Words: Kit Heathcock | Images: Andrew and Angela Gorman & Natasha Lassen
Lead singer and songwriter of one of South Africa’s top acoustic rock bands, Craig Hinds formed Watershed in 1999. His intuitive and accomplished songwriting is the driving force behind the international success Watershed have enjoyed in recent years, with Howie Combrink, Gideon Botes, Quintin Askes and Paul McIver completing the band. Craig and his wife, Natalie, decided to make the move down to Cape Town two years ago. Of the reason for moving he says, “Over the years with Watershed, we have done extensive touring of the Western Cape and particularly Cape Town, and always loved it.”
Home sweet home
When they were searching for their new home, Craig and Natalie had two criteria. “One, there was no point moving to the coast without a view of the ocean,” says Craig, “and secondly, we knew we needed parking in Cape Town, which comes at a premium. Eventually, we settled on Kalk Bay where we have the best of views, ample parking and are literally two minutes from the high street.”
They both love the laidback lifestyle that is such a feature of Kalk Bay living. “Every morning we wake up to incredible views of False Bay and the surrounding mountains, while a slow stroll to the high-street co¬ffee shops has become an everyday must-do and the absolute best way to start the day.”
They found the house through an agent and were immediately sold. “It has breathtaking views and enough parking for twenty of our closest friends. The house has lots of space with large bedrooms and high ceilings. A big fireplace in the central lounge is great in winter and I have enough room for all my music equipment including a few pianos and lots of guitars. There’s even a tiny room for the ukulele!”
Gems in the neighbourhood
Kalk Bay hit the news recently having been voted one of the coolest towns in the world by Forbes. Craig attributes this to all the great co¬ffee bars, restaurants, boutique shops, tidal pools and walkways.
“You can pretty much find anything here, I mean anything. There are so many little clothing shops, pubs and restaurants, and the ice cream store in Kalk Bay must be the best in the world.” He also loves the vibe and colours of Kalk Bay harbour, which inspired the title of Watershed’s forthcoming album, simply called Harbour. “A walk to the harbour is great. You have a choice of fish-and-chip shops as well as a small fresh fish market where you can buy fish straight from the fishermen just in from the sea.”
Kalk Bay is perfectly placed to explore the False Bay coastline too. “A stroll to Fish Hoek beach is a great way to chill. Or an early jog to Muizenberg and back followed by a swim at either Dalebrook tidal pool or Woolies tidal pool is a favourite way to start the day, followed by co¬ffee at Bobs Bagels or Salt in the high street.”
A few more of Craig’s favourite local eateries include fish and chips at Lucky Fish or Kalky’s, sundowners at the Brass Bell or Cape to Cuba, and dinner at Olympia Cafe.
Perfect Sunday
It isn’t hard to while away the weekend in Kalk Bay. “The perfect Sunday would be slow with not much planned,” says Craig. “We usually start out this way but before we know it, we have a thousand things planned and every one of them is super cool! Attempting to surf or a walk in the mountains is fantastic. We have a little scooter which is always fun to explore on.”
“Kalk Bay is an old fishing village and everything around it seems to be geared for this. I love the colour in Kalk Bay – from the fishing boats to the shops, the friendly people and, most of all, the ocean.”
Craig Hinds
About Watershed:
Watershed has released five studio albums and a greatest-hits album. Harbour will be their sixth studio album due for release in October. The band has sold in excess of 350,000 albums, received two SAMA awards, four People magazine awards and have performed on the biggest stages in South Africa and Europe off the back of their smash hits “Indigo Girl” and “Letters”.
Eat:
- Olympia Cafe: legendary for its breads, breakfasts and casual meals
- Salt: fresh small plates and good coffee
- Bobs Bagels: bagels and coffee
- Brass Bell: pub food and sundowners
- Cape to Cuba: Cuban-inspired food, live music and sundowners
- Kalky’s: an institution for fish and chips at the harbour
- Lucky Fish: fish and chips at the harbour
Do:
- Swim in the tidal pools
- Walk the coastal path to Muizenberg
- Chill on Fish Hoek beach
- Hike the mountain trails
- Browse the art galleries including Kalk Bay Modern
- Hang out at the harbour for the colour, vibe and the resident seals
- Kalk Bay Theatre for eclectic supper club shows
