Clifton, Cape Town was originally known as Schoemakers Gat or Cobblers Cave due to a shoemaker who lived in the caves and fixed farmers' shoes. It was later renamed after Bessie Clifton who ran the only hotel. Small bungalows from the 1920s-1930s housed soldiers returning from WWI. Today, Clifton is an exclusive residential area with some of the most expensive properties in South Africa, located on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It has four beaches, with the fourth being the most popular blue flag beach in South Africa, drawing families and tourists. Clifton offers luxury homes, stunning beaches, and top restaurants, making it an epitome

1. CLIFTON, OH CLIFTON
Beauty and
Exclusivity in Cape
Town

2. A LITTLE BIT OF
HISTORY…
Back in 1783, Clifton didn’t exist. Well it
did, but it was known as Schoemakers
Gat or Cobblers Cave. These names
were based on an old story that a
shoemaker used to live in the Clifton
caves and the farmers who would pass
by on their way into town, would get their
shoes fixed by the cobbler if they needed
mending.
Later on, Clifton was renamed after
Bessie Clifton, the woman who ran the
only hotel available in the area.

3. HOUSING IN
THE PAST…
It is noticeable that the size of the
properties/bugalows built between
2nd and 4th beach are small. This is
because the City of Cape Town laid
out the area to accommodate
soldiers returning from fighting in
World War I. The original bungalows
were built from the packing cases
that were used to transport imported
cars in the 20s and 30s. Most of the
original bungalows have now been
replaced by newer structures.

4. PRESENT DAY…
Today, Clifton is an exclusive
residential area in Cape Town
and boasts some of the most
expensive properties in South
Africa.
Perched on the edge of the
cliffs with stunning views of the
pristine Atlantic Ocean, it is no
wonder that homes in this area
are highly sough after.

5. GLORIOUS
BEACHES
Clifton has four beaches, named according
to number (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th). 4th beach is
the most popular, drawing families and
tourists, and very often, yachts can also be
seen anchoring off the beach during the
summer. 4th beach has been named a Blue
Flag beach and you will understand why
when you visit. Being a sheltered beach
and providing great swimming, it is no
wonder that it is one of the most popular
beaches in South Africa.
There is actually a 5th beach – Moses
Beach – which is only visible at certain
times during specific seasons.

6. SWANKY
DINING
Located at the Glen Beach Country Club
(where La Med once was), Bungalow
Restaurant offers a delicious menu and
signature cocktails. It’s the perfect place
to go for an early dinner after a day spent
at the beach.
An expansive deck allows you to dine
outside while enjoying stunning views of
the ocean and Lion’s Head.
A splash pool makes this spot even
cooler, and with its chic yet relaxed
vibe, it is well worth a visit.

7. AND THE
HOUSES…
Take a look at just some
of the beautiful homes in
this little piece of
paradise…

8. BREATH-TAKING VIEWS

9. ELEGANCE AND STYLE

10. LUXURY AND
SOPHISTICATION

11. IT’S A
LIFESTYLE…
Clifton is the epitome of
class, beauty and style.
With world renowned
beaches, top notch dining
and magnificent
properties, it’s a place we
surely would have no
problem calling home.

12. IMAGE CREDITS: ALITTLETOURINYELLOW.WORDPRESS.COM
AWWYISSWWII.TUMBLR.COM
WWW.COMETOCAPETOWN.COM
WWW.FLICKR.COM
WWW.ABBEY.CO.ZA
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