Words: Kit Heathcock | Images: Heather Durand & Supplied
With a small-town vibe that’s all about the beach, Melkbosstrand has a separate identity from Cape Town but is close enough to be within the metropolitan boundaries. For many, the long sand beach is the main attraction, with water sports and beach walks part of the daily routine. Older kids longboard home from school, then head out again to surf. The beach is child-friendly, slightly sheltered from the southeaster, with classic views of Table Mountain. Van Riebeeckstrand adjoins Melkbos, spreading north along the beach, with Duynefontein just beyond bordering on Koeberg Nature Reserve.
Property
The heart of Melkbos consists of The Avenues, a series of quiet residential streets perpendicular to the beach, where kids still play in the streets and run lemonade stands.
Sixth Avenue is lined with small businesses, shops and the Post Office, with the small Birkenhead Shopping Centre completing the retail picture, anchored by Pick n Pay and currently undergoing renovation that will add a long-anticipated Woolworths Food to the town’s amenities.
Atlantic Beach Estate sprawls over the fynbos-clad dunes behind Melkbos, its world-class golf course attracting presidents and international visitors as well as locals. For estate residents, it’s the security and the views of Table Mountain and the ocean that are the biggest attraction. “I love that my kids can ride their bicycles and go to the park on their own,” says resident Shannon Mackay. “It’s the safety and the freedom for the kids. And we’re close to nature – there are lots of birds and even a resident caracal.”
Where the seasonal Soetrivier meets the ocean, Melkbos gives way to Van Riebeeckstrand, a long ribbon of family homes only a few blocks away from the beach. There are several apartments, but mostly its freehold houses with gardens, the front row looking straight onto the beach or white sand dunes.
Closest to Koeberg Power Station is Duynefontein, an enclave of homes originally built for the engineers working on the nuclear power station, which has its community hub at the Koeberg Public Library and the Sports Club. The most recent development is Melkbosch Village, a gated complex between Melkbos and the R27 which includes entry-level apartments, family homes and a section of social housing.
Schooling
Van Riebeeckstrand Primary School has long served the community well. Melkbosstrand High School was established in 2012, saving local teens from having to commute into Table View and Milnerton, though that choice is still available. Melkbosstrand Private School on farmland just outside the town is popular for its small classes and strong focus on academics from preschool all the way to matric. Private primary schools in the area include Atlantic Beach College and Generation Schools. There are several prestigious private schools nearby, including Parklands College in Parklands and Elkanah House School in Sunningdale.
Explore
Melkbos residents spend most of their leisure time at the beach. “I never need to get in my car,” says one resident. “I just walk with my board down to the beach and meet friends along the way. If the surf’s too big to paddle, I walk on the beach and watch dolphins and whales.” Older kids surfing look out for the younger ones and some take life-saving classes and progress to becoming lifeguards.
Residents also enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, playing soccer on the beach or walking the dogs.
Many enjoy working breakfasts, lazy lunches and sociable sundowners at the numerous independent restaurants along Beach Road. For a change of scenery, hikers and off-road cyclists head to the 3,000ha nature reserve around Koeberg, with its network of trails and resident eland, springbok and zebra.
The appeal of Melkbos can be summed up in three words: beach, nature and community.
“Our little village of Melkbosstrand is just amazing; it’s like a family village. Whether you’re cycling in the nature reserve, looking at the zebra and the buck and that ocean view, walking on the beach, surfing or in one of our brilliant local restaurants, you’re always sure to bump into a neighbour or a friend, and it’s such a lovely feeling.”
Wendy Stanfield, clinical reflexologist and resident
Eat:
- Cafe Orca: for excellent seafood overlooking the beach
- Damhuis: for child-friendly breakfasts and lunches in a historical cottage with sea views
- Forneria Italia: for wood-fired pizza
- I Love Melkies: for pizza, nachos, waffles and sundowners
- The Hart Breadhouse & Eatery: for burgers, breakfasts and cocktails
- Melkbos Kitchen: for sushi, poke bowls, breakfasts and deli boards
Do:
- Go surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding on Melkbos Beach.
- Play a round of golf at Atlantic Beach Country Club.
- Hike and cycle in Koeberg Nature Reserve.
- Enjoy adrenalin-pumping adventure at Paintball Pyrozone.
- Visit Sports Excellence for kids’ sports coaching and programmes.
- Try quad biking at Melkbos 4×4.
Shop:
- Books Books Books: for a variety of books
- Gone Surfing: for all your watersports needs
- Melkbos Hardware: for DIY materials
- Lyn Green Stationers: for art materials
- Melkbos to Morocco: for fashion and accessories
- Plants on 6th Nursery: for garden-related items
