This dreary winter seems to be dragging on without end, but there is somewhere you can go to escape its clutches.
KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast stretches across miles of beautiful beaches where the concept of winter does not really exist.
While the rest of South Africa is counting down the days until spring finally comes, South Coast inhabitants are strolling down their scenic beaches eating ice cream.
It hardly seems fair, does it? So why not buy your own South Coast holiday home to escape to?
Here are our favourite spots for under R1 million:
Anerley lock-up and go flat for R640 000
Anerley is less than 10km north of Port Shepstone, which means it really offers you the best of coastal living. The town itself enjoys a laidback atmosphere, but is close enough to Durban and Port Shepstone for you to savour their attractions.
In Anerley, you can enjoy deep sea fishing, snorkelling and diving, while golf fanatics can explore the variety of golf courses on offer.
This one bedroom, one bathroom flat for sale in Anerley is the perfect lock-up and go getaway home.
The apartment is cosy, but offers you everything you need for a coastal getaway. You can also take pleasure in leisurely afternoons around the swimming pool.
This flat is selling for R640 000 - click here to view.
Quaint cottage in Bazley for R900 000
Bazley is a big drawcard for holidaymakers during peak seasons, but is even more beautiful and charming during off-peak times, without the crowds.
Located just 90km south of Durban, Bazley offers a continuous stretch of beach where you can swim, dive, fish or just splash around.
Bazley shares the Fafa River mouth lagoon with Ifafa beach, and here you can truly splash back and relax, or canoe and raft.
This two bedroom, one bathroom home offers the perfect retreat. Set on a 1 850sqm stand, surrounded by trees, you can enjoy absolute privacy.
The property has some sea views, and you can soak up the tranquillity from its wooden deck.
It is on sale for R900 000 - click here to view.
A pool and a view in Clantshal for R860 000
Nestled between Umkomaas and Scottsburgh, the beautiful coastal village of Clansthal is located only 40km from Durban.
If you are looking for a quiet retreat, Clansthal, surrounded by nature reserves, is the place for you.
This three bedroom, one bathroom home selling in Clansthal is situated in a quiet and safe neighbourhood. The property has a double garage, along with lots of parking.
The home’s elevated position gives you beautiful ocean views from the large garden, as well as the swimming pool area.
It is on the market for R860 000 - click here to view.
Cosy seaside flat for R580 000 in Doonside
Situated on the banks of the Little Manzimtoti River, Doonside is a small resort town. Home to only about 2 600 residents, the town lures tourists with its many bars, restaurants and markets.
Only 30km from Durban’s city centre, Doonside offers the perfect getaway destination.
This newly renovated one bedroom, one bathroom apartment offers direct access to the beach, as well as beautiful sea views.
The flat is situated in a secure complex offering facilities such as a braai area and library.
The unit includes a lock-up garage, and is in the market for R580 000 - click here to view.
Modern apartment in Doonside for R960 000
This upmarket two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in Doonside is light and airy, and features modern fittings throughout.
The home’s open-plan living area also has a breakfast nook.
The property includes a garden with a covered patio offering beautiful sea views.
The apartment is selling for R960 000 - click here to view.
Family retreat in Elysium for R995 000
Elysium offers the ultimate in peace and quiet. It’s beautiful, mostly untouched beaches will give you hours of seaside bliss.
The annual Sardine Run attracts many onlookers, and you can enjoy fishing, snorkelling, swimming and diving in Elysium’s warm waters.
It is situated on the Umdoni coast, snuggled between Mtwalume and Ifafa Beach.
This three bedroom, two bathroom home selling in Elysium offers you a covered upstairs patio with sea views.
The home is situated in a secure complex within walking distance of the beach.
There is an automated double garage, and the sale includes the furniture.
The home is selling for R995 000 - click here to view.
Entertainer’s spot in Hibberdene for R560 000
Hibberdene lies at the mouth of the Umzimau River, and is the go-to destination for those who love sun, sea and sand. This scenic village has five beautiful beaches, four of which are netted, making them safe for swimming.
Located 97km south of Durban, Hibberdene attracts divers, snorkelers and scuba divers. This is due to its beautiful and unspoilt reefs where many rare species can be glimpsed.
This three bedroom, one bathroom home for sale in Hibberdene is situated in a 24-hour security complex.
It has a big patio with a built-in braai under a thatch roof.
Boats can be launched from the complex onto the river, and a safe swimming beach is only a short walk away.
This property is on the market for R560 000 - click here to view.
Unique holiday home in Umkomaas for R690 000
Divers from all over the world come to Umkomaas for the spectacular Aliwal Shoal. A wide variety of sharks can be viewed here, for the not-so-faint of heart. Along with an abundance of tropical fish and beautiful reefs, the area truly is a diver’s paradise.
The town boasts beautiful sea views, and is home to the Umkomaas golf course.
This unique rondavel-shaped home selling in Umkomaas offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Boasting beautiful sea views, it could be the prefect South Coast holiday home for your family.
The property has a double garage and is set on a 1 767sqm erf.
The home is on sale for R690 000 - click here to view.
With all these wonderful property options available, you have no excuse to not own your own South Coast getaway. - Ula van Zyl