Lynn Pinn has been living and working on the Atlantic Seaboard for more than three decades and few people know the area better. And while Simony Santos is originally from Brazil, nobody can argue against her local status after having moved to the Atlantic Seaboard more than a decade ago.
We caught up with The Agency's Atlantic Seaboard team recently to get a better understanding of the area and to find out why it is the most sought-after area in Cape Town.
What is it about the Atlantic Seaboard that makes it such a great area?
Lynn: There are so many reasons, but living in a place that has the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, with the Atlantic Ocean in the foreground has to be THE biggest drawcard. The views are out of this world.
Simony: Absolutely, and also because it really is like a little city on its own. You have pretty much everything you need - schools, supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, hospitals and the list goes on. One simply doesn't need to leave the Atlantic Seaboard, because everything is catered for.
How long have you been living/working the area?
Lynn: Since arriving in Cape Town 34 years ago, I have lived along the Atlantic Seaboard. I have lived in Clifton, Camps Bay, Bantry Bay and now live in Mouille Point.
Simony: I have been here for more than 10 years now...
I know this isn't easy, considering the areas along this stretch are amazing and offer something different, but what is your favourite neighbourhood on the Atlantic Seaboard?
Lynn: I absolutely love Mouille Point. It's a very unique area - one road, it's close to all the amenities, with the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town city centre and Clifton beaches just a short drive away.
Simony: Personally, my favourite area is Clifton. The homes there are just magnificent, and the beaches are the best in the city. But to live? I love Sea Point. You are within walking distance of the supermarket, coffee shops, restaurants and the promenade.
If you could live anywhere on the Atlantic Seaboard, where would it be and why?
Lynn: Love Mouille Point! (Laughs).
Simony: I really love living in Sea Point, but if I was to move, I would probably pick Bantry bay. The reason for that is that Bantry Bay is a natural shelter from the wind and if you pick the right location, you are still within walking distance of all the amenities.
What is your favourite activity on the Atlantic Seaboard?
Lynn: I got the bug for kayaking, but visiting the huge variety of fabulous restaurants is definitely up there. Bree Street is jam-packed full of quaint, special places, while Regent Road in Sea Point has a great variety of restaurants as well.
Simony: (Nodding in agreement) I absolutely love walks and runs on the promenade. There is always such an amazing vibe, with families, kids, dogs and people all making use of the strip. It really is just an amazing stretch and always busy.
What is your favourite restaurant on the Atlantic Seaboard?
Simony: There are so many! But to name a few: I love the Duchess for dinner dates, because It feels like home. The food is amazing and the owner always make you feel welcome. For a great lunch experience on Sundays, Sotano is the best, with the reggae band playing from 3:00pm until 5:00pm. Enjoying a delicious Rosé Sunday with those amazing sea views? You can't go wrong.
Lynn: My favourite place to eat would be at home, but if I had to choose, Willoughby's for my tiger roll and edamame beans is top notch, Jarryd's for my SoCal Salad, and Bobo's Brasserie for my Boullabaisse are right up there.
What is your favourite bar on the Atlantic Seaboard?
Lynn: I have to admit, I am not much of a bar person, but I do love a wine on the balcony at La Perla.
Simony: La Perla for sure - amazing views and sunsets.
How has it changed over the past five years? What is on the horizon?
Simony and Lynn: It's definitely become a lot more cosmopolitan...
Simony: There are also more and more new spots opening up. I envision the Sea Point strip becoming a very trendy place to hang out with more and more restaurants and shops opening up and perhaps even creating a closed street vibe!
Do you have any cool anecdotes about the area, maybe a really great memory that really sticks out, or your introduction to the area?
Lynn: Too many! Let's talk kayaking, boating and my swim with the dolphins!
In the last month or two we have been spoilt with the sights of whales and dolphins in the bay! Just prior to my birthday, we were at work and received an invite to go on a friend's boat. Well, we were treated to dolphins swimming all around us, so I promptly jumped into the water and swam with them. Incredible experience swimming with the beautiful creatures! Then only a couple of weeks later, my family took me on a kayaking trip for my birthday just off of Mouille Point and again, it was a once in a lifetime experience. We saw about 6 whales, 2 Sunfish, some Havviside dolsphins playing all around us and then as we were heading back a super pod of Common dolphins came straight towards us! What a magical experience and to experience this city from the water and get a different perspective of this incredible place is truly magical.
Simony: (Laughing) I was actually with Lynn - what an incredible experience. You will struggle to top that!
Feel free to get in touch if you have any property related queries or would just like to know a little more about our beautiful area!