Rock Kestrel, Groot Paternoster Nature Reserve, West Coast

There’s something to be said for choosing a wild spot with absolutely no distractions – except the pure healing power of nature, of course. Anyone who has been away for even one night to a remote spot near the sea will understand what it means to instantly recalibrate after a long week, let the salty sea air fill their lungs and let the soothing balm of nature’s gentle rhythms take over. As darkness descends and the moon rises, the fire flickers beneath the dark, star-spangled sky. Life is simple, sleep comes easily and the call of sea birds fills the air. 

It’s the call of the endangered African Black Oyster Catcher that is a reminder that Groot Paternoster Nature Reserve is a sanctuary for many seabirds, with migrants returning each year. Stately blue cranes are sighted from time to time, as is the rock kestrel after which this beach house is named. Antelope roam freely, and the smaller creatures, especially tortoises and chameleons, are a delight for children.

But why invest Groot Paternoster Private Nature Reserve? ‘When we built the house, our kids where small so we choose a position nearest to the beach so we could just run down the dunes with all the shallow pools and rocks to climb and play. We chose the last house in the “road” for privacy – although it’s a big reserve with few houses, no fences, no streetlights, no lawns to mow… just endless beaches with no footprints in the sand except your own. And there we built a beach cottage in the Cape vernacular style. Not a villa, not a Greek dream, or Tuscan wannabe,’ say the owners. ‘We furnished it with a few Sandveld collectables, but it’s simple and uncomplicated.’ The interior is open-plan, perfect for comfortable seaside living and easy entertaining. All the buildings in the reserve have been sensitively designed with locally sourced stone and materials, allowing the property to blend in with the environment.

Choosing to invest in a nature reserve has its benefits as it’s managed by a warden who lives on site and is responsible for maintenance. Rock Kestrel has solar installed and gas for hot water. Cleaning staff are available, and laundry can be done plus a constant supply of firewood is available and gas delivered when needed.

The 165ha Groot Paternoster Private Nature Reserve is 7km from the characterful fishing village of Paternoster and Vredenburg is only a short drive away, if needed. But there’s little reason to travel anywhere, especially during season when permits are issued for mussels and crayfish. It’s the perfect spot for kayaking and mussels can be collected from the rocks below, but if truth be told, many a day  here is spent idling on the stoep with a good book or sharing good food with friends!

Sound like paradise? We think so too.

Written by Michelle Snaddon

Specs:

• Erf size: 600 m²
• 4 bedrooms (2 ground floor and 2 in loft)
• 2 bathrooms
• 2 courtyards
• Small splash pool
• Outdoor braai area with wash basins and shower
• Garage
• 100% off grid (solar panels/gas)
• Rates: approximately R2,000 pm
• Levy: R4,500 pm
• Direct access to the beach
• Full time warden to assist with all property related matters
• Excellent Kreef catching (permits required)
• Canoeing allowed
• Opportunity to convert one outside area and garage into additional accommodation
• Commercial letting not allowed

Please see further detailed information in the property brochure here: Online Brochure

For more information on the West Coast, please see here

or more information on Perfect Hideaways Invest, please see here

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