longbeach Mall has an organic farmer’s market on Friday afternoons too – where some special handmade delicacies can be found.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO visit Caroline’s Health and Beauty. Definitely the best back massage and facial I’ve had.

IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS book a horse ride on Noordhoek Beach, go hiking up to the lookout point from Silvermine or view Great Whites Sharks breaching from a boat in False Bay.

MY FAVOURITE DRIVES ARE to Hout Bay along Chapman’s Peak Drive – for spectacular sea and mountain views. Avondrust Circle around the common and down to the beach (country charm).

MY FAVOURITE SHOPS ARE Longbeach Craft Market for interesting and locally made gifts, The Deli at the Food Barn for foodie items.
MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM IS the Simonstown Naval Museum
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Admiralty House in Simonstown

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS the Noordhoek Farm Village, The Cape Dutch Nursery and the Higgledy Piggledy Farmyard at Imhoff’s Gift near Kommetjie. Not much can top an outing to the beach for children.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING – not much can top an outing to one of the many beaches in the area.

WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO spend an afternoon at Caroline’s Health and Beauty followed by a night of dining at the Food Barn.

I love Noordhoek because it has magnificent beauty, country charm and is close to city comforts.

Afton Grove is an award winning 4 star Afton Grove Country Retreat and is well known for their exceptional service and attention to detail. Here, owners Chris and Louise Spengler have created a haven for visitors where the little things are important. Perfectly positioned midway between Cape Town and Cape Point, Afton Grove offers guest’s easy access to all must see attractions, white sandy beaches, superb restaurants and the nearby winelands. B&B and self-catered accommodation is offered in charming cottages set in …

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