We all want a 'home by the sea' to soothe our weary souls every once in a while, but this might seem like a far-fetched dream for most of us.
However, don’t despair, this dream is not nearly as out of reach as you might think.
South Africa has an abundance of hidden coastal property gems that will offer you peace and quiet in beautiful natural surroundings at surprisingly affordable prices.
Here are four holiday homes off the beaten track and 'far from the madding crowd' for under R1 million…
Spacious eco home in Morgan’s Bay for R990 000
Morgan’s Bay is a quiet seaside town located on the edge of the Wild Coast, about an hour away from East London in the Eastern Cape. The town boasts scenic, sandy beaches.
A timber frame, thatch roof eco home situated in a greenbelt is on sale here, and with only one adjoining plot, you will experience real tranquillity.
The home offers three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. Canadian pine is featured throughout, with reclaimed windows letting natural light stream into the house.
French doors lead onto a deck overlooking the garden and greenbelt.
The property includes a self-contained studio flat, and is only a 10 minute walk from the beautiful beaches.
You can own this dreamy getaway home for R990 000 - click here to view.
Fisherman-style home in Britannia Bay for R950 000
Britannia Bay is 160km from Cape Town up the West Coast. It is about 45km from Saldanha Bay, and has great lengths of unspoilt beaches. As the Benguela current enters the bay, water here is a little warmer than the rest of the West Coast.
Southern Right and Humpback whales can be spotted for up to ten months of the year, as well as plenty of resident dolphins.
A three bedroom, two bathroom fisherman-style home is on the market. The home is located only 900m from Britannia Bay’s Golden Mile Beach, a 4.5km stretch of pristine beach.
The open-plan living area opens onto a sheltered patio with built-in braai, and its ceilings throughout are beautiful exposed whitewashed beams, creating a spacious feeling.
The property includes a garage with laundry facilities and direct access to the main building.
This property is on the market for R950 000 - click here to view.
Unique cottage in Hamburg for R650 000
Hamburg, about 90km from East London, is situated at the mouth of the Keiskamma River. It’s a sleepy little town, with a sandy beach. Local activities include guided canoe trails, hiking and fishing.
A very unique double storey rondavel-style house is on offer here.
It is the ultimate retreat for the creative soul or couple, and has wooden floors throughout.
The ground floor comprises the living area, while the bedroom is located on the first floor, complete with a covered balcony offering views over the estuary. You might even spot a flamingo or two.
Surrounded by open green spaces, this home is reminiscent of a time gone by.
This unique property offering is selling for R650 000 - click here to view.
Funky original fisherman’s cottage in Paternoster for R700 000
Paternoster, about a 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, is one of the oldest fishing villages on the West Coast, and you can still buy fish fresh off the boat when fishermen come in to shore.
The Cape Columbine lighthouse, located in the nature reserve with the same name, adds to Paternoster’s unique vibe.
A very trendy original fisherman’s cottage with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen and lounge with fireplace is selling here.
The property is currently being operated as a backpacker’s, with two Wendy houses used for travelling visitors.
The home has a very funky outside entertainment area with a garden, cooking facilities, an outside bathroom, and large communal braai.
It is close to all the amenities Paternoster offers, and within walking distance of the beach.
This trendy holiday spot can be yours for R700 000 - click here to view.
With all these properties on offer, why not escape to your very own seaside retreat? - Ula van Zyl